Berrien Conservation District

Berrien Conservation District is seeking interested applicants to serve as a Produce Safety Technician. The Produce Safety Technician is a full-time, 40 hours per week position. Typical work hours are between 8:00 am-4:30 pm M-F; some nights and weekends are required to participate in outreach events and meetings. The Technician will be employed by Berrien Conservation District and the office is housed in Berrien Springs, Michigan. Travel (paid) is required throughout a multi-county service area that includes Allegan, Berrien, Kalamazoo, and Van Buren Counties.

Position Objective

To assist growers in assessing safe food growing and harvesting practices on produce farms. This includes outreach, education, on-farm technical assistance, completion of risk assessments with the landowner to facilitate practice changes, developing Improvement Action Plans, and coordination with local, state, and federal agency resources to help produce growers reduce food safety risks and make progress towards implementation of practices consistent with the Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule.

Essential Functions:

Attends and delivers presentations to a variety of industry networks at events and meetings to create awareness of food safety practices and available resources

Leads classroom training sessions

Performs or takes part in on-farm food safety workshops

Performs on-farm assessments using the Michigan Safe Food Risk Assessment

Completes travel for trainings and meetings

Collaborates with Conservation District staff to promote food safety practices

Develops and/or assists in the development of materials designed to effectively engage producers through outreach and education

Promotes food safety practices through displays, newsletters, group presentations, demonstrations, public service announcements, news releases, radio programs, and other means

Works closely with MDARD and Michigan State University Extension partners to provide technical assistance necessary for producers to address specific hurdles to the implementation of food safety practices

Provides and submits timely reports and updates to the Conservation District, MDARD, CD Boards, and other cooperating agencies

Works cooperatively with District staff and other agency personnel; supports District initiatives and activities, as needed

Completes other essential activities as required by the grant agreement

Completes other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Possess a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, natural resources management, environment, agronomy, crop, dairy and/or soil science, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, environmental health, food science/technology, microbiology, toxicology, veterinary science, or a related degree from an accredited college or university. Two years’ experience in natural resources or agriculture fieldwork is desired.

Knowledge of and experience working with agricultural producers and practices is desired

Proficient use of a PC and Microsoft Office Suite

Able to work independently of direct supervision and as part of a team

Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills

Exhibits excellent social and interpersonal skills

Maintains a valid driver’s license and personal vehicle for work use

Successful background check required

Compensation - hourly rate at competitive level

The position is grant-funded and is renewed annually depending on funding. Benefits include paid holidays and paid time off. Berrien Conservation District does not offer insurance benefits.

Application Instructions

Submit a cover letter stating your suitability for the position based on knowledge, skills, and abilities along with a resume and application complete with references by email to Nancy Carpenter, Berrien Conservation District at nancy.carpenter@macd.org. Applications received by June 12th will have the first review; the position will remain open until filled.

Berrien Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education Required:
  

• Bachelors Degree

Job Characteristics:

• Full-time
• Willing to be trained

Additional Requirements:

Must maintain valid drivers license and use own car (mileage will be reimbursed)

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and application complete with references to Nancy.Carpenter@macd.org, or mailed to Berrien Conservation District, 3334 Edgewood Road, Berrien Springs, MI 49103

Application is available by emailing Nancy.Carpenter@macd.org or by clicking the above link.