Job Description

　　The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is the state agency responsible for supporting, regulating and enhancing the rich diversity of the Commonwealth's agricultural community to promote economically and environmentally sound food safety and animal health measures, and fulfill agriculture's role in energy conservation and production.

　　The Massachusetts Farmland Action Plan is the result of the collaborative work of over 600 agricultural stakeholders and provides a roadmap to accelerate the pace of farmland protection, address issues of inequity when it comes to farmland access, and help farms with the support they need from funding, technical assistance and business planning to enhance their viability.

　　The Department of Agricultural Resources is seeking a dedicated and self-motivated individual to join our team as the Massachusetts Farmland Action Plan Coordinator. In this role, the Coordinator will play a pivotal role in supporting the execution of the Plan by helping to facilitate collaboration among a wide variety of agricultural and land use stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of key initiatives aimed at preserving farmland across the state, ensuring access, and enhancing viability.

　　The Coordinator will organize meetings and working groups, create memos and reports, and develop materials and other educational materials to help ensure a collective understanding of the importance of the Plan, its goals and initiatives, and its importance for today's and future generations. The Coordinator will also ensure the plan is addressing needs, new and evolving issues and challenges that may emerge in the agricultural sector.

　　The ideal candidate for this position will have planning and policy experience, be a strong communicator with excellent project management skills, a high degree of comfort with public engagement and outreach among diverse stakeholders, knowledge of the Massachusetts food system, and be motivated to take an active role in sustaining the agricultural production system in Massachusetts.

　　If you are passionate about agriculture, farmland conservation, and making a meaningful impact on the Massachusetts agricultural community, we encourage you to apply for this position. Your expertise and dedication will contribute to the successful implementation of the Farmland Action Plan.

　　Responsibilities:

　　- Work with the Massachusetts Farmland Action Plan Steering Committee to develop workplans and project management matrices to support the implementation of the Plan, ensuring alignment with the plan's objectives, strategies, and timelines.

　　- Create plan for engaging with local communities, municipalities, stakeholders among a wide variety of sectors to build support, raise awareness, and foster a sense of ownership of the Farmland Action Plan.

　　- Collaborate with government agencies, local communities, agricultural organizations, producers, and other stakeholders to facilitate the implementation of the goals and strategies outlined in the plan.

　　- Work with stakeholders to develop policy priorities and proposals that support the goals and strategies of the plan.

　　- Monitor and track progress of initiatives intended to implement the Plan, identifying potential roadblocks and proposing solutions to ensure successful implementation.

　　- Facilitate communication and coordination among different teams and stakeholders to foster a cohesive approach to farmland preservation efforts.

　　- Prepare comprehensive progress reports and presentations for key stakeholders, providing insights into project milestones, challenges, and successes.

　　- Stay current with industry trends, best practices, and regulatory changes related to farmland preservation and agriculture.

　　- Develop communication and outreach materials to ensure effective dissemination of information about the Plan and its progress and achievements.

　　- Review the Plan on an ongoing basis to ensure that it is addressing needs, new issues and challenges that may emerge in the agricultural sector.

　　Preferred Qualifications

　　- 5 or more years of professional experience in the agricultural industry or a related field, such as land use planning or work with a land trust with an agricultural focus, and a degree(s) related to planning or policy that has direct application to agricultural land use such as Regional Planning, Public Policy, Land Use Planning, or Agricultural or Resource Management.

　　- Proven experience in project management, preferably in agriculture, farmland conservation, or related fields.

　　- Strong understanding of farmland preservation and protection strategies, agricultural policies, and land use planning.

　　- Understanding of public policy systems and processes, particularly at the state level.

　　- Excellent organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to manage complex projects and prioritize tasks effectively.

　　- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal, with meeting facilitation experience and the ability to collaborate across diverse stakeholder groups.

　　- Proficiency in data analysis, reporting, and presentation tools.

　　- Self-motivated and capable of working independently while receiving guidance from the MDAR steering committee. Familiarity with the Massachusetts agricultural landscape and relevant state agencies.

　　- Must be able to drive and available to travel within the region and periodically across the state to attend in person meetings.

　　- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint applications. Familiarity with MassGIS Mass mapper or other GIS applications is a plus.

　　- The successful candidate will be self-directed, highly motivated, personable, and flexible.

　　- Passion and commitment to the goals of the MAFP.

　　- Friendly, enthusiastic and positive attitude. Possess a high level of emotional intelligence, confidence, and competency when working collaboratively with people.

　　- Experience/background in working with diverse, multi-lingual, underserved communities is a plus.

　　This is a 37.5 hour/week contract position based in the Boston, Southborough, West Springfield or Lakeville office. MDAR currently operates on a hybrid work schedule that includes work at home, in the field, and in office as needed.

　　Qualifications

　　 First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

　　MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time technical or professional experience in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, transportation planning or land use planning, and (B) of which at least two years must have been in a professional capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

　　Substitutions:

　　I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, urban studies, architecture, landscape architecture, civil, environmental, or transportation engineering or environmental sciences may be substituted for two years of the required (A) experience.

　　II. A Graduate degree with a major in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, urban studies, architecture, landscape architecture, civil, environmental, or transportation engineering or environmental studies may be substituted for three years of the required (A)experience and one year of the required (B) experience.

　　Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

　　NOTE: Educational substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of three years of the required experience. Substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of one year of the required (B) experience.

　　SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

　　 An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.