Employment Opportunities

Fair Assistant
Associate Director - Livestock (ADL) (MOFGA Certification Services, LLC)
Farm Apprenticeships
Journeyperson Opportunities

Title: Fair Assistant
Location: Unity, ME
Type: Seasonal/Part-time
Start date: Immediately

The Common Ground Country Fair is looking for someone to join our team in a part-time, temporary capacity as the Fair Assistant.

Produced by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), the Common Ground Country Fair is the largest event of its kind in the country, drawing 60,000 people the past two years to celebrate organic farming and gardening, rural living, and sustainable communities. We blend the best of an old-fashioned country fair (exhibition hall, barns full of livestock, harvest foods) with a rich focus on education and connecting people with their farmers.

The Fair Assistant works closely with the Fair Director and Fair Office Coordinator to support the planning and operations of the 2009 Common Ground Country Fair. The seasonal position begins immediately and runs through early October. The work schedule is part-time, averaging 12 – 18 hours a week June through August, with additional hours in the weeks leading up to and during the Fair (September 25, 26 & 27).

We are looking for someone with good organizational skills, database and desktop software competency, excellent oral and written communication skills and a familiarity with the Common Ground Country Fair and MOFGA. Previous experience maintaining a steady temperament, good humor and focus amidst the pace and distractions of festivals or live events a plus.

To apply, send a letter and resume via e-mail to: Jim Ahearne, Fair Director, jahearne@mofga.org. Position open until filled.

Title: Associate Director Livestock (ADL)
Primary Responsibility: Incumbent will manage the livestock sector of certification program
Supervisor: MCS Director
Position: Salaried, Federal Fair Labor Standards Act Exempt
Work Week: Normally 40 hours per week; some weekend and evening hours as needed

Requirements:

Understands National Organic Standards, especially as it applies to livestock and dairy
Working knowledge of how livestock farms, especially dairies, operate
A demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, especially in writing
Excellent organizational skills and memory for detail
Ability to use computers and the Internet
Must be able to deal constructively with difficult personalities
Valid drivers license and reliable vehicle
A commitment to MOFGA’s operating principles
IOIA training and prior organic inspection experience a plus
College degree in agriculture or related field a plus
Must be able to travel to attend meetings, training workshops and conferences.

Duties and responsibilities:

Control and review of organic system plans. The ADL will oversee the organic system plans and certification status for the dairies and the major livestock operations that MCS certifies. He or she will make sure that organic system plans are reviewed for compliance with the NOP. The ADL will make sure that compliance issues are tracked, that improvements are being made, and that organic standards are being verified and enforced for this group of MOFGA-certified operations.
Inspections and inspection coordination. The ADL is responsible for seeing that all MOFGA-certified dairies and major livestock operations are inspected annually. Although a significant number of inspections will be performed by the ADL, he or she is expected to recruit and train inspectors and to cultivate an “ad hoc” inspection force. The ADL will assign other inspectors to inspect livestock operations in coordination with director who oversees budget.
Investigations. When allegations of non-compliances or violations emerge, the ADL is the first responder. ADL may delegate inspection tasks, but prompt response and comprehensive reporting are required and it will be the ADL’s responsibility to provide the committee and the director with what is necessary to initiate appropriate non-compliance procedures.
Transitioning dairies. The ADL is responsible for making sure that each transitioning dairy is visited during the first few months and that paperwork and other time restricted deliverables for livestock applicants are monitored and kept on track.
Policy work. Policies and procedures may need development and implementation. The ADL will work with committees, staff and other experts as needed to draft proposed policies for board approval.
Material and product review. The ADL will understand which materials and products are currently permitted. He or she will understand generally accepted standards and procedures for product review and will be able to make product determinations for producers as needed.
Resources for certified dairies. The ADL may produce helpful items such as records templates, fact sheets and news releases that are made available to all operations. He or she is responsible for maintaining livestock portions of Practice Manual.

How To Apply:

Email a letter of intent, a current resume, and three professional references to:

yurlina@mofga.org

Or, send postal mail to

MOFGA Certification Services, LLC
(Attention Mary Yurlina)
POB 170
Unity, ME 04988