Missouri Organic Association Program Specialist - Biochar Hartsburg, MO · Full time Company website

Apply for Program Specialist - Biochar

Reports To: Programs Manager

Location: Columbia, MO

Position Type: Full-time, non-exempt

Key Responsibilities:

Participant Coordination and Compliance Verification:

· Serve as the main liaison with farm and producer participants, overseeing communications before, during, and after on-farm visits.

· Verify that participant operations meet USDA Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC) and Wetland Conservation (WC) compliance standards.

· Confirm site-specific preparation details, including the readiness of participants, suitability of feedstock materials for production, availability of tools and equipment, and overall site suitability.

Feedstock Preparation, Biochar Production, and Application:

· Visit participant farms to operate wood chippers for the preparation of feedstock materials.

· Trains participant crew members in the proper use of equipment and safety equipment.

· Responsible for ensuring proper safety procedures are followed and safety equipment is used at all times.

· Maintains all equipment in proper and safe working order, inspects equipment for wear/defects before use.

· Support a subaward partner in biochar production on-site using prepared feedstock, ensuring adherence to established procedures and safety protocols.

· Assist participants in training on biochar usage, including practical, site-specific recommendations.

· Assist participants in the application of finished biochar on the farm.

Data Collection and Follow-Up:

· Conduct follow-up communications and visits with participants to verify proper implementation.

· Collect relevant data as needed to support program reporting requirements and ensure documentation of program results.

Team Support:

· Regularly communicate with the Programs Manager and the broader program team to ensure smooth execution of program activities and to troubleshoot any on-site issues.

· Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education:
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agronomy, soil science, or related field preferred.

• Experience:
• Experience and comfortability operating and servicing equipment, such as wood chippers, chainsaws, and broadcast spreaders, required.
• Experience with manual fieldwork, such as in landscaping, farming, conservation, forestry, etc., required.
• Working knowledge of production agriculture, required
• Experience in the production and/or use of biochar in agriculture, preferred.
• Experience in data collection and reporting, preferred.
• Experience in crop or forage agronomy, preferred.

• Skills:
• Strong communication skills and ability to convey important information quickly and concisely.
• Excellent teamwork, problem-solving, and organization skills.
• Must be proactive and detail-oriented.

Safety Requirements:

The Program Specialist role involves the use of potentially hazardous equipment, including chainsaws, hand tools, and wood chippers. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to safety, including the consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety goggles, gloves, helmets, and hearing protection, and following all safety training provided. This position requires strict adherence to safety protocols to mitigate risks associated with:

• Operating heavy machinery and tools, including risks of flying debris, sharp equipment, and noise exposure.
• Engaging in physical activities involving lifting and handling heavy materials and equipment.
• Working outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Working Conditions

• Field-based, with occasional office days required.
• >75% travel to farms across Missouri.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• This role includes physical demands such as operating machinery, handling heavy materials, and performing repetitive motions.
• Most activities will be held outdoors on working farms, which may expose attendees to adverse weather and temperature conditions.
• Ability to carry equipment and materials across uneven terrain.
• Must possess, or have the ability to obtain upon hire, a valid Missouri Class E driver’s license.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: $20-25/hour
• Benefits: Health insurance, paid time off, holidays, and other benefits to be discussed.