Company description

The High Desert Food and Farm Alliance (HDFFA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support a healthy and thriving food and farm network in Central Oregon through education, collaboration, and inclusivity.  We meet our mission by fostering relationships between producers (farmers, ranchers, and food businesses) and consumers, increasing awareness of and access to food from our region, and cultivating community participation with local food. We serve farmers, ranchers, food businesses, nonprofits, and underserved families in the high desert region of Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties.  We believe everyone deserves good food.

We offer three core focus areas: 

• Food Access (with programs in: Grow & Give, a fresh food donation and on-farm gleaning program; VeggieRx, a fresh vegetable and fruit prescription program; Fresh Harvest Kits, ready-to-prepare meals in a bag; Rural Food Security) 
• Agricultural Support for farmers and ranchers 
• Consumer Education/Resources (including our annual online and print High Desert Food & Farm Directory)
   

Job description

Job Title: Small Farms Coordinator

Reports to: Program Director

Location: Hybrid, based in Bend, Oregon – this position will work throughout Central Oregon. Applicants must reside in Deschutes, Jefferson, or Crook counties or the Warm Springs Reservation. 

Classification: Non-exempt

Status: Full-time / 40 hours per week

Compensation: $25-$28 per hour depending on experience

Start Date: March 2025

Position Summary

HDFFA is hiring a USDA-grant funded full-time Small Farms Coordinator to support small-scale farmers by providing resource navigation and technical assistance to enhance their agricultural productivity, sustainability, and market access. Position duties include conducting an updated Central Oregon Farmer/Rancher needs assessment; navigating email and phone inquiries from business owners; connecting farmers to appropriate resources; collaborating with OSU Extension and other agencies; visiting farms to provide individual technical assistance; developing educational materials; and conducting outreach activities, workshops, and field days. Our coordinator will focus primarily on post-harvest technical assistance, including business practices and market access for small- to mid-sized food producers. This role is integral to our mission of supporting local food systems and ensuring access to fresh, nutritious food for our communities. This position is funded through August 30, 2027; continued employment is contingent on securing additional grant funding.

Who we’re encouraging to apply 

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in field-based, dynamic environments and who enjoys hands-on work, thrives on community engagement, and is passionate about supporting small- to mid-size Central Oregon farms in achieving long-term sustainability and success.

We’re looking for someone who is passionate about supporting sustainable agriculture, possesses strong communication and problem-solving skills, and is committed to supporting local food systems and food security initiatives. The ideal candidate has a solid understanding of agricultural small business management practices, particularly those related to small-scale and direct-market food systems. This candidate is skilled at translating technical knowledge into practical solutions tailored to individual farms and regional needs with the aim of improving productivity and sustainability.

 

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

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Deadline

no deadline