Outreach & Technical Assistance Specialist - Maryland Eastern Shore

Job description

Candidates will be required to provide leadership and guidance to farmers supporting Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This act provides $2.2 billion in financial assistance for farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA’s farm lending programs prior to January 1, 2021. Distribution of these funds is critical for USDA, and time is of the essence.

Responsibilities

• Develops key messages for audiences via e-mail and verbal communication
• Identifies additional opportunities for research communication out to the study community
• May interact with and represent project to internal and external stakeholders after appropriate training per current standard operating procedures
• Attends team meetings regularly to stay informed of other program activities
• Contributes to the Program’s goals by accomplishing related duties as required
• Assisting in identifying areas of improvement, challenges, and opportunities in the program
• Performs application management and handling, control and tracking functions, which may include the handling of schedules and events
• Performs all application processing procedures, ensuring all policies and procedures are followed
• Advises and assist in the orientation and training of others on equipment and software as needed
• Reports any machine problems or general issues that hinder the completion of renders to the appropriate department

Requirements

• Must have a background in agriculture, or FSA Loan programs
• Must have reliable transportation. Traveling to outreach events is a requirement
• Provides education about the program to community stakeholders
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suites, especially Excel
• Strong interpersonal skills and attention to detail
• Must establish and maintain effective working relationships with groups and applicants
• Office is open weekdays from 10 am to 7 pm local time and Saturdays 10 am to 6 pm local time, you may need to work 40 hours in this schedule. May need to work on Saturday
• Travel via air, train, or car may be required, sometimes to nearby states in support of Outreach and Technical Assistance events
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred, High School Diploma accepted

Benefits:

• 8-hour shifts
• Available 5-7 days a week excluding all federal holidays
• 1099 employee
• Training, work laptop and equipment provided
• Travel reimbursements

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Contract

Expected hours: 20 – 40 per week

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Weekends as needed