"Project Assistant, Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture"

Project Assistant, Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture

Company:
Virginia Tech

Job Location:
Blacksburg, 24061

Category:
Extension and Outreach

Type:
Full-Time

Job Description

The Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture is a coalition of organizations, led by Virginia Tech, which is implementing an $80 million funded by the United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS). This project is implemented across four states - Arkansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Virginia - and features payments to farmers to adopt conservation agriculture practices. Farmer enrollment is managed by implementing partner organizations in each of the four states and several non-implementing partners support the program in various ways. Virginia Tech faculty are conducting a rigorous research agenda to evaluate the efficacy of implementation. Under the pilot program, Virginia Tech and its partners are helping producers in the four states prove the value of paying farmers and ranchers $100 per acre or animal unit for stewardship practices that deliver public value through carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas reduction, improved soil health, water quality, water conservation, and other environmental services. We aim to create a scalable model for incentivizing and rewarding farmers for adopting conservation practices. More information on the program can be found at this link: https://www.allianceforcsa.org

The Project Assistant will provide support to the enrollment and data reporting aspects of the project. The Project Assistant will report to the Project Director.

The base location for this position is Blacksburg, VA. Occasional travel to Blacksburg and project-wide out-of-state meetings will be required. The remote location must be within 4-6 hours commuting distance of Blacksburg, VA.

This position is eligible for a 12-month contract with possibility of renewal depending on the needs of the project and available funding not to extend beyond September 20, 2027.

Key responsibilities include:

Producer and Partner support:

• As a member of the Enrollment Team utilize the online portal to manage applications, enrollment, communication, and data reporting
• Assist in reviewing required producer documents (W9s, FSA subsidiary prints, and farm maps) on the dashboard to ensure USDA and project compliance
• Assist in the management of the Alliance e-mail account
• Assist in development of standard operating procedures to be shared with partners
• Provide customer support to producers and partners with application, enrollment and reporting

Data reporting:

• Support data aggregation, curating, and reporting for the project

Carry out other tasks as assigned by the Project Director

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or associate degree and equivalent experience
• Strong technology and general computer skills
• Experience in Microsoft 365 including Outlook, Word, SharePoint, and Teams
• Demonstrated advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Ability to learn other software as needed
• Must be able to independently set priorities, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines
• Attention to accuracy and detail
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills
• Possess strong organizational skills
• Experience with aggregating, curating and reporting data

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field
• Experience working with online applicant systems or database management
• Knowledge of crop and/or animal agriculture
• Knowledge of farming and farm management practices

Pay Band
3

Overtime Status
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type
Restricted

Salary Information
$42,000 - $50,000; commensurate with experience

Hours per week
40

Review Date
February 15, 2026

Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.