Research Specialist, Food Systems

Arizona State University

Research Specialist, Food Systems

Swette Ctr Sust Food Systems

Campus: Tempe

103637BR

 

Job Description

The Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems is seeking a Food Systems Research Specialist to join our team to support our research and education efforts to meet the challenges facing our food system. In this position, the selected candidate will take on various duties in research, education and outreach to build on our Center priorities and objectives. Currently the Center is focusing on strengthening the knowledge and understanding of organic or regenerative agriculture in meeting the challenges of climate change, innovations in agriculture and food to feed the planet, and methodologies such as true cost accounting that help decisionmakers across the food system.

 

The Food Systems Specialist will participate in a project in collaboration with the company MyLand, and the ASU Center for Hydrologic Innovations on a Water Conservation Program focused on AZ farms for 50% of the time. The remaining 50% will be dedicated to general food systems research and coordination responsibilities for the ASU Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems.

 

Salary Range

$42,000 - $60,000 per year; DOE

 

Close Date

27-September-2024

 

Essential Duties

Under general supervision, provides expertise in agriculture and food policy, food systems, and/or service-related activities of the Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems in accordance with its established goals and assignments.

 

Water Conservation Program (50%):

• Stakeholder Engagement: Develop and execute stakeholder outreach and engagement strategies around the MyLand Service. Organize and host farm days, educational videos, presentations, and training sessions to drive wider adoption of the water-saving technology.
• Educational Content Development: Support the creation of educational videos and materials showcasing the water efficiencies of the MyLand Service, and distribute these through various farm networks.
• Research and Reporting: Assist in the preparation and writing of research progress reports, papers for publication, and documentation required for USDA NRCS EQIP compliance.
• Program coordination: Occasionally our partners at MyLand and ASU Center for Hydrologic Innovation for field research activities.

General Responsibilities (50%):

• Coordinates, researches and develops resource materials to meet the needs of the Executive Director and in areas assigned for course materials, speeches, presentations and research proposals and/or papers.
• Collects and analyzes research data and other literature and drafts research materials as part of the research team for the Swette Center’s food policy related research activities - currently regenerative livestock operations, true cost accounting of food production and organic agriculture but may evolve over time.
• Acts as liaison on behalf of the Center staff with the community, students, faculty, and staff in facilitating the Center’s programs.
• May assist in developing grant proposals, budgets, performance indicators, and accountability reports for new activities.
• Advises students, staff and others to provide technical knowledge, problem solving assistance, answers to questions regarding goals and policy of the Center.

 

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a field appropriate to the area of assignment AND two years related research experience; OR, Six years research experience appropriate to the area of assignment; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

 

Desired Qualifications

• Evidence of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a related field (e.g., Food Systems, Agricultural Sciences, Sustainability, Environmental Science, Biology).
• Experience with data collection, analysis, and interpretation in a research setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge with agricultural technologies, soil health, and water conservation practices.
• Experience in work that requires organizational, communication, and technical support skills.
• Experience in working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including farmers, researchers, and industry partners.
• Experience in driving and visiting farmers on various Arizona sites

 

Working Environment

Typical office setting.

 

Department Statement

Achieving sustainable food systems requires problem-solving teams who are infused with a diversity of expertise, eager collaboration, and innovative spirit. Established in 2017, the Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems at Arizona State University develops innovative ideas and solutions to the many challenges of current food systems. The Swette Center takes a holistic approach in research and policy design, encompassing water and energy use, carbon footprint and nutrition, innovations in food policy, and the well-being and livelihood of farmers and others working in food systems. The Center will educate the next generation of changemakers through innovative degrees and executive programs in sustainable food systems. Swette Center food system experts come from every corner of the university, including from the pool of more than 550 sustainability scientists and scholars who are dedicated to pursuing solutions, engagement, education and research for a sustainable future. Under the leadership of Dr. Kathleen Merrigan, former US Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer of the USDA and internationally renowned expert on food systems and sustainability, we work on cutting edge science and policy.

 

ASU Statement

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

 

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

 

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

 

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU PD at 480-965-3456.

 

Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/az-resources.

 

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

 

Background Check Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

 

Instructions to Apply

Application deadline is 3:00PM Arizona time on the date indicated.

 

Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position.

 

Resume should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position.

 

ASU does not pay for travel expenses associated with interviews, unless otherwise indicated.

 

Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: What is the meaning of “equivalent combination” in the minimum qualifications? It means one year of higher education or 24 credit hours, is equal to one year of experience. For example, a four year Bachelor’s degree is equal to four years of experience.

 

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