- Salary
- $20+/hr
- Location
- Newton, NC, NC
- Department
- Retail
- Experience
- 2+ years
- Education
- High School
- Closing date
- Today
- Source
- GovernmentJobs
Description
Catawba County Cooperative Extension is seeking a part-time, hourly Local Food Assistant to lead a temporary project: a countywide local food assessment mapping the assets and challenges of Catawba County’s local food system. Working with farmers, retailers, restaurants, food access organizations, and community partners, this person will gather data to inform future Extension programming and strengthen grant applications for local food projects.
The Local Food Assistant will work closely with the Local Foods Agent at the NC Cooperative Extension – Catawba County Center office. This role is a good fit for someone who enjoys connecting with people, gathering information from the community, and turning it into practical insights that support local agriculture.
- Identifies and engages local food system stakeholders, including producers, farmers' markets, retailers, restaurants, food banks, schools, and community organizations
- Schedules and conducts stakeholder interviews, surveys, and listening sessions; documents and organizes responses
- Compiles and analyzes agricultural and county data, particularly on local food production, utilization, and sales
- Identifies assets, challenges, gaps, and opportunities within the local food system
- Develops recommended goals and strategies to build on assets and address challenges
- Prepares summaries, reports, and presentations of findings to support program planning and grant applications
- Maintains accurate project records and provides regular progress updates to the Local Foods Agent
- High school diploma or GED equivalent and 2 years of experience in a local foods organization or setting, including assessment and promotion of local foods. Qualifying experience may include:
- Working with or for farmers' markets
- Organizing and promoting local food events
- Working with local government to achieve local food objectives
- Preparing financial records
- Preparing proposals and grant applications
- Valid driver’s license (Driving is an occasional function of this position)
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel for data compilation and Word for reports
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with diverse stakeholders
- Ability to work independently, manage time, and meet project milestones with limited supervision
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in collecting and recording data
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Studies, Agriculture, Community Development, or a related field is highly preferred