Agricultural Integrity & Compliance Manager

Agricultural Institute of Marin

San Anselmo, CA 94960, USA

Published: 6/14/2022

Full Time

Job Description

Job DescriptionSalary: $68,640 - $75,504 per year

Position Title: Agricultural Integrity & Compliance Manager

Reports To: Chief Operations Officer

Supervision Requirements: None

Work Unit: Farmers Markets Operations

Location: San Rafael, CA with regular work throughout California and occasional overnight travel

Status: Full-time, salaried, exempt status.

Work Schedules: Alternating 5-day, 4-day work weeks, with occasional weekend work.

Starting Salary Range: $68,640 - $75,504
per year

BACKGROUND

The Agricultural Institute of Marin is an educational 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in San Rafael, California. AIMs mission is to educate, inspire, and connect communities, farmers, and producers in order to create a healthy, Earth-friendly, equitable local and regional food and agricultural system envision a responsible food and farming system that is environmentally beneficial, economically viable, and socially just. AIM serves 400+ farmers, food purveyors, and artisans from 40 California counties who participate in AIMs Certified Farmers Markets in the cities of Hayward, Newark, Oakland, Point Reyes, San Rafael, and San Francisco. AIM also provides hands-on and virtual education programs to thousands of children and adults, operates a farm audit program, runs a mobile market for older adults and underserved communities, and operates CalFresh/EBT and Market Match services to create a healthier, equitable food system across the San Francisco Bay Area.

Description

The Agricultural Integrity & Compliance Manager (AICM) plays a pivotal role in ensuring that our organization adheres to the highest standards of agricultural integrity and environmental benefits. This position requires a deep understanding of agricultural systems and compliance with Direct Marketing Regulations and AIMs Farmers Markets Rules & Regulations. The AICM will oversee a comprehensive, verifiable, science-based product approval system for farmers, ranchers, and fishers to participate in AIMs farmers markets and preserve the publics trust in products sold at AIMs farmers markets. The AICM is responsible for developing and implementing integrity protocols and procedures, managing our Farm Audit program, and providing technical support to local farms, ranches, and fisheries for responsible natural resource management and good animal husbandry.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Farm Audits and Integrity Program Management:

Conduct comprehensive on-site audits of new participant inquiries to assess their compliance with AIM rules and regulations, commitment to conservation practices, and animal welfare practices.
Conduct regular on-site audits of 33% of existing producers on an annual basis.
Develop and implement verification processes to ensure that agricultural products meet established standards for Certified Farmers Markets, direct-marketing regulations, and AIMs rules and regulations.
Communicate audit results to Farmers Markets Managers and producers in a transparent, supportive way.
Verify products sold at farmers markets through a review of annual applications, load lists, and review of producer records, including third-party certifications (e.g., organic, regenerative, certified humane, etc.)
In collaboration with COO and Senior Market Managers, ensure Market Managers complete weekly inspections of Market Participants booths (stall audits) to verify products offered, products sold, certified producer certificates, and marketing claims.
Review requests to offer products for sale through second certificates or partner production and conduct on-farm audits of second certificate producers and partner producers.
Ensure that products offered for sale on the Rollin Root meet integrity standards.
Collaborate with county agricultural commissioners and other regulatory agencies as part of integrity processes.
Maintain excellent records of audit results and verifications.

Compliance and Enforcement:

Ensure that producers demonstrate compliance with AIMs Farmers Market Rules and Regulations and applicable laws essential to Market success.
Implement and enforce all rules and regulations pertaining to the operation of Farmers Markets in a fair and equitable manner, using AIMs Integrity Matrix.
Resolve issues through verbal or written notice, discussion, and agreement, preferable to formal disciplinary action whenever possible.
When disciplinary action is needed, prepare evidence of violations of AIMs rules and regulations and make recommendations for suspension or termination to the Chief Executive Officer and/or Farm Audit Committee of AIMs Board.

Supporting Resilient Agricultural Practices and

Develop informational materials to communicate AIMs environmental standards and integrity practices to external partners, state and local government agencies, media, and other stakeholders.
In partnership with the Small Business Program Manager, deliver one-on-one technical assistance and training for small-scale farmers accessing AIMs farmers markets, including participants in the Farmers Market Incubator Booth
Identify and refer Market Participants to technical assistance providers and grant opportunities to 1) build and maintain healthy soil, 2) conserve water 3) minimize air, water, and climate pollution, 4) promote biodiversity, and 5) providing humane stewardship of animals.
Build relationships with farmers, resource conservation districts, cooperative extension services, land trusts, and environmental organizations, and community groups to foster positive support for our organization's mission and initiatives.

Policy and Regulations Development:

Provide staff support and subject-matter expertise on Direct Marketing Regulations to the AIM Boards Rules and Regulations Committee and Farm Audit Committee.
Stay abreast of developments in farmers market regulations, agricultural policies, and climate-smart agricultural initiatives.

Farmers Markets Program Support

Attend weekly farmers market manager meetings.
When necessary, act on-site to assist with farmers market operations.
Support the implementation of AIMs Emergency Action Plan in response to severe weather conditions.
Participate in AIMs Annual fundraiser.
Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

3 years experience with certified farmers markets and/or agricultural fieldwork.
2 years experience with farm audits or field inspections.
Knowledge of climate-smart, organic, or regenerative agriculture practices
Excellent communication, problem solving and organizational skills
Strong management skills
Strong training and technical assistance skills
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
Experience with computer systems, such as Microsoft Office, Teams, and Asana.
Conflict resolution and de-escalation skills
Ability to multi-task in a busy environment and think on their feet
Willingness to travel across California
Have or obtain Food Handlers card within first 6 months of implement
First-aid certification

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/DEMANDS

This position requires the employee to work in an office environment
This position requires prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
This position requires prolonged periods of driving
This position requires the ability to be on your feet on working landscapes of farms and ranches.
This position requires the employee to be a licensed driver with a safe driving record.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

AIM embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.

Full-Time Staff Benefits:

Four Kaiser Plan options with AIM covering 100% of employee premium for Gold, 90% for Platinum, 100% + employer paid H.S.A Contribution of $233/month for Silver HDHP or Bronze HDHP.
Employer paid $25,000 Life/AD&D coverage
Voluntary Principal dental & vision; Spot Pet wellness & Insurance plan discount
Paid sick leave (up to 30 days)
Paid vacation (2 weeks in first year, 3 weeks years 2-5, 4 weeks after 4 years)
12 paid holidays per year
Hybrid work schedules permitted after completion of 90-day introductory period
Employee assistance program
401K with 2 % employer match
Professional training opportunities
Dog-friendly office, fun and dynamic team environment.