Producer Lead

NCAT is a non-profit organization whose mission is to advance practices in sustainable agriculture and clean energy, reducing poverty, so that people and the environment can flourish. NCAT operates locally, with deep ties to the communities and regions we serve. We share knowledge, build skills, craft practical solutions, and cultivate networks through workshops and convenings, an online resource hub, and multimedia communications. We are known for providing trusted, human-centered technical assistance in agriculture and energy.

The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is seeking a full-time Producer Lead to oversee producer outreach and serve as the primary point of contact for Technical Assistance Providers. This role is central to advancing the sheep and wool industry by supporting conservation agriculture practices, improving wool quality, and strengthening wool markets.
The Producer Lead will lead an implementation team of a multi-year project focused on wool producers in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming to strengthen their market access. The Producer Lead will collaborate with NCAT’s project team, external partner organizations, and agricultural producers to ensure the successful delivery of outreach, education, market improvement, and technical assistance. This position will lead producer engagement efforts, coordinate logistics, and implement communication strategies to provide accessible resources and guidance on program participation.

This position is remote, and the employee must be based in one of the following states: Colorado, Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. Relocation support is not provided.

This position is tied to a grant-funded project that is scheduled to conclude March 2028.

QUALIFICATIONS: This position requires a BA/BS in agriculture, environmental science, natural resource management, conservation, or a related field and a minimum of five years of farming experience. Equivalent experience, such as extensive farming, leadership in agricultural projects, or specialized training, will also be considered.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
• Commitment to and passion for the NCAT mission.
• Supervisory experience required.
• Strong interest and knowledge of mission-driven or nonprofit organizations.
• Experience in contracting, grant management, and compliance.
• Strong knowledge of farming and/or ranching systems, ideally in the context of conservation or sustainability.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse producer communities.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills; able to build trust and maintain relationships with producers, partners, and regional team.
• Organizational skills for managing schedules, events, and project deliverables.
• Creativity and problem solving for developing project timelines and grant deliverables.
• Familiarity with NRCS programs or other agricultural assistance programs. Experience working with technical assistance providers or in a coordination/liaison role.
• Ability to create processes and track progress of multiple projects in various stages and different states.
• Collect data and contribute to quarterly project reports towards benchmarks and goals.
• Create outreach and promotional materials, such as press releases, blog posts, and podcasts.
• Willingness and ability to travel on an occasional basis.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Promote and support NCAT’s mission.
• Develop and lead outreach strategy to producers to inform them about available services, programs, and incentives.
• Supervise regional NCAT Technical Assistance Providers and Lead Technical Assistance Provider.
• Serve as the main point of contact for Technical Assistance Providers regarding outreach strategy, logistics, and producer coordination.
• Facilitate communication between Technical Assistance Providers and producers to ensure a smooth implementation of services.
• Develop and implement processes for producer enrollment, ensuring program eligibility by gathering necessary documents.
• Assist with scheduling visits, technical assistance, and follow-up actions.
• Serve as the main point of contact for project partners on Wool Improvement Stipend and Market Innovation Fund.
• Oversee and administrate Technical Assistance Providers in deploying the Practice Implementation Fund.
• Oversee and administrate Technical Assistance Providers and Wool Specialist in deploying the Wool Improvement Stipend.
• Oversee and administrate Technical Assistant Providers in deploying the Market Innovation Fund.
• Gather necessary information for USDA reporting.
• Assist in project-wide process development and tracking of deliverables. Lead regional project planning, outreach and education methods. Provide accessible educational materials for program presentations and outreach events.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: This position offers a salary range of $68,000 to $73,000 annually, depending on location, qualifications, and experience. Excellent benefits include a flexible schedule, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, a cafeteria, and 401(k) plan.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate can be identified. Early applications are encouraged.

All interested applicants must apply by submitting a current resume and cover letter that highlights relevant skills and experience aligned with the listed qualifications.

To apply, please visit our workforce portal.

Questions about the application process can be directed to:
Cassie Lindau, Human Resources Manager
jobs@ncat.org
(406) 494-8644

NCAT is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Call for Proposals

Practice Specialist

Background:

NCAT advances practices in sustainable agriculture and clean energy, reducing poverty, so both people and the environment can flourish. We envision vibrant, economically strong communities that provide all people with healthy food and clean energy, soil, and water. We share knowledge, build skills, craft practical solutions, and cultivate networks through workshops and convenings, an online resource hub, and multimedia communications. We are known for providing trusted, human-centered technical assistance in agriculture and energy.

We are a national organization that operates locally, with deep ties to the communities and regions we serve. We serve farmers, ranchers, agriculture and energy professionals, people who cultivate local food systems, and those with energy access needs.

NCAT will lead a multi-year project focused on strengthening the sheep and wool industry through the adoption of conservation agriculture practices, improvement in wool quality, and support of wool markets in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New York, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.

Objective:

The Practice Specialist will serve as a subject-matter expert contracted by NCAT to provide specialized guidance to NCAT’s Technical Assistance Providers (TAPs) on the effective implementation of USDA-NRCS conservation practices. This includes advising on practice requirements, supporting documentation and reporting, and ensuring compliance with NRCS protocols.

Tasks:

• Advise NCAT Technical Assistance Providers (TAPs) on NRCS conservation practice standards and implementation techniques.
• Provide Interpretation and guidance on NRCS documentation requirements, including practice design, implementation verification, and compliance paperwork.
• Assist in completing and reviewing CPA-52s.
• Serve as a resource for updates or changes in NRCS practice standards, specifications, and forms.
• Assist in developing communication channels with NRCS for TAPs within project states.
• Participate in periodic check-ins or trainings with TAPs and project leadership to ensure consistent application of NRCS practices.
• Maintain clear and organized records of hours worked, tasks completed, and support provided.

Contract Term:

NCAT anticipates contracting a Practice Specialist for the duration of the project, from Spring 2026 through March 2028. The contractor must reside in one of the following states: California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Montana, South Dakota, or Wyoming. The contracted position will be $50,000 over 1-3 years for 1,000 hours.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated knowledge of NRCS conservation practice standards and implementation procedures.
• Experience working directly with or accessing NRCS conservation programs, either in a technical, administrative, or advisory capacity.
• Familiarity with NRCS documentation processes (e.g., conservation practice implementation forms, design specs, practice checkout procedures).
• Strong communication and organizational skills and the ability to advise and support field-level staff in a professional, responsive manner.
• Ability to work independently, track time and tasks accurately, and manage a flexible, contract-based schedule.

Requirements:

1. The contractor must have general business liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $300,000 and provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before the agreement can be fully executed.
2. The contractor must provide their own equipment and tools to fully execute the scope of work, including office space, computer equipment, email account, strong internet connectivity, etc.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Interested individuals should submit a proposal by submitting the following documents to jobs@ncat.org

The following documents must be included:

• “Practice Specialist Proposal” consisting of a CV
• A narrative, not to exceed two pages, including:
  • One’s hourly rate.
  • Statement confirming that the applicant meets the requirements listed.
  • Responses detailing how the applicant can meet the scope of work.
  • Statement that the proposal is valid for 90 days.
• Names and contact information for two professional references.

Short-listed applicants will be invited to an interview. The deadline for proposals is 5PM Mountain Time on June 30, 2026.

Applicants are encouraged to visit www.ncat.org to learn more about NCAT.

Questions about the application process can be directed to:

Cassie Lindau, Human Resources Manager
e-mail: jobs@ncat.org
(406) 494-8644