Tag Archive for: Climate Change

Fiber Project Coordinator

NCAT is a national nonprofit organization that promotes regenerative agriculture and clean energy solutions so that both people and the planet can flourish. NCAT’s deep portfolio of sustainable agriculture and renewable energy projects, as well as work in energy efficiency and energy access, spans every region of the country. The geographic diversity of our work, and the trusted expertise of our staff in each of these regions, allow NCAT to provide relevant information, individualized technical assistance, and in-depth resources to support sustainable agriculture and energy solutions nationwide. Embedded within all these activities is the goal of supporting historically underserved farmers as they put sustainable agriculture techniques into practice and build healthier soil, water, and communities. Learn more about our work on the Climate Beneficial Fiber Partnership website or the NCAT homepage.

NCAT is seeking a full-time Project Coordinator to work with NCAT project leaders, and producers to assist in the quest to implement conservation practices that improve climate resilience, sequester carbon, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The project coordinator will work closely with producers in several states to gather information and documentation so they can receive benefits for the implementation of conservation practices on their properties for carbon capture and storage. The Project Coordinator will also work closely with NCAT’s project leaders, Carbon Farm Planners, and accounting staff to set up processes and timelines and coordinate documentation and incentives for producers.

The successful candidate will have the ability to set up an office in one of the NCAT offices or be required to set up and work from a remote office in their location.  The project coordinator must be willing and able to travel from time to time, as needed for workshops, and training.

QUALIFICATIONS:

This position requires a BA/BS degree in business administration, agriculture, agribusiness, or a closely related field along with at least three years of relevant professional experience, or an equivalent of education and/or experience. Previous work experience in a non-profit organization is preferred.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

  • Commitment and passion for the NCAT mission;
  • Strong interest and knowledge of mission-driven, non-profit organizations;
  • Familiarity with ag-related organizations and government agencies;
  • Ability to navigate complex situations and work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders;
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with experience in public speaking, presentation, writing, research, and distilling complex material into digestible information for producers, the public, and external partners;
  • Ability to coordinate and liaison between several teams and disseminate information and communications;
  • Knowledge in the areas of sustainability and environmentally friendly, regenerative agricultural practices, soil health, climate-friendly farming, and/or water conservation;
  • The ability to build relationships with farmers, ranchers, community organizations, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other partners;
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, working with databases, and project management tools;
  • Knowledge or ability to learn federal procurement policies and procedures;
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment;
  • Ability to prioritize work assignments and to complete tasks in a timely manner;
  • Ability to travel, as occasional travel may be required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Promote and support NCAT’s mission;
  • Set up standard processes and procedures for the project;
  • Assist with ensuring USDA compliance with the project contracts and partner subcontracts;
  • Work closely with producers and partners to gather necessary information and documentation to meet federal requirements;
  • Work closely with NCAT admin team and accounting staff to process agreements and ensure timely payments to producers;
  • Work with NCAT Communications Team to produce outreach and communication materials;
  • Confirm producer eligibility for program participation and payment;
  • Process applications, contracts, and other necessary documentation for producers;
  • Submit producer payment requests for stipend distribution;
  • Assist with processing travel requests and other administrative documentation as needed;
  • Data entry into CRM and across various other tracking systems such as GIS, MS Excel, Data Management Software systems and applications;
  • Ensure USDA guidance is incorporated into all processes;
  • Support processing of sub-awardee payment requests in compliance with federal procurement policies and regulations;
  • Coordinate partnership team meetings and working groups, including but not limited to scheduling, preparing agendas, compiling, and distributing meeting notes, and keeping track of follow-up action items;
  • Prepare and submit project reports in a timely manner;
  • Aid in the collection and aggregation of reporting data across internal teams and external partner organizations;

SALARY AND BENEFITS: his salary is $58,000 – $65,000 annually depending on location, qualifications, and experience. Excellent benefits include a flexible schedule, vacation, sick, and holiday leave, health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, matching and year end contributions to a 401(k) plan, and a pleasant, professional environment.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate can be identified. Early applications are encouraged. Applicants are encouraged to visit the NCAT homepage and www.attra.ncat.org to learn more about NCAT. Current NCAT employees interested in the position should email Human Resources a letter of interest as soon as possible. All persons interested in being considered for the position should upload a resume and cover letter through BambooHR.  Please submit a current resume and a cover letter highlighting experience and skills relevant to the listed qualifications. Resume and cover letters can be uploaded at: https://ncat.bamboohr.com/careers.  Simply choose the position you are applying for and then click “apply for this job” to upload the required resume and cover letter. Questions about the application process can be directed to:

Kriss Sullivan, Director of Human Resources

e-mail: jobs@ncat.org

NCAT’s mission is to help people build resilient communities through local and sustainable solutions that reduce poverty, strengthen self-reliance, and protect natural resources. Our work brings together diverse partnerships and communities to help reduce poverty and protect our natural resources. We strive to be a multicultural organization that embraces the rich dimensions of diversity such as race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical ability, religious or political belief and marital or veteran status. Diversity creates healthy communities. Special consideration will be given to applicants who are reflective of the communities that we serve. NCAT is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For additional information about NCAT please visit our website at www.ncat.org.

Butte-Silver Bow and Partners Launch Resilient Butte Project

Butte-Silver Bow is partnering with the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) and Montana Technological University to develop a community Sustainability and Resilience Plan. County residents are invited to provide input, learn about the issues, and sign up for project working groups.

The bipartisan infrastructure bill recently passed by Congress represents the nation’s biggest investment in clean energy and providing local communities with the tools to fight climate disruption. These investments have the potential to boost local economic development tied to new sources of energy and to help communities prepare for climate change impacts such as drought, wildfire, and heat waves.

“There are going to be opportunities to boost our economy through new energy development, and Butte is well situated to benefit,” said Butte-Silver Bow Chief Executive J.P. Gallagher. “But we need to do this in a way that works best for our community, and that means planning ahead.” He said that this would include identifying potential locations and infrastructure needs for renewable energy developments such as solar, energy storage systems, or green hydrogen industries. Community engagement will help inform updates to BSB’s zoning code and the county’s Comprehensive Plan.

Gallagher also announced that BSB will participate in a National Science Foundation pilot project for community-based climate adaptation planning. Community workshops will be scheduled in the spring to identify critical community issues and develop local solutions. Several potential issues have been discussed by the three project partners, but priority focus areas will be guided by public input.

BSB residents are encouraged to take an online community survey to prioritize issues of concern, identify development opportunities, and sign up to get involved in the Resilient Butte project. The 5-minute survey is available at www.surveymonkey.com/r/ResilientButte.

One issue of concern is the health risk to vulnerable groups from increasingly smoky summers and the future likelihood of severe heat waves, such as the one that killed hundreds of people last summer in Washington and Oregon. Another vulnerability is growing wildfire risk to Butte’s municipal watersheds in Basin Creek, Moulton and the Big Hole. Concerns also have been raised about the long-term stability of reclamation areas on the Butte Hill as hotter, drier summers desiccate sites that have been revegetated. Butte also may experience population growth as people move away from climate impacts elsewhere, such as megafires in California or coastal flooding.

The adaptation workshops in late spring will be informed by the Montana Climate Assessment, developed by Montana universities to evaluate climate trends and projected impacts to Montana agriculture, forests, water resources, and public health. The workshops will be led by EcoAdapt, a nonprofit in Washington state, and Virginia Tech University, which jointly received a National Science Foundation award to determine the best approach for community-based planning for climate solutions. Butte is among eight communities across the nation selected to participate in this pilot project.

Montana Tech faculty and students will provide technical expertise and research to support the project. The project will tap Tech’s expertise in restoration ecology, environmental engineering, and watershed education. Engineering students will assist with a community energy assessment and greenhouse gas inventory. On March 23, the Montana Tech Public Lecture Series will feature Dr. Cathy Whitlock, a Montana State University Regents Professor and lead author of the Montana Climate Assessment.

“Montana Tech appreciates the opportunity to partner with Butte-Silver Bow, NCAT and our community to support a healthy and prosperous future,” said Chancellor Les Cook. “There are issues that we need to address, and there are new opportunities that we would be wise to consider.”

NCAT will coordinate community participation and educational programs, said Executive Director Steve Thompson. “NCAT provides technical assistance across the nation to develop practical solutions in support of community sustainability, regenerative agriculture, and clean energy. We have offices in 10 states, but Butte has been our headquarters for 46 years. We look forward to supporting our hometown through the Resilient Butte project.” 

NCAT AmeriCorps VISTA member Rylie Yaeger will be help coordinate opportunities for local residents to get involved in the planning process. “We’re inviting community members to participate in conversations about sustainability, climate resilience and economic development opportunities for Butte,” Yaeger said.

To learn more or get involved, contact Rylie Yaeger at Ryliey@ncat.org or 494-6644. Or find Resilient Butte on Facebook or Instagram.

Farmers Speak Out on Climate Solutions

By Jeff Schahczenski, NCAT Agricultural and Natural Resource Economist


American farmers are stepping up to demonstrate that agriculture can be an important part of the climate solution by improving the resilience of America’s food system, reducing emissions, and facilitating on-farm production of renewable energy. Now, thousands of U.S. farmers and ranchers have signed a joint letter calling on partners in the private and public sector to help advance these solutions and invest in our rural and agricultural communities.

One farmer who signed onto the letter is Nina Prater, a soil health specialist for the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) and a farmer in Cedarville, Arkansas. “As a farmer, I understand first-hand how intricately my livelihood—and the entire system of food production—is tied in with nature. Climate change is throwing all natural patterns out of order, and this disrupts our ability to produce food in an economically viable way. Farmers are uniquely positioned to help solve the problem of climate change through soil carbon sequestration,” Prater said.

NCAT encourages other farmers and ranchers to add your name to the letter. There is a version in English and a version in Spanish. You can read the letter at these links and add your name.

Montana farmers Doug and Anna Crabtree. Photo: Courtesy of Vilicus Farms

Montana farmers Doug Crabtree and Anna Jones-Crabtree. Photo: Courtesy of Vilicus Farms

In November 2019, NCAT agriculture economist Jeff Schahczenski co-authored a major report on agriculture and climate change that identified federal policy initiatives that would support farmers who are committed to being part of the climate solution. The report, published by the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, identifies policy opportunities to:

• build soil organic matter, soil health, and agricultural resilience;

• sequester C in soil and above-ground biomass;

• reduce greenhouse gas emissions;

• use resources sustainably; and

• maximize energy conservation.

NCAT is working with NSAC and its 116 member groups to make sure farmers have a direct voice in the national conversation about climate solutions in agriculture. In just a few months, more than 2000 farmers and ranchers from nearly every state have signed the letter. We have been overwhelmed with the response and want to build on this momentum!

If you are a food producer, please add your voice by April 15. Email addresses and contact information captured through the Google forms document will not be shared, sold, or retained by NSAC or any other party. Click here to read the letter and add your name.

Later this spring, NCAT, NSAC and partner groups will share this Farmer Letter on Climate Change in meetings with members of Congress, USDA program leaders, and other key decision-makers to urge effective policy action to combat climate change, and especially to help farmers and ranchers weather the storm and lead the way towards a more resilient future.

If you have any questions about the letter, contact Jeff Schahczenski at jeffs@ncat.org.