Wool Specialist Contractor
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 Wool Specialist will assist up to 100 wool producers in implementing the project’s Wool Improvement Fund to help access premium wool markets. The Wool Improvement Fund will provide a stipend to producers that will be used to ensure a higher quality product by improving shearing infrastructure and support. To do so, the Wool Specialist will deliver technical assistance to producers to improve wool quality and value. This position will also be the point of contact for wool buyers, participating wool growers, and partners for potential wool sales in the Western region.
Tasks:
- Provide technical guidance and training via email, phone, and in-person visits to wool producers on best practices for animal husbandry, shearing, fleece handling, and wool preparation to improve fiber quality (grading, classing, and contamination reduction) for targeted markets.
- Serve as a resource to participating wool growers on production improvement techniques and equipment.
- Coordinate with project Technical Assistance Providers and other project stakeholders to align wool improvement strategies.
- Collect necessary documentation and verification from wool growers to successfully establish and deploy the Wool Improvement Fund.
- Create program materials for the Wool Improvement Fund.
- Aggregate wool data, such as but not limited to wool bale reports.
- Coordinate as needed the aggregation of wool from multiple producers to streamline processing and sales, assist in identifying and securing buyers or processors interested in purchasing high-quality wool, and/or facilitate producer access to value-added markets or cooperative marketing arrangements.
- Maintain records of sales, pricing trends, and buyer feedback to inform ongoing program development.
- Contribute to quarterly reports by providing updates on wool quality progress, logistical coordination, and market activity.
- Maintain clear records of producer participation and support provided.
- Regularly communicate with the project supervisor and participate in project check-in meetings.
Deliverables:
- Track and report hours worked, and tasks completed in accordance with contract expectations.
- Ensure full execution and documentation of the Wool Improvement Fund.
- Contribute to quarterly reports by providing updates on wool quality progress, logistical coordination, and market activity.
- Maintain clear records of producer participation and support provided.
- Additional deliverables may be outlined in the final contract.
Contract Term:
NCAT expects to contract a Wool Specialist for the life of the project (Spring 2026 through March 2028). The estimated level of effort is an average of 60 hours a month, busier in winter/spring, up to a maximum of 2,000 hours for contract term.
Location:
The contractor must be located in California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Montana, South Dakota, Utah, or Wyoming.
Qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience in wool production, sheep husbandry, or fiber quality improvement
- At least 2 years’ experience in wool grading, classing, and processing standards.
- Experience with logistics coordination, aggregation, and transport of agricultural commodities preferred.
- Ability to communicate effectively with wool supply chain; shearers, wool help, producers, processors, and buyers.
- Demonstrated experience in program coordination.
- Strong organizational skills and self-directed time management.
- Ability to travel as needed, estimated 15% of the time.
Requirements:
- 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.
- 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.
- Availability to travel occasionally to deliver technical assistance. Travel and costs will be organized by NCAT.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Interested individuals should submit a proposal by submitting the following documents to jobs@ncat.org
The following documents must be included:
- “Wool 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 February 9, 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
