Job Description

We at the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) take our responsibilities to you very seriously and are committed to protecting and promoting Georgia\'s agriculture through superior service and leadership.

\xc2\xb7 The mission of the GDA is to protect consumers, promote agriculture, both locally and globally, and assist our customers using education, technology, and a professional workforce.

\xc2\xb7 The vision of the GDA is to continue to be a globally recognized leader in agricultural excellence through a commitment to safety, quality, growth, and innovation.

Job Summary:

The Georgia Farm to School Coordinator, under the Marketing Division of the Georgia Department of Agriculture, will be responsible for implementing and expanding the existing Farm to School program throughout Georgia.

\xc2\xb7 The program aims to increase access to local and fresh foods in school meals, improve nutrition education, and create hands-on learning opportunities for students.

\xc2\xb7 The coordinator will work collaboratively with farmers, school nutrition directors, educators, and other stakeholders to increase local food procurement and promote the Georgia Grown program.

/ Essential Functions:

\xc2\xb7 Implement and expand the existing Farm to School program throughout Georgia.

\xc2\xb7 Work collaboratively with farmers, school nutrition directors, educators, and other stakeholders to increase local food procurement and promote the Georgia Grown program.

\xc2\xb7 Provide technical assistance to school nutrition directors on local food procurement, menu planning, and food safety.

\xc2\xb7 Create and deliver nutrition education materials for students, teachers, and food service staff.

\xc2\xb7 Facilitate relationships between farmers and schools to increase the availability of locally grown foods.

\xc2\xb7 Coordinate the distribution of local foods to schools and ensure compliance with food safety regulations.

\xc2\xb7 Assist with the development and implementation of school gardens and farm-based education programs.

\xc2\xb7 Maintain accurate records of program activities, including data on local food procurement and student participation.

\xc2\xb7 Collaborate with other state agencies and organizations to promote farm-to-school programs and increase funding opportunities.

\xc2\xb7 Participate in professional development opportunities related to farm-to-school programming.

Minimum Qualifications (State minimum):

Bachelor\'s degree in a related field from an accredited college or university AND Three years of related experience OR One year of experience required at the lower-level Marketing Spec 2 (GSP071) or position equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

\xc2\xb7 Experience working as a farm-to-school coordinator, marketer, or in a related field.

\xc2\xb7 Three years of experience working in school nutrition, food procurement, or marketing.

\xc2\xb7 Knowledge of farm-to-school programs and best practices.

\xc2\xb7 Experience developing and delivering nutrition education programs.

\xc2\xb7 Knowledge of Georgia agriculture and local food systems.

\xc2\xb7 Familiarity with USDA regulations related to school meals and food safety.

\xc2\xb7 Experience working with school gardens and farm-based education programs.

\xc2\xb7 Ability to travel throughout the state of Georgia.

Physical Demands:

\xc2\xb7 This position will require physical effort in the coordination, construction, and setup of events, trade shows, and farm/ plant tours including necessary travel for statewide, national, and international events.

\xc2\xb7 Hours of work are often extended daily and on weekends due to the nature of the work.

\xc2\xb7 The work environment consists of state government, private companies, farm, industrial, and manufacturing facilities, as well as trade show facilities.

NOTE: The Georgia Department of Agriculture conducts background checks on all final candidates. The hiring of applicants is contingent upon satisfactory results of employment verification, background and criminal records investigations, and motor vehicle reports.

HOW TO APPLY: Resumes may be submitted by adding to your profile in Team Georgia Careers.

\xc2\xb7 Via Team Georgia Careers

The GDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Due to the large volume of submissions received by this office, information concerning application and/or interview status cannot be provided. Selected applicants will be contacted for the next steps in the interview process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification.

If you need accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Office at (404) 656-3615.

** The position will be closed once a suitable candidate is identified *

Bachelor\'s degree in a related field from an accredited college or university AND Three years of related experience OR One year of experience required at the lower level Marketing Spec 2 (GSP071) or position equivalent.

State of Georgia