The Farmers Market Technology Specialist will be responsible for supporting Rhode Island farmers, state agency partners and other stakeholders in utilizing new technologies to facilitate federal food assistance programs at Rhode Island farmers markets. This position will be jointly managed by the RI Department of Environmental Management and Farm Fresh Rhode Island.
Rhode Island hosts a variety of food assistance programs that increase access to locally grown and produced foods to low-income communities across the state. These programs are facilitated through a range of local state agency and non-profit partners. Over the coming years two key food assistance programs — the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (WIC-FMNP) and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (Senior-FMNP) — will be shifting to utilize digital technologies.
The Farmers Market Technology Specialist will provide farmers market vendors and market managers with personalized training and technical assistance with a goal of increasing utilization of food assistance programs at farmers markets over the coming years. This position will work closely with the Farm Fresh RI Food Access and Administrative teams as well as the RI Department of Environmental Management and RI Department of Health WIC program on the roll-out of two new projects in 2023 and 2024. Additionally they will research national best practices and provide recommendations for how to shift additional food assistance programs into digital technologies in the future. Key responsibilities will be building relationships with farmers market partners, investigating training needs, developing training materials and agendas, and providing personalized 1:1 technical assistance to key stakeholders.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Farmer Training & Technical Assistance
- Investigate training needs for Rhode Island digital FMNP programs through local and national research and 1:1 interviews with key stakeholders.
- Develop digital FMNP training and outreach collateral for farmers market vendors, market managers and shoppers with a goal of increasing ease of use by all parties.
- Manage translation of training and outreach materials and secure translators for trainings as needed.
- In partnership with RI DOH and RI DEM staff, develop and host trainings for farmers on digital FMNP program changes in 2023 and 2024.
- Provide personalized onsite support for farmers currently accepting WIC and Senior FMNP in shifting to new digital systems.
Statewide Partnerships & Project Management
- Maintain positive working relationships with FMNP state agency and Farm Fresh RI staff.
- Work with third-party digital processor and state agency partners to document and help resolve digital FMNP rollout issues as they arise throughout the season.
- Shadow current program operations at markets to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Schedule and attend meetings with key farmers market stakeholders to inform them of program changes and support program outreach.
- Communicate regularly with state agencies issuing FMNP benefits to participants to align redemption opportunities and maximize use.
- Support program outcomes data tracking and reporting.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed to Perform this Role
- Must be able to build relationships with individuals from a variety of backgrounds.
- Self-starter and ability to maintain a self-motivating attitude.
- Passion for local food systems and social justice.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Ability to juggle and track multiple tasks and responsibilities.
- Demonstrated commitment to the success of co-workers and Farm Fresh RI’s mission and values.
- Strong project management skills and ability to prioritize and handle a variety of assignments simultaneously in a vibrant work environment.
- Must be able to travel throughout the state of RI to various market and farm sites in order to provide onsite trainings (business miles and travel time will be reimbursed).
Priority Skills
Candidates with any of the following skills will be prioritized:
- Spanish speaking or non-English language skills
- Deep understanding of communities in Providence, Pawtucket, and Central Falls
- Knowledge and experience with community organizing
Physical Demands (Physical, Mental & Environmental)
The following capabilities are required in order to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden on the company are available to address the following requirements.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit/stand for long periods of time at a desk; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls on computers; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear in meetings and on the telephone or on the computer in an office or variable setting.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Ability to travel throughout Rhode Island on a regular basis, and travel across states to attend conferences which may include travel via car, train, airline, overnight hotel stays.
Pay & Benefits
- $47,000 - $55,000 annual salary commensurate with experience
- 15 days Paid Time Off (PTO) and 14 paid company holidays
- Monthly contributions to flexible health, dental, and life insurance plans
- Annual professional development credit and opportunities
- IRA Matching contribution after 2 years of employment
To Apply
- Please send your resume and cover letter Attn: Thea Upham to [email protected] with subject line “Farm Technology Specialist.”
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until filled. Applications received by April 23m, 2023 will be given priority consideration.
- No phone calls or drop-ins please.
Organizational Info
Farm Fresh Rhode Island has grown briskly since achieving 501c3 status in 2007 to capture the public interest in locally grown food and translate it into sales for local and regional farmers and producers. Strongly mission-driven, Farm Fresh RI hosts a variety of programs to enhance the local food system, with particular attention to farm viability and low-income access to fresh food. Farm Fresh RI also operates a range of marketplace programs (retail, wholesale, processing) that engage and connect tens of thousands of eaters with thousands of farmers and food producers across the New England region.
Mission: Farm Fresh Rhode Island is growing a local food system that values the environment, health, and quality of life of farmers and eaters in our region.
Vision: A New England region abundant with diverse family farms and fertile soils, with locally and honestly produced foods and flavors at the heart of every table.
Farm Fresh Rhode Island’s work environment is fast-paced and collaborative. We value creative thinking, approach our work with energetic spirit, and strive to have fun together while we’re at it!
Farm Fresh Rhode Island is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment for all employees. We encourage enquiries from candidates who will enrich and contribute to the cultural and ethnic diversity of our organization. Farm Fresh RI does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, or disability status in employment or programming. Farm Fresh Rhode Island is an Equal Opportunity Provider.