Head of Research and Outreach  (Postdoctoral - Preferred but not Required)

Caney Fork Farms (CFF) is seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to join our team as the Head of Research and Outreach. You will work with the Farm Director to lead our growing effort to collect and synthesize a large body of on-farm research data, conduct insightful new research, and effectively communicate findings through popular and peer-reviewed publications, on farm tours, and at conferences and community events. As the Head of Research and Outreach, you will play a crucial role in shaping our research agenda in service of our goal to assess the impact of regenerative practices on diversified farms.

The Head of Research and Outreach will be based at Caney Fork Farms, a dynamic and growing regenerative farm in Middle TN, where they will manage the Research & Outreach Department. Reporting to the Farm Director and working closely with our dedicated Research Advisory Board, the Head of Research and Outreach will catalyze high-impact research, lead our well-established undergraduate summer Regenerative Agriculture and Research Internship Program, and coordinate efforts across a portfolio of externally-funded research projects. In order to foster close collaboration and provide academic support and mentorship for this postdoctoral-level position, The Head of Research and Outreach at CFF will be a co-appointed Research Associate in the CoveyLab at Skidmore College.

 

WHO WE ARE

Caney Fork Farms is a diversified regenerative organic farm in middle Tennessee. Our mission is to inspire others with living proof that regenerative organic farming in our region benefits farmers, the environment, and the community. CFF produces mixed vegetables, chestnuts, 100% grass-fed beef and lamb, and pasture-raised pork, and we sell directly to consumers in our region. Our work is centered around the soil, focusing on carbon farming practices that store atmospheric C02 below ground. In addition to farm production, we have a robust research program studying different organic agriculture methods and how those methods impact soil health, carbon sequestration, and overall agroecosystem health. We organize and share the information we have learned with stakeholders across the world. 

 

INTRODUCTION  

Caney Fork Farms conducts research that is of practical value for our farm operation and to other regenerative farms. Our research team comprises 8-10 researchers, professors, and lab scientists nationwide. At any given time, 2-4 grant-funded research projects occur amongst other on-farm research projects. There is an emphasis on soil carbon research, ecological monitoring, and crop trials. CFF is also proud to host two undergraduate interns each summer, providing an opportunity for students to engage in hands-on farm work and in-field research & data collection. We are in the process of expanding our undergraduate research with other colleges. CFF also is a ‘hub farm’ for Open Technology in Ecosystem & Agricultural Management (OpenTEAM), and an intensive research and development site for The Soil Inventory Project (tsip.org), a national-scale soil carbon inventory effort launched at CFF in 2020.

 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES 

• Collaborate with the research board to develop grant proposals for collaborative research projects.

• Collaborate with the research board to produce peer-reviewed publications. 

• Actively participate as a member of the CFF Leadership Team.

• Ensure the scientific integrity of all data collection processes.

• Maintain clear and accurate records for all research activities.

• Work closely with the research board to facilitate and execute studies.

• Respond promptly and appropriately to all correspondence.

• Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders, community members, and partners.

• Prepare reports and presentations to effectively communicate data and results to stakeholders.

• Manage research and education purchases to stay within budget.

 

DAILY OVERSIGHT AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with the Farm Director to build the annual research & education budget.

• Facilitate quarterly Zoom meetings with the research team and foster collaborative research efforts.

• Organize and attend meetings with PI’s to ensure all grant commitments are running smoothly.

• Lead fieldwork and data collection for research projects.

• Prepare data and organize folders for circulation amongst the research team & other stakeholders.

• Present and share updates from the research department with the CFF team.

• Assist in record keeping and maintaining clear farm management records as it relates to soil health monitoring.

• Serve as OpenTEAM hub point of contact

  • Attend all OpenTEAM hub & network meeting

  • Test the suite of tech and provide feedback to OpenTEAM

  • Engage with the OpenTEAM network by sharing data and findings from CFF

• Ensure the development, coordination, and implementation of all educational & community engagement activities are aligned with the mission and goals of the program and farm.

• Plan, execute, and supervise a 10-week research and farming program for undergraduate summer interns.

• Lead (or coordinate others to lead) on-farm tours, classroom visits, and other community engagement activities.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION 

• Flexible and adaptable

• Familiarity with lab sampling procedures

• Ability to organize and manage spreadsheets and datasets

• Effectively communicate research findings and trial information through writing and speaking

• Great record-keeping skills

• Proficient in GIS, Google Earth, and Excel/Google Sheets

• Familiarity with R or other statistical coding platforms

• Understanding of grants and sub-contractors

• Ability to coordinate and manage 2 undergraduate interns (potentially more)

• Ability to manage time and prioritize tasks

• Interested in community engagement and comfortable talking in front of groups

• Ability to lift 50 lb

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Doctorate in agriculture science, biology, environmental science, ecology, soil science, or related field 

• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

 

DIRECT REPORT DETAILS 

• Supervise 2 interns during a 10-week period in the summer

  • Interns are focused on collecting soil samples and participating in hands-on farm work

 

GUIDELINES AND TOOLS 

Guidelines that will help the team member in this position achieve success and follow company procedures include:

• Employee Handbook  

• Caney Fork Farms Google Drive, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Core Processes

• Mission and Values Statement 

 

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

• Continuous hours working on the computer to answer emails, organize data, and coordinate research and education activities

• Many hours in various weather conditions while walking, bending, and carrying up to 30 lbs

• Operating various tools & equipment such as  RTV’s, gas-powered bulk density rigs, and power tools

• This position is responsible for monitoring hazardous weather conditions that may occur and alerting direct reports when necessary

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• In the air-conditioned/heated office

• In various weather conditions in the field

• Driving on-farm vehicles such as Ram 1500 Truck, Kubota RTV, & Intimidator UTV