Full time
Job Number: job requisition
id
R0078701
Location: Little Rock
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Closing Date:
Type
of Position:
Researchers
Workstudy Position:
No
Job
Type:
Regular
Work Shift:
Sponsorship
Available:
No
Institution Name:
Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas
The
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus, with faculty based on University campuses, at Research and
Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas
Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and is home to more than 1400 employees. The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the
Vice-President for Agriculture. The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System
Administration. As an employer, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace
culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance.
Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary
documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply
link/button.
If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process and require reasonable accommodations, please
contact the Division’s Office of Program & Employment Compliance at [email protected].
For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact
Human Resources at 501-671-2219 or 479-502-9820.
Department:
Horticulture * Associate
Professor
Department’s Website:
uada.edu
Summary of Job Duties:
The Local Foods
Program Associate will support the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program by strengthening connections among local food
producers, aggregators, distributors, and buyers to enhance the regional food supply chain. This position will focus on developing
partnerships and coordinating sourcing efforts to supply local food into regional food hubs and institutional markets.
The Program
Associate will work within the Department of Horticulture as part of the Local, Regional, and Safe Foods (LRSF) Team, under the direction of
Dr. Amanda Philyaw Perez, in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, and other key partners and organizations supporting
the Arkansas food system.
________________________________________
Program Development and Coordination
* Coordinate efforts among
farmers, food businesses, food hubs, and institutional buyers to strengthen local and regional supply chains.
* Support farmers and food
businesses in utilizing RFSI funds for equipment, transportation, or infrastructure that enhances aggregation and distribution
capacity.
* Work with LRSF and partner organizations to identify sourcing opportunities for food hubs and other local food access
points.
* Assist in developing educational and technical assistance resources focused on business development, supply chain management,
and local food aggregation.
* Provide training, collaboration, and support to county extension agents and community partners involved in
local food system development.
* Coordinate site visits, technical assistance requests, and stakeholder meetings (in-person and
virtual).
* Track and evaluate program activities, data collection, and reporting requirements in collaboration with the Arkansas
Department of Agriculture and USDA.
________________________________________
Local Food Outreach and Education
* Develop and
implement outreach and education strategies to increase awareness of local food systems, regional food hubs, and the benefits of sourcing
locally.
* Create and distribute educational materials, digital content, and promotional media highlighting Arkansas-grown products and
producers.
* Support and organize community events, workshops, and farm tours to engage diverse audiences, including farmers, buyers,
educators, and consumers.
* Collaborate with partners to deliver training on local food sourcing, food safety, value chain coordination,
and market readiness for growers.
* Represent the program at conferences, meetings, and community events to strengthen relationships and
share success stories from the field.
* Support garden-based educational program
development.
________________________________________
Travel and Work Environment
* Travel to farms, aggregation facilities,
meetings, and conferences within and outside Arkansas (approximately 20% travel).
* Work in office, field, and facility settings under
varying weather conditions.
* Must be a self-starter capable of independent work and effective collaboration within a multidisciplinary
team.
________________________________________
Hiring Supervisor: Dr. Amanda Philyaw Perez, Associate Professor, University of
Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service
Email: [email protected]
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree in agricultural education, horticulture, food systems, public health, food science, urban planning, or
related field plus 3 years of related experience OR a related Master’s degree is required.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in local food systems, supply chain coordination, produce safety, or agricultural business
development.
- Understanding of specialty crop production, food aggregation and distribution logistics, and food safety
practices. - Strong communication skills (written and oral), including experience in outreach, curriculum development, or public
presentations. - Familiarity with marketing, buyer engagement, or supply chain software and data tracking tools.
- Experience in
on-farm or food hub operations is a plus.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
-
- Excellent written and verbal
communication skills. - Proficiency in Microsoft Office, data management tools, and digital communications platforms.
- Ability
to develop and deliver engaging presentations and outreach materials. - Strong initiative, organizational skills, and ability to work
independently and collaboratively. - Commitment to fostering resilient local food systems.
- Excellent written and verbal
Additional
Information:
Salary Information:
Commensurate with education and experience
Required Documents to
Apply:
Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume,
Unofficial/Official Transcript(s)
Optional Documents:
Special Instructions to
Applicants:
Recruitment Contact Information:
Amanda Philyaw Perez, Associate Professor,
501-671-2228
All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS
Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.
Pre-employment Screening
Requirements:
Motor Vehicle Reports Check
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct
pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment. The background checks may include a
criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal background
check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the
requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state
and federal law.
The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its
education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including
age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual
orientation, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may
be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.
Persons must have
proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.
All application information is subject to
public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.
Constant Physical Activity:
Driving,
Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Pulling, Pushing, Reaching, Standing, Stooping, Talking,
Walking
Frequent Physical Activity:
Driving, Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including
keyboarding, Sitting, Standing, Talking, Walking
Occasional Physical Activity:
Driving, Hearing,
Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Sitting, Standing, Talking, Walking
Benefits
Eligible:
Yes
Source ⇲
