Description

This multidisciplinary position is a technical business development and project management position, in charge of projects involving the expansion of end markets to grow quality compost supply for healthy soils and agricultural use and infrastructure expansion. The position will employ skills involving project management, business development, partnership, and regulatory knowledge. This position will also engage with end markets in collaboration with the Compost Standards Director to promote the Seal of Testing Assurance Certification (STA) Program and demonstrate the benefits it delivers to end users by focusing on market research, analysis, and product development. Conducting these projects will require the position to facilitate or lead committees and task forces when appropriate.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities:

• Project managed USCC’s Conservation Innovation Grant.
• Facilitate efforts to increase the use of compost in agriculture and the positioning of compost in regenerative agriculture with the goal of expanding technical guidance through grants, regulations, and education on compost use in agriculture and non-agricultural applications. Provide technical expertise on the compost manufacturing process to staff, members, and the general public.
• Project manage efforts to provide USCC members with practical resources to support compost manufacturing operations, including guidance on temperature monitoring, pest control, sampling and testing procedures, safety, and equipment maintenance etc.
• Co-conduct the triennial Throughput Survey and support additional industry assessments as needed.
• Partner with the advocacy director by monitoring regulatory programs and issues, such as persistent herbicides, PFAS, microplastics, and food safety, for recommendations for coordination of the USCC response. 
• Develop business relationships with allied groups and work with the Market Development Committee and marketing department on outreach methods such as blogs, webinars, publications, and other awareness methods to increase compost use.
• With the Market Development Committee, promote the specification of the Seal of Testing Assurance Program product certification, recommending appropriate promotional or marketing methods, such as individual letters, newsletters, brochures, or presentations at meetings. Partner with the Standards 
• Manager and Marketing Team to educate the public about the importance of STA certification and compost testing.
• Coordinate, monitor, and/or supervise the activities of assigned contractors.
• Support USCC’s annual conference, events, and committees.
• Represent USCC on compost market organizations, such as ASLA, NALP, Regenerative Agriculture NGOs, IECA, American Hort, etc. 
• All other duties as assigned. 

Required Skills and Experience:

• Experience with the operation of compost production and facilities and/or compost sales.
• Project management experience is essential, along with training in horticulture, compost sales, and/or business development.
• Federal grant management experience is a plus.
• Knowledge of markets, processes, and logistics of compost application in agriculture.
• Strong facilitation, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as function effectively and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to monitor, analyze, consult, and report on programs and services.
• Advanced organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Excellent command of English language and grammar, both written and verbal.
• Proficient with computer applications and a thorough understanding of Microsoft Office, and the ability to learn and master other computer technology/software programs as needed.
• Ability and desire to earn their Certified Compost Operations Manager or Certified Compost Professional Certification within a year; certification within two years in the field or Project Management.

Competencies:

• Communication Proficiency
• Technical Capability: knowledge of Microsoft Excel
• Time Management Skills
• Business Development skills
• Passion for customer service

Position Main Areas of Focus:

• 30% Industry Development
• 30% Compost Use Expansion
• 15% Regulatory affairs
• 15% Administrative management
• 10% Events management