RESEARCH SPECIALIST SR, INDIGENOUS FOOD SYSTEMS at Arizona State University

Research Specialist Sr, Indigenous Food Systems

Arizona State University

The Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems

105115BR

Campus: Tempe

Job Description

The Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems is seeking a Food Systems Research Specialist to join our team to support our research and education efforts to meet the challenges facing our food system. In this position, the selected candidate will take on various duties in research, education and outreach to build on our Center priorities and objectives. Currently the Center is focusing on strengthening the knowledge and understanding of organic or regenerative agriculture in meeting the challenges of climate change, innovations in agriculture and food to feed the planet, and methodologies such as true cost accounting that help decisionmakers across the food system.

Salary Range

$44,100 - $70,000 per year; DOE

Close Date

04-November-2024

Essential Duties

Under general supervision, the Food Systems Research Specialist will provide expertise in agriculture and food policy, food systems, and/or service-related activities of the Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems in accordance with its established goals and assignments. The Food Systems Research Specialist will participate in a project in collaboration with other Swette staff on programs encouraging Arizona farmers to move to more climate friendly practices, learning from certified organic producers and those who practice with Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TKE). This position will also be responsible for developing and initiating outreach and recruitment strategies for incoming undergrad and graduate students in Indigenous communities. This has always been a goal of the Swette Center’s academic programs but is critically important now under the recently awarded USDA NextGen grant which is designed to support historically underserved communities.

Arizona Producer-Focused Program (30%):

• Stakeholder outreach and engagement around the Climate-Smart and TOPP programs, particularly focusing on tribal communities.
• Organize and host farm days, educational videos, presentations, and training sessions to drive wider adoption of climate-smart and organic practices.
• Assist in the preparation and writing of research progress reports, papers for publication, and documentation required for USDA compliance.

Indigenous Outreach and Recruitment (30%):

• Develop and execute stakeholder outreach and engagement strategies for recruiting of Indigenous students for our food systems degree programs.
• Develop and maintain relations with organizations likely to support or encourage food systems education for Indigenous students across the country.
• Travel to meetings, conferences and schools to promote ASU’s food systems degree programs and recruit Indigenous candidates.

General Responsibilities (40%):

• Coordinates, researches and develops resource materials to meet the needs of the Executive Director for research proposals, course materials, speeches, presentations and/or papers.
• Collects and analyzes research data and other literature and drafts research materials as part of the research team for the Swette Center’s food policy related research activities - currently true cost accounting of food production, organic agriculture, indigenous foodways and climate related food policy but will evolve over time.
• Acts as liaison on behalf of the Center staff with the community, students, faculty, and staff.
• May assist in developing grant proposals, budgets, performance indicators, and accountability reports for new activities.
• Advises students, staff and others to provide technical knowledge, problem solving assistance, answers to questions regarding goals and policy of the Center.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a field appropriate to the area of assignment AND four years related research experience; OR, Master's degree in a field appropriate to the area of assignment AND two years related research experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with food systems, agriculture or food policy, Indigenous communities, climate, environment and sustainability through work or education
• Evidence of having a record of, or potential for, scholarly research.
• Evidence of a master’s degree relating to climate change, sustainable food systems, sustainability, food policy, environmental studies, or an affiliated field.
• Candidates for the position should have a strong interest in the field and a willingness to mentor our students.
• Evidence of having a commitment to the core principles of sustainable economic, environmental and social justice for present and future generations.

Working Environment

• Extended periods of sitting, keyboarding and manipulating a computer mouse.
• Required to stand for varying lengths of time and walk moderate distances to perform work.
• Regular activities require ability to quickly change priorities, which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts.
• Clearly communicate to perform essential functions.
• Regular use of standard office equipment including, but not limited to: computer workstation/laptop (keyboard, monitor, mouse), printer, fax, calculator, copier, telephone and associated computer/technology peripherals.
• This position receives managerial review of objectives

Department Statement

Achieving sustainable food systems requires problem-solving teams who are infused with a diversity of expertise, eager collaboration, and innovative spirit. Established in 2017, the Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems at Arizona State University develops innovative ideas and solutions to the many challenges of current food systems. The Swette Center takes a holistic approach in research and policy design, encompassing water and energy use, carbon footprint and nutrition, innovations in food policy, and the well-being and livelihood of farmers and others working in food systems. The Center will educate the next generation of changemakers through innovative degrees and executive programs in sustainable food systems. Swette Center food system experts come from every corner of the university, including from the pool of more than 550 sustainability scientists and scholars who are dedicated to pursuing solutions, engagement, education and research for a sustainable future. Under the leadership of Dr. Kathleen Merrigan, former US Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer of the USDA and internationally renowned expert on food systems and sustainability, we work on cutting edge science and policy.

ASU Statement

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit  https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at  https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf . You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU PD at 480-965-3456.

Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/az-resources.

Employment Verification Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Instructions to Apply

Application deadline is 3:00PM Arizona time on the date indicated.

Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position.

Resume should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position.

ASU does not pay for travel expenses associated with interviews, unless otherwise indicated.

Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.

To view full description or to apply please click this link: https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGnewUI/Search/Home/Home?partnerid=25620&siteid=5494#jobDetails=5009952_5494