Oregon Regional Food System Coordinator at Oregon Department of Agriculture

Do you want to work for an agency committed to safeguarding Oregon's agriculture, natural resources, working lands, economies, and communities? At ODA, we aim to protect, promote, and sustain Oregon's agricultural and natural heritage for future generations. We seek individuals who share this commitment and are ready to contribute to this vital mission. If this describes you, join our Agricultural Economic & Trade Development Team as an Oregon Regional Food Systems Coordinator.

ODA’s Agricultural Economic Development Program is integral to the growth and sustainability of Oregon’s agricultural and food processing sector. This program assists farmers, ranchers, fishermen and food processors in local, domestic, and international markets. Through strategic partnerships, grant opportunities, and market development initiatives, the program ensures that Oregon’s products remain competitive and are recognized worldwide for their quality.

Why the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA):

Innovative Mission: At ODA, we're at the forefront of protecting and promoting Oregon's agricultural communities and economies, offering you the opportunity to be part of something truly impactful.

Diverse Programs: ODA has 38 programs, from our staff and constituents in the fields, to clean high-tech labs that serve every Oregonian, providing a rich and varied environment for you to work in.

Collaborative Agency: The staff (AGGIES) at ODA are unified in the mission to support our farmers, ranchers, fishers, and food producers across the state.

What you'll be doing:

· Establish long-range, strategic objectives for local and regional food system development through background research, stakeholder engagement, and alignment with existing guidance such as ODA’s strategic plan, project agreements, and funding terms and conditions.

· Coordinate activities and execute work-plans of the USDA’s Resilient Food System Infrastructure Supply Chain Coordination (RFSI SCC) Programs.

· Collaborate with program advisors and follow contracting guidelines to develop statements of work.

· Communicate regularly with a diverse group of project stakeholders and partners to gather and verify information and explain policies and processes.

· Manage budget development and tracking to ensure expenditures are within guidelines specified to meet USDA and ODA policies and procedures.

· Track and report on program outcomes and accomplishments based on approved goals through USDA.

To view the full description of duties for this position click here.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, Behavioral or Social Sciences, or a degree related to the agency program that demonstrates the capacity for the knowledge and skills; and two years’ experience coordinating or administering a program
OR
Any combination of experience or education equivalent to five years of experience that typically supports the knowledge and skill requirements listed for the classification.

Working conditions

May be required to conduct public meetings dealing with controversial issues. Hours may be irregular and include evening meetings and long hours may be required on occasion to meet specific program managerial needs. May require extensive overnight domestic travel. At times may be called upon to deal with hostile or agitated constituent groups or individuals. Hybrid position, however, this position has some requirements for in-person work at the office in Salem, Oregon.

Application Process

Required: Please attach a cover letter and a resume to your application. Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and requested skills (desired attributes) in your cover letter & resume. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to proceed in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history in your application materials.

Instructions for REQUIRED Cover Letter and Resume

Your cover letter and work history/resume should demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications, and the Desired Attributes, which are listed below.

· Attach your cover letter and resume (not to exceed two pages each) in the Resume/Cover Letter section of the application. Your cover letter and filename should include your name.

· In the body of your cover letter, please include responses to all Desired Attributes listed below.

· Address the cover letter “To the Hiring Manager.”

· Do not use a generic cover letter; please personalize your cover letter for this position. We read every letter.

Failure to follow these instructions may result in rejection of your application. All application materials will be evaluated for consistency of information, and your letter will be evaluated for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and language use in addition to demonstrated experience.

Desired Attributes:

· Self-starter and highly proficient at planning, coordinating, budgeting, and implementing multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.

· Demonstration of strong skills in developing relationships and building trust with diverse populations.

· Tolerance for uncertainty and ability to effectively lead partners through collaborative decision-making to implement program priorities.

· Detail-oriented and adaptable in dynamic environments.

· Proactively identifies gaps, risks, and inefficiencies in programs.

· Passion for working with local and regional food systems and being familiar with regulations that affect local and regional food systems.

· Uses a high degree of care and precision to develop, track and measure program outcomes and accomplishments.

Projected Recruitment Timeline

· Recruitment Closes: 7/27/25

· First Round interview: Week of 8/4/25

(Subject to change based on schedules)

Upon submitting your application, please be sure to check your account for pending questions and tasks such as declaring Veterans' Points and attaching supporting documentation.

Current state employees – please apply through your employee Workday account.

What’s in it for you

The State of Oregon offers a competitive and affordable health and benefits package, including excellent medical, vision and dental coverage, paid holidays off, and personal business leave, as well as paid and accrued vacation leave and sick leave. In addition to standard medical benefits and employee leave, the state also provides additional optional benefits, such as basic life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and childcare expenses. More information is available from the Public Employees Benefit Board.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are embedded in the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s core values. Employees at all levels of the agency work together to foster fairness, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The department strives to be a model employer committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may not meet every one of our listed preferred qualifications. Lived experience may count towards the desired attributes. If you are excited about this position, we encourage you to apply. If you are unsure as to whether you meet the minimum qualifications of this position, please contact our human resources department to discuss your application.

Additional Information:

· This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies

· Per the Pay Equity Law passed in 2017, an equal pay analysis will be conducted to determine the compensation of the successful candidate. The analysis will be based on the relevant experience, education, training, and certifications documented in the application materials.

· United States Employment Eligibility: The Oregon Department of Agriculture does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. The Oregon Employment Department is an E-Verify employer. If you are the successful candidate, you must present your I-9 acceptable documents (See page 3) for employment verification.

Questions/Need Help?

If you have questions about the recruitment or need an accommodation for the recruitment process, please email to: oda.recruitment@oda.oregon.gov or call 503-986-4584.

remote type

Hybrid Work Optional

locations

Salem | ODA | Headquarters Office

time type

Full time

posted on

Posted Yesterday

job requisition id

REQ-184060

Initial Posting Date:

07/16/2025

Application Deadline:

07/27/2025

Agency:

Department of Agriculture

Salary Range:

$5,325 - $8,148

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Oregon Regional Food System Coordinator

** The Oregon Regional Food System Coordinator This is a full-time, limited duration position, currently funded through December 2026. Continuation beyond this date is subject to available funding.**

Link to job posting: https://oregon.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/SOR_External_Career_Site/job/Salem--ODA--Headquarters-Office/Oregon-Regional-Food-System-Coordinator_REQ-184060