Search #: 495077
Work type: Part-time
Location: Tolland County Extension Ctr
Categories: Research

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to an Extension Educator in Sustainable Food Systems, the Research Assistant 2 will work in an applied research capacity in the Department of Extension to help shorten the distance between production and consumption of local food in schools and early childhood centers. The Research Assistant 2 will be deeply involved in data collection, analysis, interpretation and reporting of complex program data associated with federal and state reporting requirements, strategic decision making, and collaboration with partners.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties include, but are not limited to:

1. Research the current food purchasing practices of school food directors and develop frameworks to assess their spending on food using both federal and revenue dollars.
2. Assist in the design of data collection systems; develop and manage data collection procedures, surveys, and techniques and in defining research protocols.
3. Gather data in order to aggregate demand by schools for locally grown food in a target region; evaluate data and prepare analytical reports in compliance with federal reporting requirements and to assist with strategic planning for grant funding.
4. Based on qualitative and quantitative data collection, provide strategic input on how to increase the procurement of locally grown food in schools and early childhood centers.
5. Develop training tools for farmers regarding opportunities to sell to schools and early childhood education centers.
6. Develop guidance tools for decision-makers in schools and early childhood centers regarding opportunities to purchase from local food producers.
7. Facilitate business-to-business networking between local food producers and buyers in schools and early childhood centers.
8. Lead program evaluation protocols using survey tools and interviews to ensure accuracy; design and produce performance measurement reports.
9. Develop and maintain online tools, including web content creation and curation, and digital farm map management.
10. Support the activities of state agencies, school districts, and community-based organizations in their efforts to increase farm to school activities and transactions.
11. Ensure adherence to and advancement of quality assurance policies and procedures focused on enhancing overall system quality.
12. Assist faculty to identify and analyze problems for further investigation and evaluation; interpret and communicate findings and results.
13. Develop new partnerships in support of black, brown, indigenous-led organizations and communities who share an interest in universal access to healthy school meals and values-based procurement.
14. Responsible for communication about program results to stakeholders.
15. Work in a multi-disciplinary team environment; regularly interact with faculty, staff, clientele and regulatory agencies.
16. Perform related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. B.A. or B.S. and two to three years of post-degree experience or an M.A. or M.S. in related discipline. Equivalent specialized training and experience may be considered for those without a degree.
2. At least 3 years of experience working in schools and with school food service directors promoting farm to school
3. Experience and knowledge of different approaches to food system metrics
4. Experience designing and conducting program evaluations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Understanding of the challenges faced by local food producers operating in Connecticut
2. Understanding of the challenges faced by school districts in regards to their food service program
3. Demonstrates knowledge of current obstacles to sourcing from local food producers in schools and early childhood centers
4. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
5. Experience creating e-newsletters, and using web and social media platforms for communication tasks
6. Excellent oral and written communication skills
7. Experience developing and delivering presentations to professionals

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a half-time (20 hours per week), 12-month appointment, with an excellent benefits package including medical and retirement. This is a one-year, end date position, which may be renewed pending funding and performance.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at UConn Jobs, www.jobs.uconn.edu, Staff Positions, Search #495077 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Your cover letter should address how you meet all of the minimum qualifications.

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on April 28, 2021.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.

Advertised: Apr 14 2021 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Apr 28 2021 Eastern Daylight Time