About This Role: Fort Hays State University in partnership with K-State Research and Extension Local Food Systems is seeking a Local Food Fellow to complete the local food system project: The future of Local Foods in Hays and its region.
This part-time, sixteen-week fellowship will run from Jan 29th to May 20th, 2024. This position will be remote with a weekly check-in on the Fort Hays State University campus.
Responsibilities:
• Establish a list/map of current local food providers. This might include:
➢ Research current local food vendors.
➢ Meet with community partners to learn about food producers.
➢ Visit producers and food processors on-site to document their business and establish a profile to share with the community.
• Assess the interest from the community into buying/consuming local food through an online survey.
• Propose a sustainable plan for the future: The farmers’ market in Hays is active May- October, so the fellow would be responsible for providing recommendation for October-May consumption of local food. In addition, the current local producers are aging so recommendations on a succession are desired.
• Complete final report to be submitted to K-State Research and Extension Local Food Systems Program Coordinator before finishing fellowship period.
Why Join Us: The Department of Agriculture at FHSU has eight full-time faculty positions serving more than 400 undergraduate students pursuing Bachelor of Science degrees in Agriculture or Agricultural Business with the latter available online. The Agriculture major includes options in Agricultural Education, Agronomy, Animal Science, Agricultural Leadership, Agricultural Communications, Business Agronomy and General Agriculture. Two full-time employees oversee individual operations (beef, sheep, swine, and dryland crop production) on a 3,825-acre University Farm. This facility is available to provide students with access to hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that complement the classroom experience. The Department is dedicated to serving its community, on and off campus. See the department’s home page at www.fhsu.edu/agriculture for additional information.
We Support Diversity and Inclusion: For more information about K-State Research and Extension Local Food Systems, please visit
http://www.kansaslocalfoods.org/ Kansas State University embraces diversity and inclusion. The university actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others. The University is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community.
What You’ll Need to Succeed:
Minimum Qualifications: • Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals, groups, and through mass media and social media.
• Possess computer skills including email, internet, and Microsoft Office Programs.
• Ability to drive to visit producers and to attend meetings of local stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications: • Experience working with individuals, groups, and co-workers to accomplish individual and/or group goals, as evidenced by previous leadership roles.
• Experience working with diverse audiences.
• Passion and interest for the food industry.
Other Requirements: • Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.
How to Apply: Please submit the following documents to Amanda Lindahl, Local Food System Program Coordinator: alindahl@Ksu.edu and Sophie Ano, Chair of the Department of Agriculture at FHSU: stano@fhsu.edu.
1. Letter of interest
2. Resume
Screening of Applications Begins: November 15, 2023
Stipend Amount: $5,440 for the 320 hour fellowship project
Equal Employment Opportunity: Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
