Urban Agriculture Associate

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin February 6, 2026 and will continue until suitable candidates are identified. 

Anticipated Start Date: April 1st, 2026 

Location: Flexible/remote within or near Michigan urban center (preference for Lansing or Detroit) 

Pollinator Partnership (P2) is looking for a passionate professional who possesses the skills to assist with the advancement of sustainable urban agriculture in Michigan. There is one part-time (PT; 20 hours per week) Urban Agriculture Associate position available. This individual will work together with the Urban Agricultural Coordinator to develop and implement workshops to support urban and underserved growers, support pollinator conservation in urban agriculture, and facilitate peer to peer urban agriculture support networks. This individual will work with NRCS staff and their partners, as needed. This position will provide outreach, education, and technical assistance to a diversity of private landowners and partner organizations to accelerate adoption of pollinator and other wildlife conservation practices in urban agricultural settings. Coverage area will primarily be focused in urban centers in Michigan. The candidate should be a team-oriented professional, have a strong work ethic, and be committed to the mission and values of P2. 

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks: 

The Urban Agriculture Associate is responsible for the following duties and others as assigned: 

• Develop P2’s relationships and foster new partnerships with urban agricultural contacts, including farmers, community leaders, conservation professionals, extension staff, and others.
• Provide project-specific technical support on pollinator and beneficial insect conservation techniques to farmers managing urban farms and to agricultural and community organizations.
• Coordinate and conduct in-person and virtual workshops (trainings, field days, etc.) and build peer-to-peer support networks for urban and small farm communities.
• Identify and coordinate with urban farm ambassadors to serve as demonstration habitat sites for field days, workshops, and mentorship activities.
• Gain familiarity and expertise with Michigan-specific NRCS programs and staff points of contact.
• Support development of an urban agriculture guide relating to supporting pollinators, practicing Integrated Pest Management, and utilizing Farm Bill programs in these unique and sometimes challenging landscapes.
• Accelerate conservation program enrollment by working with NRCS, P2 contacts, and other partners.
• Provide technical assistance for conservation practice implementation in urban agriculture (pollinator habitat focus).
• Coordinate and routinely communicate with P2 colleagues, NRCS State, Area, and Field Office staff, and key partners in Michigan regarding project activities and status updates

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

Candidates should possess the following minimum qualifications: 

• Ability to build trust and communicate clearly and effectively with farmers, landowners, and partners.
• Ability to work independently and remotely with little supervision and with diverse clientele. Must be a motivated self-starter with strong interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of the ecology of bees, butterflies, other pollinators, and natural enemies of crop pests.
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, grassland, wetland, and early successional habitat management including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools in the development of management plans.
• Plant identification skills, with specific familiarity with forbs, shrubs, and trees that are beneficial to pollinators.
• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife habitat programs provided by federal, state, & local entities. In addition, knowledge of how these programs are implemented in an urban agricultural landscape is desired.
• At least a basic understanding of regional urban farming systems and crops, including pesticides and pesticide use, and experience with common agricultural practices of the Midwest.
• Knowledge of IPM practices, jobshiringnearme.org Biological Control, and other strategies for reducing negative impacts of pest management on pollinators and other beneficial insects.
• Strong organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail, with demonstrated ability to manage demanding workloads.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to develop and give engaging presentations to audiences of more than twenty adults.
• Comfortable working outside, willing and able to work across various habitat settings.
• Ability to travel throughout home region (with occasional travel to other parts of the state) to conduct site visits and workshops.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Google Drive, etc.).
• Valid driver’s license required; use of personal vehicle required with a mileage reimbursement provided.
• As a remote employee, individuals will need computer access and a workspace.

Education and Experience Preferred: A combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Preferred candidates have or are in the process of obtaining a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ecology, Agroecology, or closely related natural resources field. The ideal candidate will exhibit a balance of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills required to implement voluntary conservation programs on private lands. Practical and/or professional experience in urban farming and agricultural disciplines is highly beneficial. 

Schedule, Compensation, and Benefits: 

 This is a fixed-term, part-time, hourly position, approximately 20 hours/week with some scheduling flexibility. Rate of pay is $22.00/hr. Travel, lodging, mileage, and per diem expenses will be reimbursed, but are not to exceed a set amount, subject to prior approval from supervisor.  

Terms: Pollinator Partnership is an at-will employer. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. 

Duration: This position is made available through a USDA grant-funded program, with employment term ending December 1st, 2026.