Agriculture Labor Consultant and Training Contractor RFP

Rocky Mountain Farmers Union (RMFU) is a grassroots organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for family farmers, ranchers, agricultural workers, and rural communities in Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming. Founded in 1907, RMFU has a long history of promoting sustainable agriculture, advocating for fair farm policies, and fostering strong rural communities.

Independent Contractor: Agriculture Labor Consultant and Facilitator

Organization: Rocky Mountain Farmers Union

Location: Colorado 

Description: RMFU is seeking a dynamic contractor to serve as an agriculture labor consultant and meeting facilitator within RMFU’s Employer Services and Workforce Support program. The RMFU Employer Services and Workforce Support program supports employers in compliance of state and federal regulations, provides resources and available trainings, and facilitates meetings within the workforce of participating farms and ranches. The successful candidate will be responsible for holding meetings with English and Spanish-speaking agricultural workers at specific farms across the state of Colorado. This individual will facilitate communication, providing support, and promoting resources to enhance the well-being and empowerment of agricultural workers on enrolled farms and ranches. The position involves travel within Colorado to meet with agriculture workers and their employers in various settings.

Responsibilities:

• Organize and facilitate gatherings of participating agriculture workers, providing space for them to offer feedback and voice their experience and needs to be successful in their current positions.
• Establish and maintain relationships with agricultural communities, organizations, and stakeholders to understand their needs and priorities.
• Coordinate and participate in community trainings, workshops, and meetings to support the needs of agriculture workers and aid employers in compliance of state regulations.
• Provide support to employers for offering trainings to workers in English or Spanish.
• Provide general information about available resources, programs, and services available for agricultural workers in Colorado.
• Provide information and referrals to community-based organizations, social service agencies, and government programs.
• Promote opportunities for social connection and for workers to connect and participate in community gatherings in the area they are working.
• Maintain accurate records of outreach activities, interactions, and outcomes for reporting and evaluation purposes.
• Always represent the interests of Rocky Mountain Farmers Union professionally.

Required Qualifications:

• Must be fluent in both spoken and written Spanish and English.
• Possess an understanding of the experience and issues facing agriculture workers in Colorado. 
• Strong listening, facilitating, and relationship-building skills.
• Creative thinker with the ability to generate innovative ideas to elicit participation and build trust.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and communicate efficiently with RMFU staff.
• Valid Driver’s License and willingness to travel throughout Colorado.

Desired Qualifications:

• Familiarity with the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union and its mission.
• Experience working on a farm or ranch.
• Knowledge of agriculture labor rights, rules, regulations and available resources in Colorado.

Compensation: This is a contract position that will pay by the event at a negotiated price based on an approved plan.  There is a total of $6,000 allocated to this work that should be completed between upon hiring through November 1^st, 2024.

How to Apply: Please submit a resume, cover letter, and three references to Daniel.Waldvogle@rmfu.org. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted.