SDSPA Accepting Applications for Specialty Crop Program Contractor
Position Summary
The South Dakota Specialty Crop Producers Association (sdSPA) invites highly motivated and qualified individuals to serve as an Independent Contractor to support critical educational outreach and program development efforts.
This vital contract position is responsible for executing the key goals of a three-year specialty crop grant, serving as the lead to coordinate specialized programs designed to educate South Dakota producers and manage the development of an essential Farmers Market Toolkit, ultimately driving the promotion and growth of specialty crops throughout the state.
The initial contract is for Year 1, with renewal for Years 2 and 3 contingent upon satisfactory performance and the achievement of stated deliverables.
Compensation and Commitment
- Position Status: Independent Contractor
- Year 1 Commitment: 216 hours
- Compensation Rate: $37 per hour
Core Duties and Responsibilities (Year 1)
- Specialty Crop Education, including hosting 12 educational meetings throughout the year:
- Organizing and logistics for all meetings.
- Speaker outreach and scheduling.
- Email communications to attendees and stakeholders.
- Video uploads and archiving of meeting content.
- Farmers Market Toolkit Development and Management: Lead the creation and initial setup of the resource toolkit:
- Toolkit content development.
- Recruitment of initial program participants/partners.
- Specialty Crop Promotion: Management of the Producer of the Year program:
- Soliciting and managing nominations.
- Contacting nominees, reviewing submissions, and promoting the selected producer.
Founded in 2001, SDSPA champions the production, marketing, and consumption of specialty crops and local products. Our members include growers, processors, chefs, marketers, consumers, resource providers, and others who share a commitment to a thriving local food system.
Please submit a cover letter and resume to SDSPAboard@gmail.com by 5:00 PM Central Time on Fri., Nov. 7, 2025.