Data Collector, Local Food Switchboard

Maine Food Convergence Project (MFCP) (mainefoodconvergence.org) brings together organizations, networks, groups, and individuals across Maine to take collective action towards creating a thriving, equitable, and regenerative food system. We collaborate with diverse partners to leverage resources and creative problem-solving for food system transformation. At the core of our work are the values of Equity and Collective Power, Systems Thinking, and Networking Differently.

The Convergence Community includes people from all over Maine, and our Network Partners represent six networks working towards a shared vision of a coordinated and collaborative local food system that fosters the well-being of people, planet, and communities. .

MFCP hosts the Local Food Switchboard Project, a “virtual hub” with an online platform supported by coordination services that will streamline local food procurement, connect various interest-holders in Maine's food system, and make it easier for schools to buy fresh, local food from Maine’s farms and fisheries. Our project uses the online platform to keep track of food businesses, infrastructure, and resources, helping schools and local food providers connect and work together more smoothly.

Maine Food Convergence Project is a fiscally sponsored organization of Third Sector New England, Inc. (tsne.org)

Serve on the Advisory Team

• Participate in meetings and share your perspective on school meals, food access, and community needs
• Provide insights and guidance for the direction of the project

Data Collection and Outreach

• Gather and verify key information about Maine’s local food infrastructure such as farms fisheries, processors, storage sites, and distribution hubs
• Conduct phone outreach (cold calls) to food businesses and organizations to gather and verify data
• Conduct research through existing online databases, directories, and public records to compile and refine outreach lists
• Record and organize information in a shared database or mapping tool
• Build connections with local food system actors and contribute valuable data to the Switchboard
• Collaborate with the Switchboard team to identify gaps in the data and prioritize follow-up
• Engage with local food producers and stakeholders to build trust and relationships that support accurate and useful data collection
• Participate in regular team check-ins and training

We will consider exceptional candidates who demonstrate a strong combination of the specific qualifications and skills described below.

• Must have a passion and curiosity for local food systems, school food, farming and food justice, as well as a willingness to make change in your community.
• Have an interest in food, farming, climate and/or equity topics
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with others
• Enjoys working independently as well as on a team
• Familiarity and a willingness to learn data collection tools and/or software
• A strong desire to understand data and its implications
• Consistently dependable in completing tasks and maintaining data accuracy
• Great attention to detail and organization skills

Preferred not required:

• Experience with student leadership and organizing clubs, events, campaigns, peer groups, advocacy initiatives, or community-building activities
• Knowledge of your local food scene or school nutrition programs
• Multilingual skills or comfort speaking to a wide range of people
• Lived experience with school meals, rural communities, or food access challenges

Learning Benefits:

Personal Growth and Learning

• Develop a deeper understanding of Maine’s food system and gain hands-on research experience.
• Strengthen your research skills through training and real-world data collection and analysis.
• Build collaborative leadership skills by co-leading data collection with peers.
• Collaborate with food system professionals, educators, and community leaders, building connections and gaining valuable experience in decision-making.

Professional Development

• Contribute to an impactful food system project.
• Add to your résumé with real-world research and leadership experience in the local food system.
• Learn about career opportunities in food systems, policy, and sustainability.

Influence and Impact

• Be part of a project that aims to improve access to healthy, local food in schools across Maine.
• Contribute to creating sustainable, equitable connections between local food producers and schools, especially in underrepresented communities.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those for this position. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. Work is performed in an office environment and in close proximity to other workers.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to:

• Handle, or feel objects, tools or controls;
• Reach; traverse; sit (usually for longer periods of time); occasionally ascend/descend; and position self (to) move;
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds;
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate;
• Job is not subject to significant occupational or environmental hazards;
• Likelihood of personal injury would be relatively slight;
• Environmental and work hazards are not present to a measurable degree.

Compensation and Benefits

Location: Work will be primarily performed Hybrid - with weekly in-person team meetings 6-7 hours/week

Compensation: The hourly rate range for this position is $17.00 - $19.00/hour and is commensurate with experience.

Benefits: This position is not eligible for benefits.

TSNE/MFCP strives to achieve excellence through a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment that embraces all of our individual and collective differences. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Middle Eastern and North African, Bilingual and/or Bicultural candidates, and LGBTQ2SIA+ candidates are encouraged to apply. We value and honor the unique talents, learning styles, and lived experiences of each individual that enrich and strengthen our workplace culture, and we are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

All employment conditions are based on an individual’s performance and job qualifications. TSNE/MFCP prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, creed, color, religion, native language, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, race-based hairstyles, or any other protected characteristic stated by federal and state law. Regardless of any class’ protection under the law or lack thereof, TSNE/MFCP celebrates diversity and values the strengths that come with having a diverse team of employees. It is represented in our workplace culture, and it is who we are.

TSNE/MFCP's EEO statement extends to volunteers, interns, contractors, vendors, and clients.