HudsonAlpha - Wiregrass Agricultural Project Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

Position: Wiregrass Agricultural Project Coordinator

Position Type: Full-Time

Schedule: On-site, Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the HudsonAlpha Wiregrass facilities, unless traveling or in the field

INSTITUTE OVERVIEW

The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology ( is a non-profit organization with the mission to use biotechnology and basic biological research to make important discoveries, improve human health, stimulate economic development, inspire young people to seek careers in science and teach members of the public the importance of science in their everyday lives. Located in Cummings Research Park in Huntsville, Alabama, one of the world's leading science and technology parks, HudsonAlpha's campus contains state-of-the-art laboratories for biological research and development, as well as education, in the areas of genomics, genetics and personalized medicine.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The WIREGRASS Peanut Project (With Innovative Regional Experience Growing Real Advancements through Student Scientists) merges cutting-edge genomics research with high school STEM education. It aims to develop disease- and drought-resistant peanut varieties while giving students real-world lab and field experience. This project also serves as a platform to deepen collaboration with the Wiregrass agricultural community and advance ag tech innovation.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Agricultural Project Coordinator will be the public-facing agriculture liaison for HudsonAlpha Wiregrass-building strong relationships with farmers, associations, and stakeholders to expand the impact of the WIREGRASS Peanut Project and related AgTech initiatives. This role bridges research, outreach, economic development, and innovation.

JOB SPECIFIC TASKS

The Project Coordinator will:

1. Engage with Farmers & Industry

• Develop relationships with 3–5 new farmers or ag stakeholders weekly through on-farm visits, calls, meetings, and networking.
• Cultivate trust-based relationships with producers, co-ops, associations, and extension agents.
• Represent HudsonAlpha at agriculture-related events (trade shows, field days, conferences, and association meetings).
• Maintain an active presence with groups such as Alabama Peanut Producers Association, Georgia Peanut Commission, and American Peanut Council.
• Engage Young Farmer and Adult Farmer organizations regularly.

2. Research Support & Field Coordination

• Serve as liaison for peanut genomics and AgTech field trials including WIREGRASS TRIALS .
• Coordinate with scientists, consultants, and farmers to support data collection, field trial design, and farmer feedback loops.
• Translate scientific findings into practical, easy-to-understand content for farmers and stakeholders.

3. Communication, Storytelling & Education

• Promote peanut varieties and AgTech tools through farmer stories, testimonials, newsletters, and educational campaigns.
• Create and maintain outreach materials: flyers, charts, social media content, and video/photo assets.
• Assist with digital and traditional communications around HudsonAlpha Wiregrass agriculture work.

4. AgTech Innovation & Outreach

• Conduct needs assessments with farmers to identify challenges and AgTech opportunities (e.g., automation, precision irrigation, data platforms).
• Maintain a database of AgTech solutions and companies to support local "matchmaking" between tech and farms.
• Build connections between AgTech Accelerator companies and Wiregrass producers.

5. Pilot Programs, Grants & Events

• Identify, write, or support grant applications for pilot programs and AgTech demonstration projects (USDA, state, or private).
• Coordinate on-farm tech pilot programs, collect performance data, and evaluate ROI and farmer satisfaction.
• Help plan and deliver workshops, trainings, and a Wiregrass AgTech Symposium/Conference at the Innovation Center.

6. Partnerships & Ecosystem Development

• Strengthen ties with Auburn, Tuskegee, local high schools, and community colleges around agriculture programming.
• Serve as a connector between HudsonAlpha Wiregrass, economic development organizations, and regional ag businesses.
• Support the Wiregrass Agriculture Advisory Committee.

7. Measurement & Impact

• Track AgTech adoption, impact metrics (yield, savings, productivity), and environmental outcomes.
• Collect regular feedback from producers to refine programming and inform research direction.

EDUCATION AND REQUIRED SKILLS EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in agriculture, public relations, communications, or related field
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Organized and adaptable with solid tech/computer skills

Preferred:

• Experience in agriculture outreach, education, or extension
• Familiarity with Wiregrass/Southeastern U.S. agricultural practices
• Experience with social media, basic design tools, and Mac/Apple systems

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors/Mental Functions

ADA Requirements – The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer - All job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to travel between sites within Alabama (1 – 4 hour trips)
• Close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Working in the field for prolonged periods
• Communicate in person and over the telephone.

Environmental Factors

• Perform work in the field
• Tolerate moderate noise level (i.e. business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic).

Mental Functions

• Continuous mental and visual attention.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in the English language.
• Analyze and solve problems.
• Learn and apply new skills and information.
• Read and interpret data, information, and documents.

It is the policy of HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, in accordance with all applicable laws, to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.