About Us

Since 2000, ACORN has been the key organization for information on organic agriculture, eating organics, and connecting all the parts together in Atlantic Canada. From seed to farmer to consumer, ACORN works to bring the whole picture together–making food choices healthier and more environmentally responsible. For more information, see www.acornorganic.org.

Job Description

The Nova Scotia Organic Market Research Assistant will support ACORN's Outreach &
Marketing Coordinator in conducting a short-term organic market study amongst retailers in Nova Scotia. The purpose of the study is to assess the potential for Nova Scotia-grown organic products to replace imported organic items. The focus will be on assessing the volume and frequency of organic items being imported to meet consumer demand that can (or are) being grown in the province.

ACORN conducted a similar study in New Brunswick in 2011 and identified many import replacement marketing opportunities for local organic producers. In addition to arranging and leading interviews, the Research Assistant will also support in completing a final report and developing resources to communicate findings to the Nova Scotia organic sector - all with the goal of helping existing organic farmers expand their markets and demonstrating the organic potential to other farmers.

Specific responsibilities

• Interviewing: Coordinate and conduct interviews with retailers supplying organic products to identify organic import replacement opportunities for Nova Scotia producers.
• Analysis & Report Writing: Compile interview results and support Outreach & Marketing Coordinator in conducting analysis and completing the final market study report.
• Resource Development: Support in the creation of resource listings for producers to learn about new marketing opportunities.

Essential Qualifications:

• Excellent oral and written communications skills
• Demonstrated research and analysis capabilities
• Experience and/or educational training in fields related to organic food and agriculture, marketing, the food system and/or the environment
• Strong ability to work independently

Asset Qualifications:

• Proximity to Sackville, NB or Halifax, NS
• Valid driver's license
• Retail experience

Job Details: This is a part-time (~15h/week) ~3-month contract position that may require some travel (mostly within/to Halifax).

Salary: $15-$18/h, commensurate with experience

Start Date: January 12-March 5, 2015

To Apply: Please send a cover letter and a detailed curriculum vitae with the names of three easily reachable references to tegan at acornorganic.org.

Application deadline: January 2, 2015

We appreciate everyone’s interest in this position; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.