Subject Matter Expert (SME) Opportunity: Online Course Development, AFF-1030: Introduction to R

Program Overview and Course Structure

The Regenerative Grazing and Livestock Systems Certificate Program prepares you for a fulfilling career in the livestock farming industry. In this hybrid, 24-credit accredited program, you will develop the well-rounded skills to manage ruminant (beef and dairy cattle, sheep and goat) grazing, as the cornerstone of a modern and profitable agricultural operation. Through coursework and a capstone internship experience you will be connected to leaders in the agricultural practices of adaptive multi-paddock grazing, and develop a host of unique skills to put regenerative grazing into practice.

Areas of study include: fence and water system design, sound pasture plant management, soil health management, selection criteria for livestock genetics, development of comprehensive grazing management plans, and, the right business and problem-solving skills to run a successful and modern livestock business.

• Understand regenerative livestock production systems.
• Understand and design forage and pasture management systems, taking into full account the variables of soil, forage plants, cover crops, rotational density and herd.
• Identify key components of ruminant nutrition, infectious diseases, pests, and herd genetics/breeding, and understand the role of pasture management within the context of herd health.
• Effectively use farm management tools and business knowledge to create a financially sustainable grazing business model.
• Design, construct and maintain fencing and watering systems.
• Tackle realistic problems and variables in complex, high-pressure workforce scenarios.
• Create an implementable custom grazing management plan for an actual farm.
• Identify career pathways in the industry and establish professional contacts.

Compensation per course is $1,000.00/credit.

AFF-1030:
Introduction to Regenerative Grazing Credit

Hours:

1 Format: 100% Online, AFF
1030

Catalog

Description:

This course serves as an introduction to regenerative grazing practices and best practice.

Students will apply the status quo approach to agriculture and livestock management in the U.S., including crop monocultures and confined animal feed operations (CAFOs).

Students will become proficient in identification of alternatives to conventional systems by understanding key principles of natural systems and how they inform regenerative grazing approaches.

• Understand livestock production systems.
• Define regenerative grazing and understand the relationship to natural systems.
• Explain how regenerative grazing differs from conventional livestock production systems.
• Describe the One Health concerns with intensive agricultural production.
• Describe how regenerative grazing can support human-environmental health.

Prerequisites:
None.

minimum qualifications:
Qualified candidates should have applied (workforce) subject matter experience, either through direct work experience in the industry, educational degree(s)/certifications, or a combination thereof. Prior experience teaching is preferred. Applicants should include a brief statement of interest and a resume or CV showing any relevant work and/or educational experience.

Scheduled Hours Weekly: 40

Budgeted Wage for this Position: $1,000.00/credit.

Exempt Status:
Exempt Grade: T02

At the Vermont State Colleges System (VSCS), our mission is grounded in empowering students and strengthening communities across Vermont. When you join our team, you become part of a dedicated, statewide community that believes in the transformative power of education — not only in the classroom, but in careers, lives, and local economies. VSCS encompasses Vermont State University, the Community College of Vermont, and our System Office, with 12 centers, 5 campuses, and more than 10 additional learning sites across the state.

Deeply rooted in our communities, we provide affordable, flexible, and innovative programs designed to meet the needs of today’s learners — from recent high school graduates to adult students reentering the workforce. Through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to workforce development, we help build a vibrant, resilient Vermont.

Our employees are key to this mission. We offer competitive compensation and benefits, opportunities for growth, and a workplace culture that values collaboration, diversity, and purpose. If you’re passionate about education that makes a real and lasting difference, we invite you to grow your career with the Vermont State Colleges System — and help shape the future of our students, our communities, and our state.