Agronomy & Conservation Specialist

About the role

In partnership with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and Pheasants Forever, we are seeking a motivated candidate to build working relationships with farmers, agriculture advisors, consultants, and conservation partners. This agronomist-type position involves preparing farm management plans that integrate conservation, agriculture, technology, and economics in southeast Minnesota, with a focus on showcasing alternative management practices that increase farm profitability and conservation opportunities. Examples of successful practices include cover crops, diverse crop rotation, hay plantings, variable rate inputs, prairie and shrub plantings, and wetland restoration.

Responsibilities

• Conduct one-on-one farm site visits and identify/evaluate marginally productive cropland using agricultural technology
• Create maps and plans to improve farm areas, identify and present grants and cost-share opportunities, and monitor project success
• Organize and host workshops, field days, and outreach efforts for public and professional audiences
• Understand and communicate how economic information and precision data can develop profitable conservation solutions on working lands
• Lead recruitment of farmers interested in conservation solutions and work with Farm Bill Biologists to facilitate program identification, enrollment, and implementation
• Use data collection and software platforms to conduct analyses of precision data and economic inputs to calculate ROI and profitability at a sub-field level
• Increase coordination in implementing voluntary conservation programs by fostering trust and credibility among farmers and the agriculture industry
• Create and deliver education and outreach activities to promote voluntary conservation opportunities with agricultural producers and advisors
• Collaborate with local USDA offices to promote and implement EQIP and CSP programs
• Write conservation plans and provide technical assistance to help landowners implement voluntary programs

Qualifications

• Initiative to make initial contacts, cold calls, and develop new relationships using various methods
• Self-motivation and ability to work independently without direct supervision with diverse clientele
• Strong customer relations and interpersonal skills; ability to communicate challenges and successes with team members, supervisors, and partners
• Demonstrated knowledge of modern farm equipment, techniques, technology, agronomic and conservation practices common to the region
• Commitment to maintain high standards and address issues in a timely, professional manner
• Experience with ArcGIS, including importing/exporting data, creating and editing shapefiles to produce professional maps (preferred)
• Valid driver’s license and use of personal vehicle required; mileage reimbursement provided
• Ability to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Precision Agriculture, Agronomy, Ag Systems Technology, Ag Business, Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, or related field
• Associate degree with two or more years of relevant experience will be considered
• Five or more years of relevant agriculture experience may substitute for degree requirements

Benefits

• Health, vision, dental, and additional insurance coverage plans
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match up to 5%
• Student Loan Assistance program up to $200/month for eligible employees
• Paid Time Off: 15 days (120 hours) per year for new employees (increasing after 3 years)
• Bereavement/Family/Sick Leave: 6 days (48 hours) per year
• 13 paid holidays

Pay

$49,500 to $65,500 commensurate with experience. New graduates will be at the low end of this scale, while candidates with post-college experience are eligible for the upper end. Annual performance-based raises are available.

Schedule

Position is based out of a USDA Service Center in southeast Minnesota with regular travel within a ten-county coverage area. Overnight travel is required. After training and working independently, telework is allowable up to 50% of the time or as negotiated. During the training period, daily in-office attendance at the USDA office is required.