Sustainable Agriculture Manager

Responsibilities

• Research, analyze, and advocate for legislative, regulatory and administrative policies to expand regenerative agricultural systems, protect water resources and reduce pollution.
• Track and engage on issues related to agricultural diversification, nutrient management, regenerative agriculture and rural economic development.
• Maintain and incorporate the latest scientific research, environmental monitoring data and policy developments into Clean Wisconsin’s water and agricultural advocacy.
• In collaboration with Clean Wisconsin’s water policy team, support the program’s legislative and policy priorities including drafting legislation, preparing and occasionally delivering testimony, and developing policy briefs and educational materials related to sustainable agriculture, surface and groundwater quality protection, pesticide use reduction and rural economic development.
• Cultivate relationships with farmers, agricultural organizations, conservation groups, researchers, businesses, policymakers and/or government agencies to identify and advance practical solutions to improve environmental outcomes while supporting farms and rural communities.
• Co-lead the Wisconsin Neonicotinoid Workgroup with partner organizations to advance education, research, outreach and policy initiatives that reduce environmental and public-health risks associated with neonicotinoids and other pesticide use while supporting practical alternatives.
• Develop policy analyses, reports, testimony, comment letters and educational materials to advance program goals and support public engagement.
• In collaboration with Clean Wisconsin’s science program, evaluate scientific data related to agricultural water contamination to guide policy and programmatic efforts and assess linkages between contamination and public health.
• Create outreach materials and website content to elevate the environmental issues facing the agricultural industry and policy and program solutions to address those challenges.
• Identify and collaborate with agricultural producers/groups working to protect drinking water quality through data analysis and policy development.
• Promote Clean Wisconsin’s efforts to combat agricultural water pollution at speaking engagements, fundraising events and other venues, as needed.
• Participate in and occasionally help lead statewide or regional stakeholder groups, coalitions and partnerships focused on sustainable agriculture, pesticide reduction and regenerative agricultural systems.
• Aid in grant development, grant reporting, project management and other activities that support program priorities.

Required Skills and Experience

• Ability to perform in a rapidly changing work environment and manage competing priorities while maintaining a long-term vision.
• Familiarity with the issues and terminology relating to agricultural systems, agricultural policy, water quality, conservation and the challenges facing farmers, rural communities, and natural resources.
• Familiarity with sustainable and regenerative agricultural systems, agricultural conservation practices, and strategies for advancing their adoption and long-term economic viability.
• Familiarity with pesticide policy, groundwater protection and nutrient management is preferred.
• Familiarity with policy development, including legislative, regulatory and administrative systems at the state and federal level.
• Analytical skills applicable to environmental policy, agriculture, economics and natural-resource management, including the ability to evaluate scientific research, policy proposals and environmental data.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with farmers, agricultural organizations, policymakers, government agencies, researchers, conservation organizations, businesses and/or other stakeholders.
• An interdisciplinary thinking and an understanding of the connections among agriculture, water quality, public health, biodiversity, climate resilience, and rural economic development.
• Experience using quantitative and qualitative information to support policy development, advocacy, program evaluation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong listening skills, oral and written communication skills, and ability to be a spokesperson to the media, to other advocates and within appropriate governmental forums.
• Ability to translate complex scientific and policy information into accessible materials for diverse audiences.
• An attention to detail and strong organizational and project management skills.
• Skills in working with people from a diverse range of backgrounds, especially communities most affected by environmental injustices.
• Ability to interact effectively, appropriately, and collaboratively with staff, partners, stakeholders, and members of the public.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Outlook, and Zoom, (or equivalents).
• Two years of experience working within relevant issue areas and policy development is preferred but not required.

Traits

• Commitment to protecting Wisconsin’s water resources, public health, and agricultural landscapes.
• Strategic thinker with strong policy analysis and project management skills.
• Ability to navigate complex environmental and agricultural issues with professionalism and diplomacy.
• Commitment to collaborative, science-based, and farmer-centered solutions.
• Passion for advancing practical approaches that benefit both farmers and the environment.

Working Conditions

• Office based position in Madison, Wisconsin with potential for a hybrid work schedule allowing remote work up to two days or approximately 16 hours per five-day work week.
• Frequent travel throughout the state to meet with farmers, policymakers, agency staff, researchers and partner organizations.
• Occasional evening and weekend work for public meetings, conferences, workshops, and events, as necessary.

Required Education

• An undergraduate or graduate degree—or equivalent experience—related to environmental science, agriculture, conservation, climate change, public policy or political science.

Compensation

• Salary range for the position is $64,000-80,000 commensurate with skills and experience.
• Benefits package includes health and dental insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan with a 6% employer match, paid sick leave and vacation, life insurance and short- and long-term disability insurance.

To Apply

• Please submit a cover letter and resume to hiring@cleanwisconsin.org. Be sure to include the subject line “Sustainable Agriculture Manager.”
• Applications that do not follow these instructions will not be reviewed.
• For best consideration, please submit materials by July 30, 2026.