Conservation Agronomist

OBJECTIVE:

The Conservation Agronomist will work with ag retail, landowners, and farmers across Iowa to execute conservation and agronomy technical assistance delivery increasing active farmer participation and successful engagement in programs and projects that improve production, profitability, and natural resource outcomes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Serve as a technical expert in agronomy and conservation, providing guidance to farmers, landowners, and ag retail partners across Iowa.
• Recommend and support adoption of in-field and edge-of-field conservation practices to improve soil and water outcomes and meet farmer and watershed goals.
• Lead and coordinate projects, including farmer, engineer, and contractor engagement, implementation, reporting, and collaboration with funding partners and stakeholders.
• Provide field-level support for conservation practices (e.g., cover crops, bioreactors, saturated buffers, oxbows, pollinator habitat), including site assessment, survey, design, and implementation.
• Partner with agencies such as the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and Natural Resources Conservation Service to deliver conservation programs.
• Conduct on-farm research, including data collection, management, and evaluation of agronomic and conservation practices.
• Monitor practice performance and use results to drive continuous improvement.
• Connect farmers and landowners with cost-share and financial assistance programs and ensure practices meet technical standards.
• Build and maintain relationships with farmers, landowners, ag retailers, watershed coordinators, and other partners to support project development and delivery.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, field days, and outreach events.
• Develop work plans, budgets, and reports; contribute to grant and funding proposals.
• Collaborate internally with communications, outreach, producer services, and finance teams.
• Connect farmers with information or on-farm research opportunities to support their profitability and sustainability goals.
• Promote and uphold organizational values and culture.

COMPETENCIES

• Practical understanding and application of agronomy and farm-based conservation practices
• Prioritizing and organizing work
• Establishing relationships
• Customer service
• Evaluating and implementing ideas
• Navigating organizations
• Acting as a champion for change
• Communicating effectively

TRAVEL

• This position requires remote work, upwards of up to 50% in the field, typically in Iowa. Occasionally travel will be outside of Iowa requiring overnight lodging.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• This position has no supervisory responsibility

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in agronomy, environmental sciences, agricultural engineering, biological sciences, ecology, sociology, or related field.
• Minimum of three to five years of experience working in agronomy or conservation.
• Strong understanding of: agricultural industry and the ag retail system
• cropping systems
• conservation delivery systems promotion of conservation practices
• Capable of working in a team environment while working independently to achieve specific project deliverables.
• Ability to work remotely and from affiliated office locations.
• Understanding of computer technologies including data storage, statistical software, GIS, and monitoring equipment interfaces.

PREFFERED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in agronomy, environmental science, or related field.
• Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) certification

BENEFITS

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
• FSA and HSA available
• Cellphone and Wellness reimbursement
• Fitness center and Golf simulator
• 401(k) with generous company match
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Dress for your Day Dress Code