Cropping Systems Manager

Description

Practical Farmers of Iowa is Hiring a Cropping Systems Manager 

About PFI 

Practical Farmers of Iowa is a nonprofit organization that has worked to equip farmers to build resilient farms and communities since 1985. We create learning opportunities via farmer-led events, on-farm research and educational content through our robust network of farmers. We also provide funding and technical assistance to help farmers adopt regenerative farming practices and grow farm businesses. Our vision is an Iowa with healthy soil, healthy food, clean air, clean water, resilient farms and vibrant communities. 

This work has always been rooted in our value of welcoming everyone and creating a culture of mutual respect. We believe that a diversity of people, ideas and perspectives strengthens our ability to find creative solutions, enriches our understanding and broadens our impact. At Practical Farmers, we celebrate this diversity and are committed to ensuring that our policies and practices create an equitable and inclusive workplace. We take equal opportunity seriously and seek to empower and support all applicants and teammates.  

Practical Farmers offers a flexible, supportive and fast-paced work environment. Professional development is a core part of our culture and team members are encouraged to take independent initiative to help fulfill our mission.  

About the Position 

The farm viability department provides innovative, personalized support to help farmers achieve their goals. We partner with farmers to implement new on-farm practices, develop markets and create robust farm business plans. We make key connections across the food and agriculture supply chain, develop strategic partnerships and shape the policies that encourage resilient farms to thrive. 

We’re seeking a cropping systems manager to supervise and lead the cropping systems team, lead on delivery of excellent agronomic technical assistance, manage the extended rotations cost-share program, network with farmers in our programs and support farmer engagement with PFI, and collaborate with external partners. This position will work as part of a team to consistently plan, administer and report cost-share programs. 

Duties 

• Implement projects and processes 
• Provide technical assistance to farmers and landowners implementing practices in cropping systems 
• Manage cropping systems projects, including cost-share for extended rotations 
• Oversee contractors, staff members, volunteers and partners who conduct cropping systems projects and work 
• Facilitate collaboration between departments and teams to achieve cropping systems project deliverables 
• Other duties as assigned or volunteered to support department or team projects. 

Required Qualifications and Characteristics 

• Understanding of midwestern crop production practices 
• Small grain production knowledge 
• Knowledge about cover crop management in row crop systems  
• Knowledge about crop fertility needs and management 
• Data entry skills 
• Project management skills 
• Data management skills 
• Excellent written and verbal communication 
• Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite 
• Excellent customer service 
• Experience supervising and managing staff 
• Attention to detail 
• Teamwork 
• Ability to facilitate cross team coordination 
• Ability to process?diverse goals and requirements from funders, the?organization?and users?into?compliance requirements for financial?assistance?program participation? 

Desired Qualifications and Characteristics 

• Knowledge about forage crop production 
• Experience with precision conservation analysis and recommendation 
• Knowledge about the typical structure of conservation financial?and technical?assistance?programs 
• Experience with quality assurance and/or quality control?best practices for direct service teams? 
• Basic understanding of best practices in phone,?email?and event marketing?strategies 
• Experience with partner relationship management 
• Experience working with Airtable 
• Grant writing experience 
• Event planning experience 
• Team facilitation experience  
• Experience with networking with peers in the industry 

This is a full-time position based in our Ames, Iowa, office with potential for a hybrid schedule. This position requires a minimum of one day in the office per month and occasional travel around Iowa and surrounding states. The salary range for this position is $59,000-$63,000 with annual opportunity for salary increases and position advancement.  

PFI values its employees and is a flexible and supportive work environment. We offer employees a competitive benefits package that includes employee health insurance with 100% employer-paid premium, generous paid time off, flexible hours, six weeks of fully paid parental leave and 5% automatic 401k contribution after one year of employment.  

We also encourage employee professional development and offer a range of specialty benefits employees can use to support their wellness, sustainability and financial goals. Examples of our specialty benefits include contributions towards spouse or dependent health insurance, stipends for remote workers and reimbursements for fitness costs, CSA subscriptions, student loans or eco-friendly purchases. Practical Farmers is a family-friendly employer.   

Please apply by completing the application form (including contact information, cover letter, resume and references) at the bottom of this page. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.