Farm Systems Coordinator

Description

Practical Farmers of Iowa is Hiring a Farm Systems Coordinator

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 farm systems coordinator to join our largest financial and technical assistance program. This person will be part of a growing team of staff who advise farmers looking to add new practices to their farming operations. This position will support the team by consulting with farmers and landowners on reducing inputs and integrating cover crops and diversified crop rotations. The farm systems coordinator will also assist with data collection and help farmers analyze survey inputs and receipts.

Duties

• Analyze crop production and cover crop receipt data, and report results
• Design and implement data collection tools for crop production and map information
• Provide technical assistance to farmers and landowners to help them implement cover crops, diversified crop rotations and reduced inputs
• Organize and record information on farm systems programming, including helping farmers enter production data into surveys and reviewing seed and application receipts and field boundaries
• Respond to inquiries and requests for resources from PFI members and the public related to cover crops and extended rotations
• Other duties as assigned or volunteered to support department or team projects
  
  

Required Qualifications And Characteristics

• Fertility management knowledge
• Knowledge of Midwestern agricultural landscapes
• Basic knowledge of corn and soybean production in the Midwest
• Knowledge related to cover crop application and management
• Skilled in providing consultations to farmers and landowners working to add cover crops and extended rotations, and to reduce their use of synthetic inputs
• Strong customer service skills
• Good interpersonal communication skills
• Empathy toward commodity farmers
• Ability to initiate communication with farmers, partners and other collaborators
• Ability to develop and manage a detailed schedule and work plan with little oversight
• Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, including with diverse media such as public speaking, graphics or visual aids
• Able to adapt and learn quickly
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Effective listening skills
• Efficient and effective in fast-paced environments
• Ability to give and take constructive, respectful feedback
• Ability to travel (occasionally overnight) throughout Iowa and surrounding states
  
  

Desired Qualifications And Characteristics

• Knowledge of small-grain production and forage management
• Knowledge of regenerative agriculture concepts
• Strong written communication skills
• Appreciation and passion for PFI’s organizational mission
• A mindset of continuous improvement
  
  

This is a full-time position based in our Ames, Iowa, office with potential for a hybrid or remote schedule. We require someone who can commit to being in the office a minimum of one day per month. The position also requires seasonal travel around Iowa and surrounding states. The beginning salary range for this position is $46,000-$50,000 with annual opportunity for merit 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 or hybrid workers and reimbursements for wellness costs, local food purchases or CSA subscriptions, student loans or eco-friendly purchases. Practical Farmers is a family-friendly employer.

Please apply by completing an application (including contact information, cover letter, resume and references). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.