Agriculture Program Specialist

The Nature Conservancy•Boise, ID

3d•Remote

About The Position

The Idaho Agriculture Program Specialist will further The Nature Conservancy in Idaho’s conservation goals in Idaho’s agricultural landscapes by forging partnerships and planning and implementing projects that address issues related to water quality, water quantity, soil health, and climate change in the agriculture sector. The Specialist will manage and implement the Idaho Chapter’s agriculture projects through engagement with members of the agricultural sector and help facilitate strategic alignment and integration by working with TNC’s conservation, science, government relations, marketing, North America Agriculture, and other teams that interact with agriculture sector stakeholders. The Idaho Agriculture Program Specialist develops, manages, and implements conservation projects; identifies and develops strategic relationships with agribusinesses, technical service providers, and water managers across Idaho; executes activities in the field; provides technical assistance to internal and external partners; and collaborates with internal and external partners on the development of new strategies and projects. The Specialist will need to build productive relationships and partnerships with farmers, dairy producers, water managers, agencies, and key local stakeholders involved in water, soil, crop, feed, livestock, and edge-of-field management. The Specialist will also foster cross-site learning among conservation partners and the agriculture community and facilitate consensus and partnerships among key stakeholders. They manage projects and activities to ensure alignment with TNC priorities and consistency with TNC’s partnership agreements and commitments. This is a two-year term position with the potential for extension pending the availability of funding. This position is non-supervisory but depends on marshaling partners and resources to advance conservation goals. This role will at times require making independent decisions and working under minimal supervision, in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. Local knowledge and agriculture expertise will be critical to implement long-term adoption of conservation activities. This position will report to the Idaho Director of Conservation Programs. This role requires an individual to live in Southern Idaho. It is primarily a remote role with the opportunity to work at/from our offices in Boise or Hailey, Idaho. If you do not currently live in the area, you must be willing to relocate and should express that interest in your cover letter.

Requirements

BA/BS in agricultural or life sciences or related field and 5 years’ experience in agricultural or life sciences or related field with direct experience working with farmers, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of current trends and practices in agriculture management, including precision agriculture, conservation tillage, irrigation systems, and farm planning.
Experience negotiating and managing agreements and contracts.
Experience communicating with the public and/or media, including explaining conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences, both in writing and verbally.
Experience using standard office computing applications such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and web browsers.
Willingness to travel extensively within southern Idaho (up to approximately 75% of time/mostly day travel with some over-night stays when necessary) and possession of a valid driver’s license.
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.
Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers."
Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Nice To Haves

Experience planning and implementing water, soil, or other farm conservation practices in direct, on-the-ground partnership with producers.
Experience collecting on-farm monitoring data, facilitating analyses, and interpreting results within an adaptive management framework.
Experience developing partnerships and leading collaborations within the private and public sectors.
Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
Completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.

Responsibilities

Develop, manage, and implement projects that promote and increase the adoption of beneficial conservation practices and production systems in Idaho.
Advance existing and develop new relationships with members of the agriculture sector, including individual producers, producer groups, and supply chain corporations, and develop partnerships to promote and increase the adoption of beneficial conservation practices and production systems within and beyond Idaho.
Provide technical assistance to internal and external partners.
Position The Nature Conservancy as a respected voice in Idaho agriculture.
Facilitate meetings, trainings, and outreach efforts.
Design, implement and direct projects and scopes of work, including by setting and meeting deadlines and ensuring program accountability.
Actively participate in raising public and private funds to meet program needs.
Work closely with other programs throughout the Conservancy (including North America Agriculture) for synergy, ensuring that Idaho’s efforts support and complement the broader goals of the organization.
Ensure project and activity compliance with internal policies and external requirements, including applicable regulations and processes.
Under minimal supervision, make independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.