Agronomy & Conservation Specialist

Pheasants Forever • Austin, MN

5d • $49,500 - $65,500 • Hybrid

About The Position

In partnership with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and Pheasants Forever, this role seeks a candidate motivated to build working relationships with farmers, agricultural advisors, consultants, and conservation partners. The specialist will work in southeast Minnesota to prepare farm management plans that integrate conservation, agriculture, technology, and economics. A key goal is to showcase alternative management practices that increase farm profitability and conservation opportunities, such as cover crops, diverse crop rotation, hay plantings, variable rate inputs, prairie and shrub plantings, and wetland restoration. The position involves one-on-one farm visits, identifying and evaluating marginally productive cropland using agricultural technology, creating maps and plans for farm improvements, identifying and presenting grant and cost-share opportunities, and monitoring project success. Organizing and hosting workshops, field days, and outreach efforts are also part of the role to support farmer recruitment. Building and maintaining professional relationships within the agriculture community is paramount. The specialist will be a Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever employee based out of a USDA Service Center, with regular travel within a ten-county coverage area, including overnight travel. Telework is allowable up to fifty percent of the time once the candidate is trained and working independently, as negotiated with their manager. During the training period, the candidate will need to report to their USDA office daily.

Requirements

• Initiative to make initial contacts, cold calls and develop new relationships using various methods.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently without direct supervision with diverse clientele.
• Customer relations and interpersonal skills, ability to communicate challenges and success with team members, supervisor, and partners.
• Demonstrated knowledge of modern farm equipment and techniques, technology, agronomic and conservation practices common to the region.
• Commitment to maintain high standards and address issues in a timely, professional manner.
• Valid driver’s license required; Use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided).
• The ability to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with ArcGIS with the ability to import and export data, create, and edit shapefiles to create professional looking maps is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Understand and relay how the use of economic information and precision data can be used to develop profitable conservation solutions on working lands.
• Lead in the recruitment of farmers interested in conservation solutions.
• Work cooperatively with Farm Bill Biologists to facilitate voluntary program identification, enrollment, and implementation.
• Possess a working knowledge of data collection, management and software platforms to conduct and interpret analyses of precision data and economic inputs to calculate Return on Investment (ROI) and profitability at a sub-field level.
• Increase coordination and efficiency in implementing voluntary conservation programs by fostering trust and credibility among farmers and the broader agriculture industry.
• Create and deliver education and outreach activities and events to promote voluntary conservation opportunities with agricultural producers and trusted advisor audiences.
• Collaborate with local USDA office to promote and implement Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) programs.
• Write conservation plans and provide technical assistance to help landowners implement these voluntary programs.

Benefits

• Health, vision, dental and more insurance coverage plans are available.
• 401(k) Retirement plan with an employer match of up to 5%.
• Student Loan Assistance program of up to $200/month for eligible employees.
• Paid Time Off accrued at 15 days (120 hours) per year for new employees (increasing after 3 years).
• Bereavement/Family/Sick Leave of 6 days (48 hours) per year.
• 13 Paid holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level