Cropping Systems Manager

Practical Farmers of Iowa • Ames, IA

21h • Hybrid

About The Position

Practical Farmers of Iowa is seeking a cropping systems manager to supervise and lead the cropping systems team. This role involves delivering excellent agronomic technical assistance, managing the extended rotations cost-share program, networking with farmers in PFI programs, supporting farmer engagement, and collaborating with external partners. The position will work as part of a team to consistently plan, administer, and report on cost-share programs.

Requirements

• 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

Nice To Haves

• 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

Responsibilities

• 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

Benefits

• Employee health insurance with 100% employer-paid premium
• Generous paid time off
• Flexible hours
• Six weeks of fully paid parental leave
• 5% automatic 401k contribution after one year of employment
• Contributions towards spouse or dependent health insurance
• Stipends for remote workers
• Reimbursements for fitness costs, CSA subscriptions, student loans or eco-friendly purchases

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed