Cropping Systems Manager

Practical Farmers of Iowa•Ames, IA

7d•$59,000 - $63,000•Hybrid

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.

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.