Data Collection Systems Coordinator

Practical Farmers of Iowa•Ames, IA

12h•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a data collection systems coordinator to support Practical Farmers of Iowa’s data systems and member engagement department by building and maintaining the data systems that enable program delivery, reporting and technical assistance. This position supports PFI’s organization-wide data collection infrastructure by implementing and maintaining survey systems, Airtable databases and integrations used across multiple programs. The role operates under technical standards, architecture and governance defined by the data systems engineering manager. In this position, you’ll serve as a key coordinator supporting data collection workflows and system reliability, and helping empower staff to access the data they need. Key duties include designing and managing farmer-facing surveys in Qualtrics, and other potential survey tools using established standards; maintaining Airtable bases, relationships and automations; ensuring accurate, reliable data collection across program activities; and performing ongoing data quality control and troubleshooting. These systems are essential to tracking participation, supporting our farmers and providing funders with high-quality program data. In this role, you will also support the structure of integrations with external platforms, prepare datasets and reporting outputs and maintain clear documentation so systems remain consistent and usable by program staff. If you’re skilled at managing data and enjoy making sure program data systems run efficiently, remain well-documented and continue to meet an organization’s operational needs, then this position is for you.

Requirements

Understanding of relational data architecture
Working knowledge of survey-based data collection principles?
Working knowledge of data integrity and standardization concepts
Basic understanding of integrations with external data platforms
Understanding of responsible artificial intelligence usage principles
Understanding of survey implementation and quality assurance protocols
Working knowledge of high-accuracy data handling
Ability to clearly explain processes and create concise documentation
Ability to use AI as a productivity tool
Ability to execute goals and workplans within clearly defined standards
Ability to manage repetitive, high-volume work accurately
Ability to support teams of various sizes with fluctuating seasonal work volumes
Ability to communicate and work effectively with AI tools
Adept at applying sound judgement to AI outputs

Nice To Haves

Applied understanding of agricultural data?
Practical understanding of AI-assisted workflows
Working knowledge of supporting third-party integrations (Zapier, webhooks, MuleSoft)
Ability to independently coordinate assigned projects and goals?
Working knowledge of script maintenance within JavaScript ?
Experience building and maintaining systems for non-technical users
Understanding of using AI as a problem-solving tool
Ability to refine and iterate on AI prompts
Ability to recognize potential for problems and errors early
Ability to anticipate downstream impacts
Ability to identify repeatable AI use cases

Responsibilities

Build, configure and maintain farmer-facing surveys in Airtable, Qualtrics and Jotform based on standards defined by the data systems engineering manager.
Implement standardized field structures, validation logic, conditional flows and embedded data patterns.
Execute quality assurance checks prior to launch (data field mapping, required logic, response capture, edge cases).
Maintain existing Airtable table structures, views, interfaces and automations using established patterns.
Apply naming conventions, field types and relationship standards consistently across bases.
Perform routine schema updates (new fields, option updates, deprecations) as directed.
Assist with metadata upkeep (field descriptions, usage notes, status flags).
Monitor live collection periods for data quality issues and flag anomalies.
Run quality control checks during active data collection windows.
Resolve routine data issues (missing fields, formatting errors, mismatched IDs).
Investigate data anomalies and apply corrective actions using established data integrity and validation standards.
Implement and support system integrations (Zapier, webhooks, imports) using established patterns and protocols.
Prepare exception lists for review when issues exceed defined thresholds.
Assist with preparation of data exports and payloads for external platforms (e.g., FPC, MRV tools).
Assemble funder-ready outputs using approved templates and datasets.
Apply consistent labeling, year logic and formatting to field names, interface structures (reporting dashboards), formatting instructions and filter labels.
Maintain documentation of assumptions, versions and reporting changes.
Prepare draft outputs for review.
Support onboarding of seasonal staff into established systems.
Serve as first-line support before issues escalate to the data systems engineering manager.
Document integration steps and failure points.
Create and maintain internal documentation for Airtable workflows, survey operations and common troubleshooting steps.

Benefits

PFI values its employees and has 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 and hybrid workers and reimbursements for wellness costs, local food and CSA subscriptions, student loans or eco-friendly purchases.
Practical Farmers is a family-friendly employer.

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