Grazing Specialist

The Nature Conservancy

2d • $53,000 - $62,000 • Remote

About The Position

A shift to a more regenerative food system - one that supports resilient farms and supply chains, builds thriving agricultural communities, and positions agriculture as a solution to our most pressing environmental threats - necessitates investing in integrated crop and livestock systems. Integrated crop and livestock systems, including perennial and grass-based livestock operations, have been demonstrated to improve environmental outcomes (e.g., improved nutrient cycling and water quality, enhanced soil health, increased biodiversity) and reduce on-farm economic risk (e.g., increased yield efficiency, diversified production). Farmers have flexible options for integrating crops and livestock on their farms, including through adaptive and integrated grazing. Adaptive and integrated grazing represents a particularly important opportunity, wherein farmers can graze livestock on diverse grass-based systems, diverse perennial crops, or cover crops. In the Upper Mississippi River Basin Foodscape, adaptive and integrated grazing aligns with the historical land use of the region, complements the current agricultural system, and could help us to reach soil health, water quality, and biodiversity goals in the region. The Grazing Specialist will be responsible developing, managing and advancing regenerative agriculture projects – specifically focused on accelerating and scaling adoption of integrated crop and livestock systems – in the Upper Mississippi River Basin Foodscape. The position will work within a highly matrixed, multidisciplinary team, as well as with external partners and staff in a variety of TNC state programs/Chapters. The position will network, build, strengthen, and convene relationships with partners, stakeholders, and landowners / farmers in the Foodscape geography to support and develop new models and provide assistance to increase adoption of integrated crop and livestock systems. The position will support TNC state ag programs and existing regenerative agriculture projects, integrating findings and successful projects into the regional strategy. To be successful in this position, the Grazing Specialist must be detail-oriented, highly organized, a good communicator and have experience with and/or knowledge of agriculture and integrated crop and livestock systems, key partners and stakeholders, farmer networks/engagement, and farmer incentives and technical assistance. This is a 3-year fixed term position currently funded through March 30, 2029. This is a remote position based in WI, IL or IA. Preferred locations include Southwest WI, Northeast IA, or Northwest IL.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in animal science, agronomy, conservation, environmental science or related field and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience engaging, collaborating, and developing partnerships with farmers and grazers, farmer networks, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders to achieve scalable regenerative agriculture outcomes
• Experience with regenerative agriculture practices, integrated crop and livestock systems, and grass-based livestock
• Experience delivering high quality financial and technical assistance to livestock farmers and grazers
• Experience providing outreach and education for farmers, farmer networks, and stakeholders to increase awareness and adoption of regenerative agriculture practices
• Experience using common applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Web Browsers, and relevant tools
• 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." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page under the FAQ section. 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

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated
• Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities
• Grant / proposal writing and management experience
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in regenerative agriculture; including grass- and pasture-based livestock systems, cover cropping, precision ag, and edge-of-field practices
• Demonstrated social and emotional intelligence by successfully engaging and motivating others to support a new path forward, building energy and involvement to sustain results over time
• Ability to explain regenerative agriculture and conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences
• Completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s)
• Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant language skills.

Responsibilities

• Designs and implements projects to accelerate adoption of regenerative agriculture and integrated crop and livestock systems and achieve grant objectives.
• Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
• Act independently within broad program goals to prioritize tasks in the absence of specific instructions and exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems;
• Manage projects with multiple variables and stakeholders - set realistic deadlines, manage a timeline and budget, and ensure accountability;
• Gain cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals;
• Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information;
• Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, and assisting with budget development.
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Travel and work flexible hours, as needed.

Benefits

• TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits.

What This Job Offers

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