Sustainability On-Farm Specialist

Organic Valley

8d•$29 - $35•Remote

About The Position

Organic Valley is committed to creating positive, whole-system impact through its sustainability initiatives, including a public goal to be carbon neutral by 2050 (farm to retail dock). The Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program (OVCIP) is the cooperative’s pathway to reduce and remove on-farm emissions by incentivizing farmer-members to voluntarily implement new climate-smart farming (CSF) practices. The Sustainability On-Farm Specialist supports the full farmer journey in OVCIP—from inquiry and enrollment through practice support, monitoring, and verification. With a focus on field execution, this role coordinates and carries out practice confirmation, monitoring and measurement, baseline and follow-up sampling, and the collection and review of Project Management Reports. The Specialist works directly with CROPP farmer-members (dairy, egg, and grower) and sustainability staff, partnering across teams (including Membership) to deliver a strong farmer experience. This role also serves as a subject matter expert in manure composting and cropland practices, developing practical resources and providing hands-on guidance that helps farmers adopt practices that build soil health and increase carbon sequestration. This position reports to the Manager of Funding & Engagement and works closely with the Manager of Sustainability Impact, Carbon Reduction Manager, and Stewardship and Impact Manager to plan and deliver field activities. This role completes farm visits to support members implementing and monitoring CSF practices. Travel across U.S. member regions is required. Fieldwork averages 60–70% of time and may vary by season. Ideal candidate will be located in the upper Midwest.

Requirements

5 years of experience in sustainability, organic certification, organic agriculture, or related field required.
Subject matter expertise in manure composting and cropland practices for organic agriculture.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, especially with farmers.
Ability to travel to member-farms throughout the U.S.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (including Teams and SharePoint) and ability to learn cooperative databases.
Excellent organizational skills required.
Strong attention to detail.
Collaborative, positive, and solutions-oriented.
Ability to work independently.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in sustainability, environmental science, agribusiness, or similar field preferred (not required).

Responsibilities

Lead on-farm engagement across the full lifecycle (inquiry, enrollment, implementation, monitoring, and verification)
Conduct farm visits, sampling (soil, compost, manure), and practice verification
Support farmer recruitment, events, and respond to inquiries
Partner with internal teams to deliver a strong farmer experience
Collect, review, and ensure completeness of Project Management Reports (PMRs)
Gather baseline farm data and define project boundaries
Maintain records and documentation within data management systems (e.g., Quickbase)
Support USDA grant reporting and compliance requirements
Serve as subject matter expert in composting and cropland practices
Provide guidance on system design and implementation
Collaborate with internal teams and external partners
Stay current on industry best practices and support cross-functional initiatives
Travel to farms across U.S. member regions to assess baselines, verify CSF practice implementation, meet with technical partners, and support outreach/events.
Stay current on composting approaches (including compost bedded pack barns) with strong carbon benefits for small, organic, pasture-based dairies.
Stay current on cover crop and tillage practices with strong carbon benefits for small, organic, pasture-based dairies.
Participate in department and sub-department team meetings.
Attend events on behalf of CROPP, such as CROPP Annual Meeting and Regional meetings as appropriate.
Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Benefits

Comprehensive Health Insurance - Choice of plans for you and your family, including some that can be paired with an HSA (which CROPP contributes to on your behalf)
Supplemental insurances: we offer accidental insurance, critical illness insurance, and hospital indemnity insurance.
Time Off – 136 hours in the 1st year of employment prorated by start date. Plus 9 paid holidays, plus one floating holiday to use at will.
6 Weeks Paid Parental Leave – For all gendered partners in childbirth or adoption.
Vision & Dental Insurance – Free annual eye exam, discounts on glasses/contacts, flexible dental network, adult ortho.
401k – We match 100% up to the first 3% of an employee’s contribution, and then 50% for 3.1%-5.0% of employee contributions.
Free services at five local Neighborhood Family Clinics.
Tuition Reimbursement – Up to $1,500 per year to support continuing higher education.
Life Insurance - $50,000 policy funded by CROPP for each employee. Supplemental voluntary coverage available for employees, spouses, and children.
Short-Term & Long-Term Disability/AD&D Insurance - $50,000 of life insurance coverage of $50,000 of AD&D coverage funded by CROPP for each employee.
Employee Assistance Program - Free and Confidential for employees, spouses, and dependents.
Free onsite fitness centers available 24/7
Free biometric screenings (cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure) and health coaching.
Financial advisors and seminars
Annual $360 Lifestyle Spending Account
Flexible Scheduling
On-site all-organic cafeterias