Sustainability Program Specialist

Innovative Ag Services•Iowa Falls, IA

13d

About The Position

The Sustainability Program Specialist supports the administration, implementation, and growth of Innovative Ag Services (IAS) sustainability programs and related initiatives. The role serves as a resource for growers and internal teams by coordinating program enrollment, collecting and managing agricultural data, supporting carbon intensity and nutrient stewardship initiatives, assisting with conservation practice implementation, and helping growers participate in sustainability opportunities. The position combines agronomy, project management, sustainability, data analysis, and customer service to help farmers capture value from stewardship efforts and prepare for market and regulatory opportunities. The specialist works directly with growers, Agronomy Sales Advisors, grain personnel, and industry partners. The role supports programs involving conservation, nutrient stewardship, carbon intensity improvement, low-carbon grain markets, and sustainability incentives. It is based in Central Iowa, in the Faulkner, Hubbard, Union, or a similar area, and involves travel throughout the IAS trade territory to visit farms, attend meetings, and support field activities. Work takes place in office and agricultural field environments, with occasional exposure to outdoor weather and agricultural production settings.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Agricultural Business, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
At least three years of experience in agriculture, agronomy, conservation, sustainability, or project management.
Understanding of Midwestern crop production systems and farm management practices.
Experience working directly with growers and agricultural stakeholders.
Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and data management systems.
Excellent communication, organization, and relationship-building skills.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Exceptional attention to detail and data accuracy.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Customer-focused mindset and passion for serving growers.
Ability to communicate technical information in a practical and understandable manner.
Self-motivation and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Ability to travel throughout the IAS trade territory to visit farms, attend meetings, and support field activities.
Ability to work in office and agricultural field environments, with occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions and agricultural production settings.
Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry up to 50 pounds.
May require use of personal protective equipment when appropriate.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of sustainability measurement, environmental outcomes reporting, carbon intensity concepts, and agricultural market or incentive programs.
Understanding of nutrient management planning and 4R Nutrient Stewardship principles.
Experience working with USDA, NRCS, IDALS, SWCD, or other conservation initiatives.

Responsibilities

Serve as a primary point of contact for growers participating in IAS sustainability programs and initiatives.
Support grower enrollment and onboarding into sustainability programs.
Manage program records and maintain accurate grower documentation.
Coordinate communications with growers regarding program requirements, opportunities, deadlines, and reporting.
Track participation metrics and support continuous improvement of sustainability program offerings.
Work with sustainability leadership to expand program enrollment and grower engagement.
Assist with collecting, validating, and managing farm management data used in carbon intensity calculations.
Support the development and distribution of grower sustainability and carbon intensity reports.
Help growers understand agronomic and management factors influencing carbon intensity scores.
Identify opportunities for growers to improve environmental performance and capture additional program value.
Support documentation requirements for low-carbon grain, biofuel, and sustainability programs.
Support development and documentation of nutrient management plans and nutrient budgets.
Assist growers in implementing 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices.
Work with Agronomy Sales Advisors to develop sound agronomic recommendations.
Maintain documentation required for sustainability, regulatory, and market-based programs.
Stay informed about sustainability policies, biofuel regulations, and program requirements affecting growers.
Educate growers on conservation and soil health practices, including reduced tillage, cover crops, nutrient management, and water quality initiatives.
Assist growers with conservation incentive and cost-share programs.
Coordinate with conservation agencies, watershed groups, and industry partners to support project implementation.
Promote practices that improve soil health, nutrient efficiency, and long-term farm sustainability.
Use sustainability software platforms and agricultural data systems to manage grower information.
Review field-level management records for completeness, accuracy, and program eligibility.
Analyze sustainability performance metrics and prepare grower-facing reports.
Support internal reporting and project tracking requirements.
Maintain confidential grower records and ensure data integrity.
Serve as an educational resource for IAS employees and customers regarding sustainability programs and opportunities.
Assist in creating grower communications, presentations, training materials, and educational resources.
Support sustainability training initiatives for Agronomy Sales Advisors and other internal stakeholders.
Represent IAS at grower meetings, field days, industry events, and educational programs.