IA Precision Ag & Conservation Specialist

Negotiable within eastern IA, IA

Full Time

PACS

Mid Level

Precision Ag & Conservation Specialist
Eastern Iowa (exact location negotiable)
Application Deadline: December 23, 2024
Anticipated Start Date: January 2025

Overview: Pheasants Forever is seeking a highly motivated, team-oriented individual with a passion for wildlife, conservation, agriculture, and technology that has an interest in working with farmers to find conservation solutions.

This position works within a partnership consisting of Pheasants Forever, Inc. (PF), USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS), the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, local Pheasants Forever chapters, and other partners.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a team modernizing conservation delivery by working directly with farmers, private landowners, consultants, retail ag and other partners to analyze farm operations based on economic performance and look at alternative practices that increase conservation adoption, habitat and in-field profitability. The employee will process and analyze relevant on-farm data (e.g. geospatial yield data) to develop and present economic scenarios for conservation, habitat, working lands and other best management practices on marginal acres that will result in increased profitability.

The employee will split time between a home office (75%) and USDA Service Centers (25%) along with travel on a regular basis within the project area (eastern half of Iowa). Some overnight travel is required for trainings and staff meetings.

Job Duties:

Lead in the identification and engagement of interested farmers.
Collaborate with farmers to provide economic analyses of best management practices that increase producer profitability and create habitat.
Make sound and ethical recommendations to maximize profitability for producers while providing water, soil and wildlife benefits.
Facilitate a high level of communication with farmer customers and partners.
Provide farmers technical assistance on alternative conservation options including participation in voluntary programs administered by: Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, local Soil & Water Conservation Districts and Pheasants Forever.
Develop conservation plans to accomplish landowner’s/farmer’s goals with an emphasis on the natural resources of Iowa, including wildlife habitat and wildlife populations.
Complete tracking, data entry and partner reports in an accurate and timely manner.
Organize and host workshops, field days and other outreach efforts.
Be an active and engaged member of the Iowa PF Team.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Strong customer relations and interpersonal skills, ability to communicate effectively, and exceptional attention to detail, including maintaining confidential data and records.
Ability to make initial contacts, cold calls, and develop new relationships using various methods.
Self-motivated and able to work independently without direct supervision.
Knowledge of agricultural landscapes, common farming & land use practices, agricultural economics, modern farm technology and equipment are invaluable for success in this position.
Experience with ArcGIS and Precision Ag Software (John Deere Operations Center, Ag Leader SMS, Climate FieldView, Ever.Ag FieldAlytics, etc.), or other mapping software is preferred.
Working knowledge of common conservation programs and practices (State and Federal) in Iowa.
Valid driver’s license required; use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided).
Ability to traverse uneven ground and work outdoors in diverse weather conditions throughout the year.
Able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.

Education and Experience Guideline:
Applicants for this position should possess a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources Management, Wildlife Management, Precision Agriculture, Agronomy, Ag Systems Technology, Ag Business, or a related field. Candidates with an associate degree and 5 or more years of relevant experience will be considered. Experience working on a farm operation and knowledge of Conservation Programs is strongly preferred. A passion for the outdoors, conservation, and working directly with farmers, private landowners, and other professionals is highly beneficial.

Salary & Benefits:

Anticipated starting salary range of $50,000 to $56,000 based on experience (higher salary potential exists commensurate with pertinent experience)
Health, vision, dental and more PF-supported insurance coverage plans available.
401(k) Retirement plan with an employer match of up to 5%.
Technology Stipend provided to eligible employees.
Student Loan Assistance program of up to $200/month for eligible employees.
Paid Time Off accrued at 15 days (120 hours) per year for new employees (increasing after 3 years).
Bereavement/Family/Sick Leave of 6 days (48 hours) per year.
13 Paid holidays.
An Employee Benefit Summary can be found on our Careers page.

To Apply: Please include your cover letter, resume, and three (3) references in your application on our recruitment website at www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs. *ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Contact: Josh Divan, IA State Coordinator at [email protected]

Pheasants Forever, Inc is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with disability, or any other category that may be protected by law.

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