OBJECTIVE: The Monitoring and Verification Technician is the monitoring and verification lead for AgOutcomes and the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund (www.theoutcomesfund.com). This position will implement the field verification, soil sampling and water sampling program of the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund in Iowa, Illinois, Ohio and other states TBD. This position will report to the Monitoring and Verification Coordinator, who oversees the implementation of Soil and Water Outcomes Fund monitoring and verification protocol. The position will work with partners and seasonal staff to coordinate and conduct the verification and monitoring, manage sampling locations, results and associated data management. The Monitoring and Verification will also support Soil & Water Outcomes Fund enrollment and other tasks on a as needed basis.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Conduct field verification and soil and water sampling
- Perform QA/QC on all soil and water sampling data collected
- Utilize system to collect field level data including but not limited to field notes, photo, sampling notes, monitoring results, etc.
- Work with water and soil scientists to conduct analysis of sampling results
- Work with Midwest Labs, Waypoint Labs, Iowa Soybean Association and other labs to receive and analyze soil and water samples.
- Maintain a strong understanding of the Soil & Water Outcomes Fund
COMPETENCIES
- Soil and Water Sampling Expertise
- Communicating Effectively
- Coordinating Project Activities
- Displaying Technical Expertise
TRAVEL
This position requires up to 80% travel, typically in Iowa. Frequently travel is outside the local area and may be overnight. Some of the travel may be in other states.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, environmental sciences, agricultural engineering, biological sciences, ecology or related field.
- Experience collecting soil or water samples.
- Strong understanding of Midwest cropping systems and conservation practices.
- Understanding of computer technologies including cloud-based data storage and GIS.
- Ability to use GPS and/or mobile devices to navigate to sampling locations.