OBJECTIVE: The RCFI Conservation Agronomy Leader is responsible for leading, supervising, and motivating Conservation Agronomist team member’s ensuring consistent performance, effective collaboration, and delivering value to Iowa soybean farmers. The lead will serve as the primary point of contact for Conservation Agronomist team members and should be able to act proactively ensuring smooth team operations and effectiveness. This position reports to the Director of Conservation. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Leads Conservation Agronomist team to achieve organizational and developmental goals by:
    • Empowers team members to enhance skills and abilities, securing their confidence in delivering RCFI programming, overall knowledge, and effective communication skills
    • Develops training materials to expand technical and professional knowledge and experience
    • Coaches team members to own their professional growth and development
    • Listening to team members’ feedback and reaching resolution on issues or conflicts
    • Managing the day-to-day activities of the Conservation Agronomy team members
    • Responsibly provide fiscal oversight for RCFI Conservation Agronomy projects and programs
    • Supporting team planning and execution of effective initiatives and activities designed to engage and assist farmers with their agronomic production decisions incorporating soil, water, and other conservation practices on their land
  • Develop work plans, budgets, quarterly and annual reports, and support grant writing in collaboration with RCFI program leads (Conservation Program, Research Agronomy, and Analytics & Insights)
  • Supporting deployment of a Conservation Agronomy peer-to-peer leadership and learning initiative to ensure coordination, operational consistency in goal setting and reporting, and to serve as an implementation platform for team building and training opportunities.
  • Coordinate and assist the RCFI Conservation Program Manager Lead to support strong working relationships with ag retail, local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Watershed Management Authorities, state and federal natural resource agencies and other stakeholders and sponsors
  • Coordinate and support effective multi-disciplinary team collaboration across RCFI programs and projects integrating On Farm Research, data collection, applied analytics, education and outreach, and technical assistance
  • Develops both written and verbal presentations, guides, and communication outreach materials to support RCFI programs and projects
  • Participates in education and outreach to various audiences including general public and stakeholders
  • Coordinate with other ISA departments and staff embracing the culture of ISA and emulate that to the team

COMPETENCIES

  • Leadership
  • Team and relationship building
  • Communicating effectively
  • Practical understanding and application of agronomy and environmental science
  • Fiscal responsibility
  • Prioritizing and execution of work
  • Demonstrate initiative
  • Exceptional customer service
  • Evaluating and implementing ideas
  • Acting as a champion for change

TRAVEL

  • This position requires frequent travel, typically in Iowa. Up to 20% travel outside the local area with overnight stays.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

  • This position has current and future supervisory responsibility. Some supervision for intern or temporary employees may be required.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor’s degree in agribusiness, agronomy, environmental sciences, agricultural engineering, biological sciences, ecology, or related field
  • 3-5 years of experience working in agronomy ag retail sales, conservation, consultant sales with people leadership experience
  • Broad knowledge and understanding of:
    • Agricultural industry and the ag retail system
    • Cropping systems
    • Conservation delivery systems
    • Promotion of conservation practices
  • Ability to work remotely and from affiliated office locations
  • Understanding of computer technologies including data storage, statistical software, GIS, and monitoring equipment interfaces

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • Master’s degree in agribusiness, agronomy, environmental sciences, agricultural engineering, biological sciences, ecology, or related field
  • 5-7 years of professional working experience leading diverse cross functional teams in remote working environment
  • Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) certification

BENEFITS

  • Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account available
  • Cellphone and Wellness reimbursement
  • Fitness center
  • 401(k) with generous company match
  • Tuition reimbursement program
  • Dress for your Day Dress Code 
Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact Human Resources 

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.

 

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