OBJECTIVE: The Regenerative Ag Program Specialist is a key member of the U.S. Climate Smart Cotton program (www.trustuscotton.org/about/climate-smart), a partnership between the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol (USCTP) and the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund (www.theoutcomesfund.com) to advance the adoption of climate smart practices on 1.2 million acres across 19 cotton belt states. The Regenerative Ag Program Specialist oversees farmer contracting for the Climate Smart Cotton program. This role works closely with Field Representatives employed by the Cotton Trust Protocol and cotton farmers to collect farmer operational data, deliver guidance on new conservation practice opportunities, and translate resulting environmental and ecosystem service outcome data. The Regenerative Ag Program Specialist oversees farmer contracts through the enrollment pipeline from data collection to contract execution utilizing the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund farmer enrollment platform and resources. Additionally, the Regenerative Ag Program Specialist works closely with Soil and Water Outcomes Fund team members on quarterly reporting on farmer enrollment and environmental outcomes.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Provide support to the Cotton Trust Protocol Grower Enrollment Specialists and prospective farmers for collection of management practice data and other necessary enrollment information.
- Maintain a strong understanding of the Soil & Water Outcomes Fund and associated farmer enrollment platform.
- Assist Cotton Trust Protocol Grower Enrollment Specialists and farmers in interpreting and understanding outcomes-based payment structures and estimated payments based on models.
- Provide assistance to Cotton Trust Protocol Grower Enrollment Specialists and farmers enrolled farmers for agronomy and conservation practice implementation, either directly or through intermediaries like certified crop advisors or agronomy advisors.
- Manage the farmer contract pipeline and progress contracts through each stage of enrollment, communicating frequently with Cotton Trust Protocol Grower Enrollment Specialists and Cotton Trust Protocol Leadership.
- Support the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund team members in forecasting, tracking, and reporting on key enrollment and financial metrics, including acres enrolled, environmental outcomes projected, and farmer payments.
- Work with the Cotton Trust Protocol team to direct and oversee farmer payments.
- Provide quarterly update reports to the Cotton Trust Protocol.
COMPETENCIES
- Agronomy Expertise
- Communicating Effectively
- Displaying Technical Expertise
- Managing Resources
- Prioritizing and Organizing Work
- Establishing Relationships
- Customer Service
TRAVEL/LOCATION
-
Ideally, this position will be based in Ankeny, Iowa, but open to remote. This position requires infrequent travel, mainly to meet with partners and the team.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in agronomy, environmental sciences, agricultural engineering, biological sciences, ecology or related field.
- Understanding of the cotton cropping system and conservation practices.
- Capable of working in a team environment while working independently to achieve specific project deliverables.
- Understanding of computer technologies including cloud-based data storage, farm data management systems, and online contract management.
BENEFITS
- Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
- Flexible Spending Account available
- Fitness Center
- Cellphone and Wellness reimbursement
- 401(k) with generous company match
- Tuition reimbursement program
- Dress for your Day Dress Code
