OBJECTIVE: The Field Operations Specialist position provides critical services to the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund team. This position works with staff and farmers on Soil and Water Outcomes Fund enrollment, provides quality control of incoming farmer data and conducts field compliance checks during peak seasons. Additionally, this position provides conservation and agronomic advice to enrolled farmers and maintains excellent customer relationships with farmers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Collect and process agricultural management practice data and field boundaries from farmers seeking to enroll in the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund.
  • Perform verification and validation of climate-smart practice adoption used to determine farmer compliance with contract and payment terms.
  • Maintain a comprehensive understanding of the Soil & Water Outcomes Fund.
  • Help farmers interpret and understand the outcomes-based payment structure and estimate payments based on models.
  • Provide technical assistance for agronomy and conservation practice implementation, either directly or through intermediaries such as certified crop advisors or agronomy advisors.
  • Perform QA/QC on all data provided by farmers.
  • Analyze and interpret outcomes data received from third parties.
  • Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and a proactive approach to farmer engagement.

COMPETENCIES

  • Deep working knowledge of agricultural cropping systems and conservation practices
  • Demonstrated initiative, assertiveness, and ability to drive results
  • Establishing and building relationships
  • Communicating effectively
  • Strong time management skills
  • Task management and organization

TRAVEL/LOCATION

  • This position will be ideally based in our Ankeny office, but remote may be an option. Requires travel during peak field season (November and March-May), typically within the Midwest and may have overnight travel.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

  • This position has no supervisory responsibility.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • Associate or bachelor’s degree in agronomy, environmental sciences, agricultural engineering, biological sciences, or other agricultural related fields.
  • Strong understanding of Midwest cropping systems and conservation practices.
  • Capable of working in a team environment while working independently to achieve specific project deliverables.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

This job operates in a professional office environment. A significant portion of the time may be in the field meeting with farmers.

BENEFITS

  • Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
  • FSA and HSA available
  • Onsite Wellness center and golf simulator
  • Cellphone and Wellness reimbursement
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • 401(k) with generous company match
  • Tuition reimbursement program
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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