Precision Conservation Specialist

Job purpose

Precision Conservation Management (PCM) is a farmer service program led by the Illinois Corn Growers Association with support of the Missouri Corn Growers Association, and in partnership of over 30 other conservation leaders. The mission of PCM is to facilitate greater adoption of conservation practices on Midwest agricultural fields by investigating the impacts of conservation practice adoption on farm financial stability.  The Precision Conservation Specialist will provide technical assistance to enrolled cooperators in the Precision Conservation Management program.  The Precision Conservation Specialist will work in North Central Missouri to educate cooperators about conservation practices and connect farmers to cost-share opportunities. This person will be responsible for helping farmers within a 90-mile radius centered on Macon, Missouri, targeting farmers in the Lower Grande and Lower Salt River watersheds to secure financial and technical assistance to adopt conservation practices and/or expand their use of conservation practices. PCM Specialists also have reporting responsibilities to PCM partners demonstrating success in expending grant funding/cost share-dollars provided by the partners. Additional expectations assisting program partners is required from time to time.  PCM Specialists present participating farmers with customized reports summarizing the sustainability and financial impacts of their current farming operation and generating environmental and financial comparisons with other farming practices.

Duties and responsibilities

• Support up to 100 farmers within the PCM program as they work to adopt conservation practices.
• Promote PCM and the implementation of specific conservation practices.
• Represent the project and demonstrate strong management and administrative responsibility.
• Collaborate with and maintain open communication with the PCM Director, PCM Operations Manager on the implementation of PCM objectives. 
• Identify opportunities and challenges in meeting PCM objectives and work with other PCM staff including analysts, Specialists, data collectors, and partners, to meet goals.
• Conduct and coordinate internal and external communications.
• Coordinate with other PCM Specialists and partners to conduct farmer meetings and trainings.
• Collect and maintain detailed and up-to-date farmer management data and other program records.
• Coordinate and execute strategic and programmatic activities of the PCM program.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• B. S. degree related to agricultural management, production agriculture, agronomy, or ag economics required.

• Ability to prioritize a heavy and varied workload, deliver results on a timeline, and provide regular report of activities/achievements.
• Willingness to travel extensively within the multi-county area to meet farmers at their homes, shops, or fields.
• Proficient with basic computer software (Microsoft Office Suite) and comfortability entering data into online platforms and Excel.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to work with farmers and manage professional relationships.
• Proven ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Understanding of current farming practices, nitrogen application techniques, and nitrogen loss concerns.
• Understanding of NRCS, agricultural carbon, and other conservation financial assistance programs.

Physical requirements

• Position requires regular local travel, and regional travel within the Midwest, including quarterly team meetings.
• May require in-field work to collect data and samples in various weather and physical environments.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.