Cover Crop Program Specialist

Department of Plant Science & Technology

This role will provide agronomic expertise to support multiple grant projects involving cover crops with the University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture (www.cra.missouri.edu). The Center currently has a team of 20 staff and consultants working on a dozen projects at the state, regional and national level. The primary role for the candidate hired will be working with the $25 million Missouri CRCL Project that has enrolled 600 farmers to date in using cover crops in the state. Other project involvement will include working with a project on cover crop training and farmer networking, as well as the $10 million National Cover Crop Variety Development Project. Candidate hired may get involved in additional Center projects based on candidate interest and staff needs. Specific responsibilities and activities will include:

• Implementation of climate-smart programs
  • Collaborate with the CRA Cover Crop Outreach Manager in responding to farmer questions on CRCL project cover crop opportunities
  • Assist farmers with enrollment in the cover crop program, and as needed with other CRCL Project enrollments such as the nutrient management program
  • Share cover crop management information with farmer enrollees and help develop education and outreach programs for those producers (approximately 600 enrolled to date)
  • Analyze selected data from the cover crop program to identify trends that contribute to successful cover crop adoption and impacts
• Cover crop training and farmer networking
  • In cooperation with the CRA Cover Crop Outreach Manager and CRA Director, provide agronomic training on cover crops for the ag retail community and other farm advisors
  • Working with other team members, help identify barriers to cover crop adoption and strategize on ways to improve adoption
  • Help develop and support farmer-to-farmer information sharing networks in Missouri on cover crops
• Cover crop research and additional responsibilities
  • Identify areas of cover crop research that would help Midwest producers and undertake selected cover crop research projects as assigned
  • Collaborate on other special projects with cover crop development, including evaluation of new cover crop varieties, reviewing cover crop data and adoption information, and other special activities that aid progress with cover crop use
    

Monday through Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Bachelors degree in agronomy, plant science, soil science, or a related field. Familiarity with cover crops and soil health, particularly relevant to Missouri or other Midwestern states. Effective oral and written communication skills, including delivery of presentations to farmer audiences through field days and workshops. Strong organizational skills and ability to work as a self-starter. Ability to evaluate cover crop research results, including from on-farm research experiences. Ability to provide management recommendations on cover crop implementation. Prior internship or other work experience with cover crops, plant science education, and plant science research.

Hiring Range: $51,875.20- $62,000.00 annually.

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Grade: GGS-9E
University Title: EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM SPECIALIST
Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR. To review the University of Missouri’s Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page.

Resume, list of three references with contact information, and cover letter describing interest in the position, familiarity with cover crops, and background in agronomy, plant science and/or soils.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.