Agroforestry Technical Assistance Provider (MN)

Agroforestry Technical Assistance Provider (MN)

The Savanna Institute invites applications for an Agroforestry Technical Assistance Provider to help farmers in the Midwest adopt agroforestry practices, help design plantings, advise on implementation, and access USDA cost share opportunities. This position will assist the Agroforestry Adoption Team’s efforts to increase landowners’ engagement in Farm Bill programs and improve the ability of local and state agencies, as well as Tribal Nations, to deliver agroforestry technical support. This position will work closely with other members of our Agroforestry Adoption team. 

We seek applicants who share our passion for ecological and equitable agriculture as a nature-based climate solution and who are motivated to widen the circle of who has the opportunity to inform, support, and benefit from its development. To that end, we are seeking a diversity of voices at the table and strongly encourage people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans  to  apply.

Who We Are

The Savanna Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Madison, WI and Urbana, IL. Established in 2013, we work in collaboration with farmers, businesses, and scientists to lay the groundwork for widespread agroforestry in the Midwest US. Inspired by the native savanna ecosystems that once covered much of this region, we envision a transformed agricultural system, centered on trees and other perennial crops, that fosters ecological resilience, climate stability, economic prosperity, and vibrant, equitable communities. For more information, please visit savannainstitute.org.

Job Description

Hours: Full-time 

Location: Minnesota

Start Date: August 2025

Salary: $62,000-$67,000 per year

• This position is eligible for the Institute’s benefits package. Benefits for full-time employees include 20 days of paid time off annually plus 11 civic holidays, 12 weeks of parental/disability leave annually, a dependent care flex spending account, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, reimbursement of healthcare costs (including ACA marketplace premiums) via an HRA plan, and a monthly home office stipend.
• This position will report to the TAP Team Manager
• This position will require travel using a personal vehicle with mileage reimbursement

Duties/Responsibilities

• Technical Assistance: Consult with farmers & landowners to develop plans for agroforestry practices based on their goals, including assisting them with accessing Farm Bill programs for technical and financial assistance for agroforestry. This includes communication directly with farmers and landowners, as well as with NRCS and other implementation funders (50%)
• Program Improvement and Evaluation: Work with the Agroforestry Adoption Team on the development and evaluation of program tools and processes, in concert with your supervisor (10%)
• Events: Attend events as a Technical Assistance Provider, including giving presentations, attending field days, and presenting webinars (10%)
• Partnerships and Expert Review: Provide subject matter expertise to internal and external stakeholders, and build relationships with appropriate partners  (5%)
• General Staff  Work & Admin: General SI staff work and administrative functions (staff meetings, time tracking, etc.) (15%)
• Projects: Other Adoption Team prioritized projects as agreed upon with your supervisor, given seasonal demands (5%)
• Ongoing Education: Ongoing training and education (5%)

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a field related to agriculture or forestry
• Experience with agroforestry, forestry, rotational grazing, or other related agricultural practices
• Experience with Farm Bill programs or other programs that provide technical and financial support
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for occasional work-related travel
• Commitment to participating in a collaborative environment
• Strong interpersonal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Forest Management Plans
• Experience with technical service and/or farm design
• Experience with GIS or equivalent tools
• Experience working with a high degree of autonomy and accountability
• Experience with farm enterprises and cropping systems
• Experience with client management

If you’re excited about this job, we’re excited to learn about your experience! Please be sure to address each of the following qualifications in your cover letter — paint us a picture of how your unique skills, experiences, and/or education meet or exceed the qualifications. Cover letters should be no longer than 1 typed page. 

How To Apply Submit a resume/CV and cover letter to the position on our jobs page: https://www.savannainstitute.org/jobs/

Deadline All applications must be received by 11:59 pm CT on June 22nd, 2025.

Questions? Email Kathleen Fitzgibbon, Assistant Director of Administration, at kathleen@savannainstitute.org.

Diversity Commitment

The Savanna Institute affirms the value of diversity of staff and stakeholders, and aims to foster inclusive environments and equitable outcomes of our work. We seek individuals who are committed to these goals.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law.

Posted May 23, 2025