Field Crops Education Coordinator

Practical Farmers of Iowa is Hiring a Field Crops Education Coordinator

About PFI

Practical Farmers of Iowa is a nonprofit organization that has worked to equip farmers to build resilient farms and communities since 1985. We create learning opportunities via farmer-led events, on-farm research and educational content through our robust network of farmers. We also provide funding and technical assistance to help farmers adopt regenerative farming practices and grow farm businesses. Our vision is an Iowa with healthy soil, healthy food, clean air, clean water, resilient farms and vibrant communities.

This work has always been rooted in our value of welcoming everyone and creating a culture of mutual respect. We believe that a diversity of people, ideas and perspectives strengthens our ability to find creative solutions, enriches our understanding and broadens our impact. At Practical Farmers, we celebrate this diversity and are committed to ensuring that our policies and practices create an equitable and inclusive workplace. We take equal opportunity seriously and seek to empower and support all applicants and teammates. 

Practical Farmers offers a flexible, supportive and fast-paced work environment. Professional development is a core part of our culture and team members are encouraged to take independent initiative to help fulfill our mission. 

About the Position

The farmer-led education department houses PFI’s long-standing farmer-led education efforts. This department annually delivers robust educational programming consisting of field days, conference sessions, workshops and webinars. These events, along with farmer meet-ups and other programming, aim to help farmers build peer networks and learn from one another. In addition, staff in this department write educational content featuring farmer knowledge for PFI’s media, including PFI’s blog, email newsletters and quarterly magazine.  

The field crops education coordinator will support that team by:  

• Planning and facilitating high-quality, farmer-led educational and networking events relating to organic and conventional field crops production and farming systems, including small grains and cover crops.
• Writing farmer-focused articles, blogs and other outreach on topics related to field crops production, marketing, supply chains and rural communities for Practical Farmers and for distribution in other farm-related outlets.
• Connecting with field crops farmers to learn about their challenges, opportunities and how PFI can serve them.
• Responding to questions from the public about PFI’s field crops programming, connecting them to other members with expertise or interest in the topic, or to other PFI programs or external service providers.
• Supporting the farmer-led education department in data collection and information management processes.

Duties 

• Plan and facilitate learning and networking events related to field crop systems
• Write articles, blogs and outreach for PFI publications related to field crop systems
• Develop stories and content for PFI publications and media related to field crop systems
• Grow and facilitate networks of farmers and landowners interested in diversifying and improving their field crop rotations and management
• Respond to inquiries and requests for resources from PFI members and the public on field crop topics
• Organize and record information on PFI members and contacts into CRM and project management software
• Other duties as assigned or volunteered to support department or team projects

Required Qualifications and Characteristics 

• Strong event planning and logistics coordination skills
• Strong writing skills
• Familiarity with the agricultural landscape in Iowa and the Midwest
• Familiarity with basic agronomics and field crops
• Effective problem-solving and conflict resolution skills (a strong listener who is able to give and take feedback constructively)
• Ability to develop and manage a detailed schedule and work plan with little oversight
• Adept at building networks and engaging with a range of collaborators, partners or relevant parties
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills
• Strong event and meeting facilitation skills for both in-person and virtual events
• Ability to adapt to or learn different software (including Word, Excel, Airtable, data management and web software, etc.)
• Respectful of differing perspectives
• Efficient, effective and able to meet deadlines in fast-paced work environments
• Dependable – able to work independently and with a team
• Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work

Desired Qualifications and Characteristics 

• In-depth field crop knowledge
• Knowledge of planting and managing cover crops, small grains and row crops
• Existing knowledge of PFI’s programs
• Familiar with sustainable and regenerative agriculture concepts
• Two years of professional experience
• Formal or informal teaching experience
• Experience with grassroots organizing or outreach
• Storytelling skills
• Appreciation and passion for PFI’s organizational mission
• A mindset of continuous improvement

This is a full-time position based in our Ames, Iowa, office with potential for a hybrid schedule. This position requires a minimum of three days in the office per week and seasonal travel around Iowa and surrounding states. The salary range for this position is $46,500 to $50,000 with annual opportunity for merit salary increases and position advancement. 

PFI values its employees and is a flexible and supportive work environment. We offer employees a competitive benefits package that includes employee health insurance with 100% employer-paid premium, generous paid time off, flexible hours, six weeks of fully paid parental leave and 4% automatic 401k contribution after one year of employment. 

We also encourage employee professional development and offer a range of specialty benefits employees can use to support their wellness, sustainability and financial goals. Examples of our specialty benefits include contributions towards spouse or dependent health insurance, stipends for remote workers and reimbursements for fitness costs, CSA subscriptions, student loans or eco-friendly purchases. Practical Farmers is a family-friendly employer. 

Please apply by clicking this link:  https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/2503129/Practical-Farmers-of-Iowa/Field-Crops-Education-Coordinator?source=Conservation%20Job%20Board (resume and cover letter are required.) Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.