Soil Health Educator for Cotton Systems

The Soil Health Institute (SHI), www.soilhealthinstitute.org, is a non-profit organization created to safeguard and enhance the vitality and productivity of soil through scientific research and advancement. The Institute brings together leaders in soil health science and the industry to conduct research and empower farmers and landowners with the knowledge to successfully adopt regenerative soil health systems that contribute economic and environmental benefits to agriculture and society. SHI has a dynamic team of scientists and educators, working together to assess and promote soil health practices on U.S. (United States) farms.

SHI is seeking a Soil Health Educator to join our team in developing and delivering educational programs that encourage adoption of soil health management systems across the U.S. Cotton Belt.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver educational programs, both virtually and in-person, including field days, soil health events, and listening sessions tailored for diverse farming communities.
• Engage with historically underserved cotton growers, fostering inclusive outreach efforts.
• Collaborate with a team on cotton and other commodity-related projects.
• Recruit and liaise with local technical specialists, soil health mentors, and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to the creation of educational materials and support various SHI projects with agronomic expertise.
• Manage and report on project progress.
• Regular travel to field days, grower meetings, and cotton-related conferences is required.

Qualifications:

• Enthusiasm for soil science, agronomy, and especially soil health practices.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Soil Conservation, or related fields, with a preference for candidates possessing experience in agricultural communication.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• A passion for soil science and agronomy, with a particular focus on soil health practices.
• Ability to simplify complex soil health principles for practical producer implementation.
• Authorization to work anywhere in the United States and possession of a Driver’s License valid in the U.S.
• Preference for candidates with row crop experience and those who have worked with historically underserved farmers.
• Ability to foster effective partnerships with farmers, landowners, Extension educators, researchers, USDA and state agency personnel, commodity organizations, and industry partners.

Location:

The Soil Health Educator can work remotely or may be housed at SHI headquarters in Morrisville, N.C. Strong preference will be given to qualified candidates located within the U.S. Cotton Belt.

Compensation:

The Soil Health Educator will be hired as a full-time, limited term employee. Annual salary will range from $70k to $90k, commensurate with qualifications and experience. This is a full-time position with competitive paid leave, life, health and dental insurance, 401K, and other benefits.