Employment Opportunities

Overview

The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) is seeking a detail-oriented and technically skilled AMP Environmental Compliance Specialist to support implementation of a USDA Amplifying Markets for Producers (AMP) grant program. This position is responsible for coordinating and developing environmental review documentation, including CPA-52 forms and associated environmental evaluations, for participating farms implementing conservation practices. The role will work closely with farmers, USDA staff and internal teams to support timely environmental review approvals, maintain accurate documentation within agricultural data systems and ensure compliance with USDA program requirements. This is a grant-funded position with anticipated funding through five years. This position reports to the AMP Program Manager.

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Essential Functions

• Develop, prepare and manage CPA-52 environmental review documentation and associated environmental evaluations for participating farms
• Coordinate with USDA staff, farmers and internal teams to support timely review and approval of environmental documentation
• Maintain knowledge of USDA conservation program requirements, environmental compliance standards and applicable regulations related to conservation practice implementation
• Review conservation practices, farm records and supporting documentation to ensure environmental review completeness and accuracy
• Serve as a primary point of contact for USDA staff regarding environmental review questions, documentation and approval processes
• Track CPA-52 development, submission, review and approval status within agricultural data management systems
• Maintain accurate and organized environmental review records and supporting documentation for audit and compliance purposes
• Collaborate with internal teams to improve environmental review workflows, communication processes and operational efficiency
• Support reporting and documentation requirements associated with USDA grant implementation
• Coordinate with field staff and producers to gather information necessary for environmental reviews and conservation practice implementation
• Assist with identifying and resolving environmental review issues, delays or data discrepancies

Competencies

• Analytical Thinking
• Regulatory Compliance
• Problem Solving
• Attention to Detail
• Process Management
• Collaboration
• Adaptability

Work Location/Travel

This position will be based in Iowa. Periodic travel throughout the Midwest may be required to support field reviews, producer coordination and conservation practice implementation activities.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibility.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in environmental science, natural resources, agronomy, agriculture, conservation planning, geography or a related field
• Experience developing or supporting environmental reviews associated with agricultural conservation practices or working lands programs
• Familiarity with USDA conservation programs and environmental evaluation processes
• Strong organizational, project coordination and documentation management skills
• Experience working with producers, USDA staff or conservation stakeholders
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with strong attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment

Preferred Education and Experience

• Knowledge of sustainable agricultural practices, conservation and environmental stewardship.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Demonstrated initiative, assertiveness and ability to drive results.
• Strong understanding of Midwest cropping systems and conservation practices.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
• FSA and HSA available
• Cellphone and Wellness reimbursement
• Fitness center and Golf simulator
• 401(k) with generous company match
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Dress for your Day Dress Code

Overview

The Grants Coordinator & Administrator is responsible for developing and submitting grant proposals to support the organization mission and goals and then implementing and managing the awards performance and finances once they are received. This position ensures all proposals and awarded projects comply with grant guidelines, which include Uniform Guidance when applicable, and monitors programmatic and financial progress to ensure award deliverables are met. This position reports to the CFO.

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Essential Functions

Grant proposal and development (Pre-Award)

• Analyze new funding opportunities identified internally, via federal agency websites, or via other entity websites to ensure alignment with goals and project feasibility for the organization.
• Collaborate with program and accounting staff to develop project narratives, timelines, measurable outcomes (KPIs) and detailed budgets.
• Draft and submit comprehensive grant proposals in compliance with the RFP guidelines.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the organization and the grant project officers.

Grant Compliance and Administration (Post-Award)

• Manage the full lifecycle of the grant, including grant record keeping, tracking expenditures, and tracking of match documentation.
• Monitor projects to ensure compliance with federal awards or other terms and conditions of the award agreements.
• Conduct project procurement and subrecipient monitoring when applicable.
• Coordinate the timely submission of accurate financial and narrative reports to funding agencies.

Coordination and Reporting

• Maintain an organized, master grant calendar to track submission deadlines, reporting requirements and funding cycles.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among cross-functional teams and partners.
• Conduct regular project status meetings and provide regular status reports to the CFO and relevant program staff.
• Provide technical assistance to program staff regarding grant guidelines and documentation requirements.

Competencies

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with internal teams and external partners.
• Superior attention to detail in order to manage multiple, complex projects.
• Talent for leveraging available tools, documentation and vendor support to keep projects moving forward.

Travel

This position requires minimal travel.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibility.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, administration or agronomy.
• 2 to 4 years of experience in project coordination, operations or administration.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Preferred Education and Experience

Experience with USDA/NRCS (or any other federal award program) is a plus. Hands-on experience with Microsoft SharePoint, Office 365, HubSpot and AirTable. Experience supporting cross-departmental programs.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
• FSA and HSA available
• Cellphone and Wellness reimbursement
• Fitness center and Golf simulator
• 401(k) with generous company match
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Dress for your Day Dress Code

Overview

The Conservation Agronomist will work with ag retail, landowners, and farmers across Iowa to execute conservation and agronomy technical assistance delivery increasing active farmer participation and successful engagement in programs and projects that improve production, profitability, and natural resource outcomes.

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Essential Functions

• Serve as a technical expert in agronomy and conservation, providing guidance to farmers, landowners, and ag retail partners across Iowa.
• Recommend and support adoption of in-field and edge-of-field conservation practices to improve soil and water outcomes and meet farmer and watershed goals.
• Lead and coordinate projects, including farmer, engineer, and contractor engagement, implementation, reporting, and collaboration with funding partners and stakeholders.
• Provide field-level support for conservation practices (e.g., cover crops, bioreactors, saturated buffers, oxbows, pollinator habitat), including site assessment, survey, design, and implementation.
• Partner with agencies such as the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and Natural Resources Conservation Service to deliver conservation programs.
• Conduct on-farm research, including data collection, management, and evaluation of agronomic and conservation practices.
• Monitor practice performance and use results to drive continuous improvement.
• Connect farmers and landowners with cost-share and financial assistance programs and ensure practices meet technical standards.
• Build and maintain relationships with farmers, landowners, ag retailers, watershed coordinators, and other partners to support project development and delivery.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, field days, and outreach events.
• Develop work plans, budgets, and reports; contribute to grant and funding proposals.
• Collaborate internally with communications, outreach, producer services, and finance teams.
• Connect farmers with information or on-farm research opportunities to support their profitability and sustainability goals.
• Promote and uphold organizational values and culture.

Competencies

• Practical understanding and application of agronomy and farm-based conservation practices
• Prioritizing and organizing work
• Establishing relationships
• Customer service
• Evaluating and implementing ideas
• Navigating organizations
• Acting as a champion for change
• Communicating effectively

Travel

This position requires remote work, upwards of up to 50% in the field, typically in Iowa. Occasionally travel will be outside of Iowa requiring overnight lodging.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibility.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in agronomy, environmental sciences, agricultural engineering, biological sciences, ecology, sociology, or related field.
• Minimum of three to five years of experience working in agronomy or conservation.
• Strong understanding of: agricultural industry and the ag retail system:
  • Cropping systems
  • Conservation delivery systems promotion of conservation practices
• Capable of working in a team environment while working independently to achieve specific project deliverables.
• Ability to work remotely and from affiliated office locations.
• Understanding of computer technologies including data storage, statistical software, GIS, and monitoring equipment interfaces.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in agronomy, environmental science, or related field.
• Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) certification

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
• FSA and HSA available
• Cellphone and Wellness reimbursement
• Fitness center and Golf simulator
• 401(k) with generous company match
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Dress for your Day Dress Code