Employment Opportunities: Join the ISA team!

Monitoring and Verification Technician - AgOutcomes

Objective

The Monitoring and Verification Technician is for AgOutcomes and the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund (www.theoutcomesfund.com). This position will implement the field verification, soil sampling and water sampling program of the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund in Iowa, Illinois, and other Midwest states TBD. This position will report to the Monitoring and Verification Coordinator, who oversees the implementation of Soil and Water Outcomes Fund monitoring and verification protocol. The position will work with partners and seasonal staff to coordinate and conduct the verification and monitoring, manage sampling locations, results and associated data management. The Monitoring and Verification will also support Soil & Water Outcomes Fund enrollment and other tasks on a as needed basis.

Essential Functions

  • Conduct field verification and soil and water sampling
  • Maintain relationships with sampling contractors and producers
  • Perform QA/QC on all soil and water sampling data collected
  • Interact with SWOF producers to gain documentation that validates contracted operations
  • Utilize system to collect field level data including but not limited to field notes, photo, sampling notes, monitoring results, etc.
  • Work with water and soil scientists to conduct analysis of sampling results
  • Work with Agsource Labs, Iowa Soybean Association and other labs to receive and analyze soil and water samples.
  • Maintain a strong understanding of the Soil & Water Outcomes Fund

Competencies

  • Soil and Water Sampling Expertise
  • Communicating Effectively
  • Coordinating Project Activities
  • Displaying Technical Expertise
  • Adaptive/forward-thinking mindset

Travel

This position requires up to 75% travel. Frequently travel is outside the local area and maybe overnight. Some of the travel may be in other states.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibility.

Required Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, environmental sciences, agricultural engineering, biological sciences, ecology or related field.
  • Experience collecting soil or water samples.
  • Strong understanding of Midwest cropping systems and conservation practices.
  • Understanding of computer technologies, including cloud-based data storage and GIS.
  • Proficient in Microsoft office products like Excel, Word, and others
  • Ability to use GIS/GPS and/or mobile devices to navigate to sampling locations.

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account available
  • Cellphone and Wellness reimbursement
  • Fitness Center
  • 401(k) with generous company match
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Tuition reimbursement program

Apply Here
Conservation Agronomist - AgOutcomes (Eastern ND/Western MN)

Objective

The Conservation Agronomist is the farmer face for AgOutcomes and the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund (www.theoutcomesfund.com) in the Red River Valley and surrounding areas. The Conservation Agronomist works to enroll farmers in the Soil & Water Outcomes Fund, assists farmers and affiliated recruiters in the enrollment process, provides quality control of incoming farmer data and translation of resulting environmental and ecosystem service data.  Additionally, this position provides conservation and agronomic advice to enrolled farmers and maintains excellent customer relationships with farmers.

Essential Functions

  • Provide support to current and prospective farmers for collection of management practice data and other necessary enrollment information
  • Increase grower enrollment in the identified area
  • Support verification and validation of climate smart practice adoption
  • Maintain a strong understanding of the Soil & Water Outcomes Fund and associated farmer enrollment platform
  • Create and maintain a pipeline of farmers to enroll via direct communication and key partnerships
  • Conduct a consistent cadence of check-ins with enrolled farmers
  • Provide oversight, guidance, and support to affiliated farmer recruiters (seed dealer, crop advisors, ag retail, etc.)
  • Track acres enrolled in territory by affiliated recruiters, provide payment and report status
  • Assist farmers in interpreting and understanding outcomes-based payment structure and estimated payments based on models
  • Provide technical assistance to enrolled farmers for agronomy and conservation practice implementation, either directly or through intermediaries like certified crop advisors or agronomy advisors
  • QA/QC all farmer provided data
  • Provide opportunities for enrolled farmers to participate in on-farm research/benchmarking with other enrolled farmers
  • Analyze and interpret outcomes data received from 3rd party verifiers
  • Build a profile as a conservation expert for farmers in your area
  • Provide guidance on relevant trends and developments in the agricultural landscape related to markets, innovations, potential customers, etc.
  • Gather, assimilate, and analyze market and competitive information

Competencies

  • Deep Working Knowledge of Local Agricultural Cropping Systems
  • Demonstrated Initiative, Assertiveness, and Ability to Drive Results
  • Establishing and Building Relationships
  • Communicating Effectively
  • Displaying Conservation Technical Expertise
  • Coordinating Project Activities
  • Prioritizing and Organizing Work
  • Managing Resources

Travel/Location

This position will be based remotely in the identified territory. Requires some office time at the Iowa Soybean Association office in Ankeny, Iowa. As a remote employee, you are responsible for setting and maintaining your schedule. Requires up to 50% travel, typically within the identified territory. Frequently travel is outside the local area and may be overnight. Some of the travel may be in other states.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibility.

Required Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in agronomy, environmental sciences, agricultural engineering, biological sciences, or other agricultural related fields.
  • Minimum of three to five years of experience working in agronomy or conservation.
  • Strong understanding of Midwest cropping systems and conservation practices.
  • Capable of working in a team environment while working independently to achieve specific project deliverables.
  • Experience in agriculture or related field such as agronomy sales

Preferred Education and Experience

  • Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) certification

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account available
  • Cellphone and Wellness reimbursement
  • 401(k) with generous company match
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Tuition reimbursement program

Apply Here
Conservation Agronomist - AgOutcomes (Eastern IL/Western IN)

Objective

The Conservation Agronomist is the farmer face for AgOutcomes and the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund (www.theoutcomesfund.com) in Eastern Illinois, Western Indiana, and surrounding areas. The Conservation Agronomist works to enroll farmers in the Soil & Water Outcomes Fund, assists farmers and affiliated recruiters in the enrollment process, provides quality control of incoming farmer data and translation of resulting environmental and ecosystem service data.  Additionally, this position provides conservation and agronomic advice to enrolled farmers and maintains excellent customer relationships with farmers.

Essential Functions

  • Provide support to current and prospective farmers for collection of management practice data and other necessary enrollment information
  • Increase grower enrollment in the identified area
  • Support verification and validation of climate smart practice adoption
  • Maintain a strong understanding of the Soil & Water Outcomes Fund and associated farmer enrollment platform
  • Create and maintain a pipeline of farmers to enroll via direct communication and key partnerships
  • Conduct a consistent cadence of check-ins with enrolled farmers
  • Provide oversight, guidance, and support to affiliated farmer recruiters (seed dealer, crop advisors, ag retail, etc.)
  • Track acres enrolled in territory by affiliated recruiters, provide payment and report status
  • Assist farmers in interpreting and understanding outcomes-based payment structure and estimated payments based on models
  • Provide technical assistance to enrolled farmers for agronomy and conservation practice implementation, either directly or through intermediaries like certified crop advisors or agronomy advisors
  • QA/QC all farmer provided data
  • Provide opportunities for enrolled farmers to participate in on-farm research/benchmarking with other enrolled farmers
  • Analyze and interpret outcomes data received from 3rd party verifiers
  • Build a profile as a conservation expert for farmers in your area
  • Provide guidance on relevant trends and developments in the agricultural landscape related to markets, innovations, potential customers, etc.
  • Gather, assimilate, and analyze market and competitive information

Competencies

  • Deep Working Knowledge of Local Agricultural Cropping Systems
  • Demonstrated Initiative, Assertiveness, and Ability to Drive Results
  • Establishing and Building Relationships
  • Communicating Effectively
  • Displaying Conservation Technical Expertise
  • Coordinating Project Activities
  • Prioritizing and Organizing Work
  • Managing Resources

Travel/Location

This position will be based remotely in the identified territory. Requires some office time at the Iowa Soybean Association office in Ankeny, Iowa. As a remote employee, you are responsible for setting and maintaining your schedule. Requires up to 50% travel, typically within the identified territory. Frequently travel is outside the local area and may be overnight. Some of the travel may be in other states.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibility.

Required Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in agronomy, environmental sciences, agricultural engineering, biological sciences, or other agricultural related fields.
  • Minimum of three to five years of experience working in agronomy or conservation.
  • Strong understanding of Midwest cropping systems and conservation practices.
  • Capable of working in a team environment while working independently to achieve specific project deliverables.
  • Experience in agriculture or related field such as agronomy sales

Preferred Education and Experience

  • Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) certification

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account available
  • Cellphone and Wellness reimbursement
  • 401(k) with generous company match
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Tuition reimbursement program

Apply Here
Marketing and Communications Manager - AgOutcomes

Objective

The Marketing and Communications Manager works closely with the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund (www.theoutcomesfund.com) team to educate and inform partners, farmers, and the general public about the benefits of conservation agriculture and ecosystem markets for farmers, municipalities, corporations, and communities. The Marketing and Communications Manager is expected to be a self-starter who works well in teams and independently. The Marketing and Communications Manager should have a track record of measurably contributing to the growth in engagement and revenue at an organization working in conservation and/or agriculture. Successful candidates should be innovative, creative, organized, and self-motivated.

Essential Functions

  • Build and execute a marketing communications strategy that supports the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund’s goals.
  • Develop communication content and marketing materials - including print materials, articles, web copy, presentations, and edited images – to drive farmer enrollment, partnerships, and outcomes buyer (access available to Canva, Adobe suite, and graphic design contractor).
  • Identify print, digital, multimedia, and in-person communications vehicles to increase the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund brand awareness among key audiences.
  • Leverage storytelling to highlight the climate smart impact of the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund, enrolled farmers, and our partners through a variety of communication mediums.
  • Create and maintain to a content calendar.
  • Develop and deploy a social media strategy and campaigns to engage key stakeholders.
  • Manage website content and email marketing.
  • Gather and evaluate results of communication campaigns and use this data to inform marketing communications strategy.
  • Develop strong relationships and collaborate with key stakeholders.
  • Coordinate and manage a budget dedicated to marketing and communications.
  • Use the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund style and branding guide to write, edit, and proofread.
  • Manage public relations outreach to secure earned media coverage of Soil and Water Outcomes Fund.

Additional Responsibilities

  • Assist in writing and submitting required project reports.
  • Assist in developing content to support fundraising efforts.
  • Ability to be flexible and assist the entire team as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned to advance the organization’s mission.

Competencies

  • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
  • Writing, editing, and content development experience for all media platforms.
  • Advanced skills in proofreading and copy editing.
  • Strategic and creative mindset.
  • Critical thinking.
  • Experience creating and maintaining networks and elevating partner relationships.
  • Great with MS Office and PowerPoint.
  • Exceptional organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
  • Can work with a wide range of people.
  • Ability to persuade or influence others.
  • Ability to learn and understand the operations of the organization.
  • Ability to consistently meet deadlines while producing high-quality deliverables.
  • Interest in and working knowledge of agriculture and conservation.

Travel/Location

This position requires occasional travel. Most travel is limited to the local area but may require some overnight stays. Remote option available.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibility.

Required Education and Experience

  • 3+ years’ experience in communications, marketing, journalism, contend development, or a related field.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Ag Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or related field.

Preferred Education and Experience

  • Minor in agronomy or conservation
  • 2+ years’ experience in conservation or agriculture communications.

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account available
  • Fitness Center
  • Cellphone and Wellness reimbursement
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • 401(k) with generous company match
  • Tuition reimbursement program

Apply Here
Program Analyst - AgOutcomes

Objective

The Program Analyst position works to support monitoring and verification and conservation agronomy teams within the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund (www.theoutcomesfund.com). The position provides quality control and analysis on a variety of program data, including producer enrollment data, modeled environmental outcome data, soil and water sampling data, and other data aspects of the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund. Analysis of various types of data may include predictive analysis, progress reports for both partners and producers, tracking of enrollment and outcomes across the program, and creating geospatial relationships for current datasets.  

Essential Functions

  • Maintain a strong understanding of the Soil & Water Outcomes Fund and associated farmer enrollment platform.
  • Quality control on all areas of SWOF data, including modelled data, enrollment data, spatial data, sampling data, and others.
  • Generation of program related reports for producers and partners.
  • Tracking of enrollment acres and their associated outcomes across SWOF areas.
  • Identifying areas of improvement through data-driven solutions.
  • Determine consistencies and inconsistencies in outcome data to calibrate environmental models.
  • Development and deployment of soil sampling point selection tools and protocols.
  • Managing spatial data for soil, water, and verification sampling.
  • Management of field collection applications.
  • Other duties as assigned. 

Competencies

  • Communicating Effectively
  • Displaying Technical Expertise
  • Managing Resources
  • Prioritizing and Organizing Work
  • Establishing Relationships
  • Customer Service

Travel/Location

This position will be based in Ankeny, Iowa but we are open to remote work as well. Requires some travel. Some of the travel may be in other states.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibility.

Required Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in Statistics, Data Science, Data Analytics, Math or a related field with 3+ years’ experience.
  • Minimum of three to five years of experience working in data management or related fields.
  • Strong understanding of Midwest cropping systems and conservation practices.
  • Experience writing and running SQL and generating reports.
  • Experience in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
  • Experience in building datasets and analyzing data; experience working with unstructured data.
  • Capable of working in a team environment while working independently to achieve specific project deliverables.
  • Understanding of computer technologies, including cloud-based data storage and GIS.

Preferred Education and Experience

  • R and/or Python programming
  • SQL databases
  • ArcGIS or other GIS tools
  • SAS preferred

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account available
  • Fitness Center
  • Cellphone and Wellness reimbursement
  • 401(k) with generous company match
  • Tuition reimbursement program
  • Dress for your Day Dress Code 

Apply Here
Data and Technology Lead - AgOutcomes

Objective

The Data and Technology Lead is responsible for managing and overseeing the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund (www.theoutcomesfund.com) data and external data and technology partnerships. This position is also responsible for analyzing agronomic data, environmental outcome data and monitoring and sampling results. Knowledge of agronomic and environmental models is required. This position will provide strategic leadership for the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund related to internal and external data and technology needs.

Essential Functions

  • Provides data and technology leadership and management that aligns with the mission of the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund.
  • Identify opportunities to improve or expand the use of data and technology within the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund operations.
  • Manage and lead the organization's internal and external data and technology partnerships for web development, outcome quantification, and others.
  • Work with contractors to design and implement data management systems to ensure accurate and timely capture, storage, analysis, and reporting of agronomic and environmental data.
  • Have knowledge of agronomic and environmental models, including but not limited to COMET-Farm, Nutrient Tracking Tool, GREET, and others.
  • Provide advanced analysis of agronomic and environmental data to support the organization's work in improving soil health and water quality.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement technology solutions that support the organization's mission.
  • Identify emerging data and technology trends and evaluate their potential impact on the organization.
  • Train and mentor staff in the use of data and technology tools and resources.
  • Ensure data security and compliance with relevant regulations.
  • Create annual budgets, tracks contractor expenses.
  • Knowledge of web services and technology to support the SWOF web-based data portal.

Competencies

  • Strategic Thinking
  • Environmental Modeling
  • Results Driven
  • Data Analytics
  • Problem Solving/Analysis
  • Collaboration Skills

Travel/Location

This position is located in Ankeny, Iowa but we are also open to remote work. This position requires some travel, mainly to meet with partners and farmers.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position may have some supervisory responsibilities over analyst positions.

Required Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, environmental science, agronomy, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in data management, analysis, and modeling, preferably in the agriculture or environmental sector.
  • Expertise in designing and implementing data management systems and models, including familiarity with agronomic and environmental models such as COMET-Farm, Nutrient Tracking Tool, GREET, and others.
  • Strong analytical skills and experience with statistical analysis and data visualization.
  • Experience working with cross-functional teams to develop and implement technology solutions.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills. 

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account available
  • Fitness Center
  • Cellphone and Wellness reimbursement
  • 401(k) with generous company match
  • Tuition reimbursement program
  • Dress for your Day Dress Code

Apply Here