Employment Opportunities

Overview

The Research Agronomist will work with the RCFI team, farmers, ag retail, sponsors, collaborators and landowners across Iowa to execute on-farm, agronomic research that is critically important to farmers’ ability to increase profitability, productivity and sustainability. This role will provide technical assistance and communicate results to increase active farmer participation and engagement in programs and projects. Relationship-building, agronomy and project management are key skillsets for success in this role.

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Essential Functions

• Contribute to the conception and development of innovative on-farm research programming that emphasizes agronomics and combines conservation for ISA’s farmer participants and stakeholders
• Execute on-farm research trials and projects including: farmer recruitment, collection of data and management information and dissemination of results
• Coordinate with Conservation Agronomists to connect farmers with opportunities to identify and implement appropriate in-field and edge-of-field conservation products and practices for improved soil and water resource management practices and systems to maximize productivity and address resource concerns, farmer/landowner goals and watershed project goals
• Organize and lead participant group meetings to increase participation, understanding and adoption of new practices
• Promote and encourage increased farmer participation on ISA on-farm research projects and programs
• Develop both written and verbal presentations, guides, protocols and communication outreach materials when needed to support research programs and projects
• Assist RCFI Research Agronomy Lead in preparing work plans, budgets, quarterly and annual reports and help support new project contracts and grant development
• Assist team in designing and implementing an engagement and communication strategy to increase farmer participation and increase the effective dissemination of project results and communicate and promote the value of research programs
• Assist RCFI team in development and implementation of operational procedures, data management procedures, and other tools to ensure accuracy, efficiency and reliability
• Conduct education and outreach of data summarizations, including individual site, cross-site, and overall program level, to various audiences including farmers, non-farmers and stakeholders
• Coordinate with other ISA departments and staff embracing the culture of ISA and emulate that to the team

Competencies

• Practical understanding and application of agronomy, especially field and/or on-farm research
• Demonstrate initiative
• Act as a champion of change
• Relationship and network building
• Demonstrates exceptional customer service
• Evaluating and implementing ideas
• Effective oral and written communication, especially with farmers
• Prioritizing and executing work efficiently and effectively
• Provide technical assistance to farmers, team members, and all stakeholders

Location

Work remotely within the Western side of Iowa or in Ankeny.

Travel

This position requires up to 50% travel, primarily in Iowa. Frequently, travel is outside the local area and may be overnight.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no current supervisory responsibility. Some supervision for intern or temporary employees may be required.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, environmental sciences, agricultural engineering, biological sciences, ecology, ag economics, or related field
• 3-5 years of experience working in agronomy, agronomy sales, or conservation agronomy
• Strong understanding of:
  • Technical knowledge of soybean cropping systems and agronomy
  • Experience in agricultural industry and ag retail system
  • On-farm research and/or applied field plot research
• Capable of working in a team environment while working independently to achieve specific project deliverables
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with diverse technical and non-technical audiences
• Understanding of computer technologies including data storage, statistical software, GIS, and monitoring equipment interfaces

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in agronomy, environmental sciences, agricultural engineering, biological sciences, ecology, ag economics or related field
• 5-7 years of professional working experience in agriculture sales or consulting organization
• Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) certification 

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Fitness center and golf simulator
• Flexible spending account available
• Cellphone and wellness reimbursement
• 401(k) with generous company match
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Dress for your day dress code

Overview

The Producer Services Coordinator (Western Iowa) connects soybean farmers to the Iowa Soybean Association’s (ISA) programs, services and leadership opportunities. This role serves as a trusted liaison between farmers and ISA, with a priority on growing ISA farmer membership and Advocate (non-checkoff) membership and deepening farmer engagement.

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Location

This position serves USDA Crop Districts 1, 4 and 7, with residency strongly recommended within one of these districts.

Essential Functions

• Build and strengthen relationships with soybean farmers through proactive outreach that supports ISA’s membership and engagement goals.
• Increase ISA’s farmer membership and Advocate membership by connecting farmers to resources, programs and leadership opportunities.
• Identify and recruit farmer leaders for ISA’s board, committees and leadership development programs.
• Track member engagement activity and support organizational reporting using HubSpot.
• Plan, promote and support farmer-focused events and grassroots meetings.
• Partner with ISA departments to successfully deliver projects and initiatives benefiting soybean farmers.
• Represent ISA at meetings, field days, trade shows and community events.

Competencies

• Strong relationship building and communication skills; comfortable on the farm or in group settings.
• Organized and dependable, with proven skills in event coordination and project management.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to partner effectively across departments.
• Highly motivated self-starter who thrives in a remote, independent work environment while communicating effectively and collaborating as a strong team player.
• Adaptable to changing needs, with a customer service approach that prioritizes farmer success.
• Tenacious and resilient in outreach efforts, with a passion for connecting people to opportunities.
• Enthusiasm for agriculture and a commitment to championing Iowa’s soybean farmers. 

Travel and Expectations

• Flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends.
• Frequent in-state travel; regular visits to ISA headquarters in Ankeny required. An ISA vehicle is provided.
• Remote work environment requiring consistent communication and collaboration with colleagues.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibility.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or related field.
• 2 to 4 years of relevant experience in agriculture, farmer relations, membership engagement or event coordination.
• Demonstrated organization, time management and project coordination skills.
• Strong communications skills, both written and verbal.
• Proven ability to work independently, take initiative and collaborate effectively in a team environment.

Physical Demands

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance.
• Fitness center and golf simulator.
• Flexible spending account available.
• Cellphone and wellness reimbursement.
• 401(k) with generous company match.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Dress for your day dress code.