Practical Farmers of Iowa is Hiring a Field Crops Viability 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 

PFI’s farm viability department provides innovative, personalized support to help farmers achieve their goals. We partner with farmers to implement new on-farm practices, develop markets and create robust farm business plans. We develop strategic partnerships across the food and agriculture supply chains and shape the policies that encourage resilient farms to thrive. 

Within the farm viability department, the field crops viability team oversees regenerative, row-crop financial assistance programs. In 2023, these programs supported over 2,100 farmers adopting cover crops, diverse rotations and improved nutrient management. The team works closely with major supply chain partners such as PepsiCo and Unilever to drive large-scale landscape change. 

This position will support the work of the field crops viability team by providing technical assistance to farmers implementing regenerative row-crop practices, planning events to support communities of practice and helping farmers through the cost-share sign-up process and complete program requirements once enrolled. 

Duties 

• Provide technical assistance to farmers who are adopting cover crops, diversified crop rotations and working to reduce inputs.  
• Respond to inquiries and requests for resources from PFI members and the public on cover crops and extended rotations. 
• Grow farmer and landowner networks related to cover crops and extended rotations. 
• Organize and record information on field crop viability programming, including entering program data into surveys and reviewing seed and application receipts. 
• Plan and facilitate in-person and virtual farmer meet-ups to strengthen communities of practice for cover crops, extended rotation and reduced inputs.  
• Present and table at partner education and networking events.  
• Handle other duties as assigned or volunteered to support department or team projects. 

Required Qualifications and Characteristics 

• Knowledge of cover crops and diversified crop rotation agronomy 
• Knowledge of Midwestern agricultural systems 
• Strong customer service skills  
• Good interpersonal communication skills  
• Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel  
• Ability to work efficiently and accurately in a fast-paced team environment  
• Ability to meet deadlines  
• Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work  
• Ability to give and take constructive, respectful feedback  
• Ability to travel (occasionally overnight) throughout Iowa and surrounding states 

Desired Qualifications and Characteristics 

• Knowledge of sustainable and regenerative agriculture concepts 
• Knowledge of small-grain crop production 
• Knowledge of crop nutrient management 
• Knowledge of forage management 
• Data collection and analysis skills  
• Strong written communication skills 
• Passion for PFI’s organizational mission 
• A mindset of continuous improvement 
• Able to empathize and connect with people of different backgrounds and perspectives  

This is a full-time position based in our Ames, Iowa, office with potential for a hybrid or remote schedule. Strong preference will be given to candidates who can work from our Ames office one to two days per week. The candidate must be in the Ames office at least once per month and be able to travel throughout Iowa and surrounding states to farms on occasion. 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 completing the application form (including contact information, cover letter, resume and references) at the bottom of this page. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.