Job Information
Iowa Soybean Association RCFI Conservation Agronomy Lead in Ankeny, Iowa
OBJECTIVE: The RCFI Conservation Agronomy Leader is responsible for leading, supervising, and motivating Conservation Agronomist team member’s ensuring consistent performance, effective collaboration, and delivering value to Iowa soybean farmers. The lead will serve as the primary point of contact for Conservation Agronomist team members and should be able to act proactively ensuring smooth team operations and effectiveness. This position reports to the Director of Conservation.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Leads Conservation Agronomist team to achieve organizational and developmental goals by:
Empowers team members to enhance skills and abilities, securing their confidence in delivering RCFI programming, overall knowledge, and effective communication skills
Develops training materials to expand technical and professional knowledge and experience
Coaches team members to own their professional growth and development
Listening to team members’ feedback and reaching resolution on issues or conflicts
Managing the day-to-day activities of the Conservation Agronomy team members
Responsibly provide fiscal oversight for RCFI Conservation Agronomy projects and programs
Supporting team planning and execution of effective initiatives and activities designed to engage and assist farmers with their agronomic production decisions incorporating soil, water, and other conservation practices on their land
Develop work plans, budgets, quarterly and annual reports, and support grant writing in collaboration with RCFI program leads (Conservation Program, Research Agronomy, and Analytics & Insights)
Supporting deployment of a Conservation Agronomy peer-to-peer leadership and learning initiative to ensure coordination, operational consistency in goal setting and reporting, and to serve as an implementation platform for team building and training opportunities.
Coordinate and assist the RCFI Conservation Program Manager Lead to support strong working relationships with ag retail, local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Watershed Management Authorities, state and federal natural resource agencies and other stakeholders and sponsors
Coordinate and support effective multi-disciplinary team collaboration across RCFI programs and projects integrating On Farm Research, data collection, applied analytics, education and outreach, and technical assistance
Develops both written and verbal presentations, guides, and communication outreach materials to support RCFI programs and projects
Participates in education and outreach to various audiences including general public and stakeholders
Coordinate with other ISA departments and staff embracing the culture of ISA and emulate that to the team
COMPETENCIES
Leadership
Team and relationship building
Communicating effectively
Practical understanding and application of agronomy and environmental science
Fiscal responsibility
Prioritizing and execution of work
Demonstrate initiative
Exceptional customer service
Evaluating and implementing ideas
Acting as a champion for change
TRAVEL
This position requires frequent travel, typically in Iowa. Up to 20% travel outside the local area with overnight stays.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
This position has current and future supervisory responsibility. Some supervision for intern or temporary employees may be required.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in agribusiness, agronomy, environmental sciences, agricultural engineering, biological sciences, ecology, or related field
3-5 years of experience working in agronomy ag retail sales, conservation, consultant sales with people leadership experience
Broad knowledge and understanding of:
Agricultural industry and the ag retail system
Cropping systems
Conservation delivery systems
Promotion of conservation practices
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 agribusiness, agronomy, environmental sciences, agricultural engineering, biological sciences, ecology, or related field
5-7 years of professional working experience leading diverse cross functional teams in remote working environment
Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) certification
BENEFITS
Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
Flexible Spending Account available
Cellphone and Wellness reimbursement
Fitness center
401(k) with generous company match
Tuition reimbursement program
Dress for your Day Dress Code