Cropping Systems Manager

Practical Farmers of Iowa is Hiring a Cropping Systems Manager

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.

The 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 make key connections across the food and agriculture supply chain, develop strategic partnerships and shape the policies that encourage resilient farms to thrive.

We’re seeking a cropping systems manager to supervise and lead the cropping systems team, lead on delivery of excellent agronomic technical assistance, manage the extended rotations cost‑share program, network with farmers in our programs and support farmer engagement with PFI, and collaborate with external partners. This position will work as part of a team to consistently plan, administer and report cost‑share programs.

• Implement projects and processes
• Provide technical assistance to farmers and landowners implementing practices in cropping systems
• Manage cropping systems projects, including cost‑share for extended rotations
• Oversee contractors, staff members, volunteers and partners who conduct cropping systems projects and work
• Facilitate collaboration between departments and teams to achieve cropping systems project deliverables
• Other duties as assigned or volunteered to support department or team projects.

• Understanding of midwestern crop production practices
• Small grain production knowledge
• Knowledge about cover crop management in row crop systems
• Knowledge about crop fertility needs and management
• Data entry skills
• Project management skills
• Data management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite
• Excellent customer service
• Experience supervising and managing staff
• Attention to detail
• Teamwork
• Ability to facilitate cross team coordination
• Ability to process diverse goals and requirements from funders, the organization and users into compliance requirements for financial assistance program participation

• Knowledge about forage crop production
• Experience with precision conservation analysis and recommendation
• Knowledge about the typical structure of conservation financial and technical assistance programs
• Experience with quality assurance and/or quality control best practices for direct service teams
• Basic understanding of best practices in phone, email and event marketing strategies
• Experience with partner relationship management
• Experience working with Airtable
• Grant writing experience
• Event planning experience
• Team facilitation experience
• Experience with networking with peers in the industry

This is a full‑time position based in our Ames, Iowa, office with potential for a hybrid schedule. This position requires a minimum of one…