Conservation Cropping Outreach Specialist - Northeast WI

Job Summary

Are you passionate about bridging the gap between cutting‑edge research and real‑world farming? As the Conservation Cropping Outreach Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in advancing the sustainability and profitability of Wisconsin’s diverse agricultural landscape.

Flexible location with preference for the Fox Valley region in Northeast Wisconsin. Headquarters will be determined based on programmatic needs and candidate availability.

Some work may be performed remotely up to two days per week. Remote work requires an approved remote work agreement. Candidates must have a high‑speed internet connection and a phone to work on a university‑provided computer. Employee transportation between home and the assigned work location is at employee expense.

Travel within Wisconsin is required for farm visits and field work. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

• Collaborate with farmers and colleagues to develop and implement on‑farm research, demonstrations, and outreach activities that engage the community in exploring innovative practices.
• Design and maintain high‑quality outreach programs that translate research findings into actionable solutions for the field.
• Develop and maintain expertise related to conservation cropping.
• Build trust‑based relationships with stakeholders, technical advisors, and Extension colleagues to inform priorities and increase program impact.
• Work with the Program Manager to facilitate programmatic efforts and build partnerships to secure a diverse funding portfolio.
• Research, develop, and facilitate outreach program content and materials.
• Identify, promote, and maintain external partnerships to support the outreach program.
• Develop and evaluate curriculum and programs and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Develop and support on‑farm research, including building collaboration with growers and industry partners, implementing on‑farm trials, data collection, and sharing results.
• Assist with monitoring the outreach program budget spending.
• Communicate plans, activities, and achievements to Program Managers and relevant stakeholders through the reporting portal and verbal updates.
• Schedule and secure resources and communicate logistics in support of an outreach program.
• Lead the implementation of programs, policies, and procedures through oversight of day‑to‑day activities for program staff and student and community volunteers.
• Deliver outreach program content and materials to community members.

Required:

Master’s degree in a field related to conservation cropping or other related disciplines. Preferred:
PhD in a related field.

• Three or more years of relevant professional experience.
• Education or experience with conservation cropping systems.
• Strong interpersonal, relationship, and problem‑solving skills in a team setting.
• Demonstrated skills in interpreting, utilizing, and applying evidence‑based information and research findings.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbal, through a variety of technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.

• Demonstrated educational program development skills, including planning, implementing, evaluating learning experiences, and communicating program impact and value.
• Experience in experimental design, statistical analysis, and interpreting research data.
• Experience collaborating with growers in on‑farm research.
• Experience building diverse collaborative partnerships.
• Ability to communicate scientific materials in written and verbal forms for a variety of lay audiences and stakeholders.
• Ability to write and manage grants and establish partnerships that pool or leverage public and private funds.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.

• Ability to walk on uneven ground during farm visits or field work.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds.
• Ability to work outside in inclement weather.

Starting salary: $70,000. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax‑advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System pension fund.

August 5, 2026 at 11:59 pm (CDT).

Sara Dawson
email sara.dawson
phone (608)‑890‑2629

Anne Pfeiffer
email anne.pfeiffer

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies.

The University of Wisconsin‑Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.