Conservation Cropping Outreach Specialist

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Are you passionate about bridging cutting‑edge research and real‑world farming? As the Conservation Cropping Outreach Specialist you will advance the sustainability and profitability of Wisconsin’s agricultural landscape by addressing high‑priority issues related to implementation and adoption of conservation cropping systems through collaborative, on‑farm research and outreach programming. You will translate research findings into educational programs for producers and agribusiness professionals, develop a focus area based on your expertise and audience needs, and collaborate with farmers, technical advisors, and Extension partners to increase adoption of conservation practices.

Desired subject areas include conservation agronomy, cover cropping, reduced tillage, soil health, manure management, or related disciplines.

• Collaborate with farmers and colleagues to develop and implement on‑farm research, demonstrations, and outreach activities.
• Design and maintain high‑quality outreach programs translating research into actionable solutions.
• Develop and maintain expertise in 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, maintain strategic direction, and build partnerships while securing a diverse funding portfolio.
• Develop and support on‑farm research, including building collaborations with growers, implementing trials, collecting data, and sharing results.
• Develop and evaluate curriculum and programs, providing recommendations for improvement.
• Lead implementation of programs, policies, and procedures, overseeing day‑to‑day activities for staff and volunteers.
• Identify, promote, and maintain external partnerships to support the outreach program.
• Schedule and secure resources and communicate logistics to support outreach activities.
• Research, develop, and facilitate outreach content and materials.
• Communicate plans, activities, and achievements to Program Managers and stakeholders through reporting portals and verbal updates.
• Deliver outreach content and materials to community members.
• Assist with monitoring outreach budget spending.

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

Statewide location with flexibility; the position is based in Madison, WI but can be located elsewhere based on program needs and candidate preference. Partial remote work is possible (up to 2 days per week). The role may require occasional evenings and weekends and regular in‑state travel with a valid driver’s license.

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.

• Three or more years of relevant professional experience.
• Education or experience with conservation cropping systems.
• Strong interpersonal, relationship‑building, and problem‑solving skills in a team setting.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret, utilize, and apply evidence‑based information and research findings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills across a variety of technologies.
• Ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

• Experience developing and evaluating educational programs and communicating program impact to varied audiences.
• Experience in experimental design, statistical analysis, and interpreting research data.
• Experience collaborating with growers in on‑farm research.
• Experience building diverse, collaborative partnerships.
• Experience communicating scientific materials to lay audiences.
• Experience writing and managing grants and establishing…