Practical Farmers of Iowa is seeking a diligent, respectful and passionate person to serve as the information systems manager for the operations department. For 35 years, Practical Farmers has worked to equip farmers across the state (and beyond) to build resilient farms and communities. The information systems manager works with organizational leadership to plan, manage and support information systems and processes. PFI uses constituent relationship management software, an accounting system, survey platforms, database tools and various other applications to support daily operations and key organizational processes.

The Iroquois County Soil and Water Conservation District has an opening for an Administrative Coordinator.  Applicants should demonstrate proficiency with Quickbooks, payroll and Microsoft Office applications and be able to operate District social media accounts.  Agricultural experience beneficial.  Applicant must work well with team members and have excellent multi-tasking and organizational skills.

As an integral part of the Illinois Farmland Access Initiative, The Land Connection seeks an enthusiastic program manager to develop and coordinate the initiative’s growth and expansion in a way that instills equity and collaboration in every element. This position will lead the work to implement the initiative, including growing the network of organizations, agricultural service providers, and individuals participating in the work; guiding the training and work of four regional land access navigators; assisting with the transition of illinoisfarmlink.org to a statewide resource for farmers, landowners, and agriculture service providers; and leading the development of strong land access and transfer education programs to aid farmers and landowners throughout the state. The successful candidate will shape the evolution of the Illinois Farmland Access Initiative.

The Land Conservation Specialist will be expected to provide conservation assistance to agricultural and private landowners. This specialist will be a technical expert on all aspects of the Conservation Reserve Program, filling key needs to secure and improve conservation acres on the ground. Primary focuses will include data collection and consultation with agricultural producers about conservation plans for new CRP establishments, compiling CRP conservation options for prospective landowners, and providing technical information to landowners about mid-contract management practices necessary to maintain high quality restorations throughout the duration of their CRP contracts. Land conservation specialists may also assist with Wetland Reserve Program/Wetland Reserve Easement (WRP/WRE) monitoring and administration as needed.

The IL STAR Coordinator will help implement and grow STAR in Illinois, as well as promote and encourage participation in USDA programs, i.e. EQIP, CSP. This will be accomplished by working closely with STAR’s Steering Committee to assist landowners in ultimately increasing conservation on the ground, by working to increase participation in STAR and connect growers and county licensees with information to raise their fields’ STAR Ratings. The successful candidate will work with SWCDs, farmers, local businesses, and conservation partners to implement on-the-ground programs and projects that increase the use of practices to improve soil health, reduce nutrient losses, and reduce GHG emissions.

The Kankakee County Soil & Water Conservation District is seeking a full-time Conservation Coordinator. The candidate must have an associates or bachelor’s degree in agriculture, natural resources, or a related field, with experience in production agriculture preferred. The Conservation Coordinator will work directly with landowners, producers, local organizations, and the community to promote and facilitate conservation programs, cost-share, events, and more. This position requires a combination of office and field work. Remote work possibilities exist.

Angelic Organics Learning Center was established as the 501(c)(3) non-profit educational partner to Angelic Organics CSA farm in 1999. Executive Director, Tom Spaulding, and his wife, Neddy Astudillo, joined forces with biodynamic farmer, John Peterson, and a team of farmers and volunteers to establish a learning center that would foster a vibrant local food economy. Operating out of a renovated chicken coop, they offered workshops, coordinated farmer training programs, and launched educational programs in Chicago and Rockford.

The Program Director of Farmer Training is responsible for supervising and directing all aspects of delivering programs and support to regional beginning and aspiring farmers including educational programming, department work plan and budget, outreach and recruitment, program evaluation and farmer alliance work.​

This position will support water quality, hydrology and watershed management projects predominately in the Midwest US. Depending on experience and competencies, there are opportunities for travel elsewhere in the United States and globally. Candidate must have an educational and professional foundation that includes GIS, water quality, hydrology and watershed processes. Within several months, it is expected that the candidate will contribute meaningfully and profitably to projects with monitoring, mapping and data analysis components. In this role you will work closely with technical experts both internally and externally.