Career Opportunities
ISAP posts job opportunities from our partnership members and other organizations relevant to our mission. Please click on the job title to view the description of the current job opportunity. If no opportunities are available, please check back later. Thank you for your interest in working to protect the environment and agriculture in Illinois!
If you are an organization with a career opportunity you'd like listed, please send information to ilsustainableag@gmail.com
Research Plant Pathologist
The incumbent is a Research Plant Pathologist in the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Crop Bioprotection (CBP) Research Unit in Peoria, Illinois. Research within CBP is directed towards national needs for new biological control agents, processes, and methods for managing pests and diseases of agricultural and public health significance.
Duties:
- Discover biological control agents for plant diseases in one or more major food crops in the U.S.
- Determine the mode of action of beneficial microbes and improve their efficacy against plant pathogens.
- Determine how environmental variables, agricultural practices, and pathogen diversity affect disease severity and efficacy of biological control agents.
- Determine how future climate predictions might impact the distribution and severity of plant pathogens and efficacy of biological control agents.
This position will remain open until April 10, 2023.
Midwest Program Manager
The Midwest Program Manager position offers an exciting opportunity to help carry out the strategic agenda of a growing, forward-looking conservation organization. S/he will have the opportunity to work across teams within AFT’s Midwest Region, as well as with external partners including farmers, landowners, and agricultural professionals.
The Midwest Program Manager takes an active role in defining the regional program strategy and developing related work plans to increase on-farm adoption of conservation cropping systems. This includes providing leadership for AFT’s role in the Illinois Cover Crop Initiative and Saving Tomorrow’s Agriculture Resources, and identifying additional opportunities in the Upper Midwest. The Program Manager reports to the Midwest Deputy Director. While this is a remote-based position, the selected candidate must reside in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, or Wisconsin, or relocate to one of the listed states within 4 months of starting the position.
American Farmland Trust pays salaries that are competitive with nonprofits of our budget size, and offers meaningful vacation, medical, retirement and other benefits. Salary range is from $70,000 to $75,000. Salary is negotiable based upon experience.
Midwest Conservation Technician – Vermillion Headwaters Watershed
The Conservation Technician position offers an exciting opportunity to increase adoption of conservation cropping systems to achieve water quality improvements. This position is being funded through a three-year grant received from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), though AFT can offer extended employment for “commendable and outstanding” work.
Under the supervision of the Midwest Program Manager, the selected professional will work collaboratively with staff of the Livingston and Ford Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service to engage farmers in adopting sound farming practices that reduce nitrogen loss. Activities include direct outreach to farmers and landowners within the Vermilion Headwaters Watershed; developing conservation plans to address soil and water resource concerns; and assisting with application, contracting, and implementation of Farm Bill Programs. Travel will be required from the Pontiac office to areas within the project area. Additional travel within the state may be required. Annual mileage is estimated at 5,000 miles. Mileage and related expenses are reimbursable.
American Farmland Trust pays salaries that are competitive with nonprofits of our budget size, and offers meaningful vacation, medical, retirement and other benefits. Salary range is from $45,000 to $50,000. Salary is negotiable based upon experience. This job is a result of the NFWF grant and the grant will be the sole compensation for this position.
Beginning Farmer Engagement Coordinator
Practical Farmers of Iowa is seeking a diligent, respectful and passionate person to serve as a beginning farmer engagement coordinator for the farmer-led education department. At PFI, our beginning farmer program works with farmers who have been farming on their own for 10 years or less or who want to start farming.
The farmer-led education department is the core of PFI’s long-standing farmer-led education efforts. This department annually delivers a robust educational program of field days, conferences, workshops and webinars. In addition, this department facilitates meetups and other mechanisms to build farmer peer networks and writes farmer-centered content for PFI’s media, including the PFI quarterly magazine, blog and email newsletters.
This is a full-time position based in our Ames, Iowa, office. The starting salary is $46,500 with annual opportunity for merit-based salary increases and position advancement. This position requires some travel (mostly in Iowa), a valid driver’s license, the ability to lift 50 pounds and the ability to walk long distances.
Regenerative Grazing Program Manager
Responsibilities: Catalyze and coordinate new initiatives on regenerative grazing including $5 million in new regenerative grazing incentive programs. Additional funding will support silvopasture and cover crop grazing incentives and improve marketing opportunities related to livestock produced with regenerative grazing methods. The person in this position will be part of a highly collaborative team of both Center for Regenerative Agriculture staff (www.cra.missouri.edu) and other cooperators from the University of Missouri and partner organizations. The position is part of the $25 million Missouri Climate-Resilient Crop and Livestock (CRCL) Project, funded with a five-year climate-smart grant from USDA-NRCS.
Minimum Qualifications: A Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 5 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.
Preferred Qualifications: Masters degree in grazing management, forages, plant sciences, rangeland management or animal science.
Candidates will be evaluated on: Relevant educational background and degree. Demonstrated knowledge of regenerative grazing strategies, particularly for beef cattle but also for other livestock. Comprehensive knowledge of how grazing management, biodiversity, and soil health are interconnected and impact agroecosystems. Effective communication skills, including preparing written educational materials and verbal communication skills relevant to one-on-one consultations with producers/landowners and periodic presentations at pasture tours and workshops. Strong organizational skills and ability to work as a self-starter. Ability to provide management recommendations to a variety of audiences. Experience in working with a variety of grazing systems and production environments, including restoration of degraded landscapes. Familiarity with a systems approach to improving food systems and land management.
To Apply: Applications for this position can find the job posting here or search for Job ID 45942 in the University of Missouri Human Resources employment portal. Applicants should submit a cover letter outlining experience with relevant climate-smart practices and interest in farmer education, a resume, and list of three references. Review of applications will begin on March 10th, 2023. For questions about the position, email Dr. Rob Myers at myersrob@missouri.edu.
Soil Health Program Manager
Responsibilities: Coordinate training and technical assistance programs on cover crops and related soil health topics for farmers and farm advisors, particularly in conjunction with the Farmers for Soil Health Initiative. This position is part of the staff team with the University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture (www.cra.missouri.edu). Position can be based in Columbia, MO or elsewhere working remotely (preference will be given to candidates based in the Midwest).
Minimum Qualifications: A Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 5 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.
Preferred Qualifications: Masters degree in agronomy, plant sciences, or soils.
Candidates will be evaluated on: Highest degree earned. Demonstrated knowledge of cover crops and soil health, particularly for the Corn Belt region. Excellent communication skills, both with developing written materials and with oral presentations. Strong organizational skills and ability to work as a self-starter. Ability to initiate and have timely follow up on communications with collaborating partners.
To Apply: Applications for this position can find the job posting here or search for Job ID 45940 in the University of Missouri Human Resources employment portal. Applicants should submit a cover letter outlining experience with cover crops and soil health training and outreach, a resume, and list of three references. Review of applications will begin on March 10th, 2023. For questions about the position, email Dr. Rob Myers at myersrob@missouri.edu.
Project Manager, National Cover Crop Variety Development Program
Responsibilities: Coordinate development and implementation of a five-year, $10 million USDA-NIFA Sustainable Agriculture Systems project on cover crop variety development. This exciting and important project involves 37 collaborating scientists along with farmers and seed company representatives from across the U.S. The overall goal is to help develop improved varieties of cover crops and support a major expansion of cover crop adoption in the U.S. This position is part of a dynamic and growing staff team with the University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture (www.cra.missouri.edu). Position can be based in Columbia, MO or as a remote position working from a home office or collaborating organization office.
Minimum Qualifications: A Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience, and at least 5 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.
Preferred Qualifications: Masters degree in plant breeding, agronomy, plant ecology, or related plant sciences emphasis area.
Candidates will be evaluated on: Highest degree earned. Demonstrated knowledge of cover crops and variety testing, including direct experience with field testing of cover crops and variety comparisons. Excellent communication skills, especially working with individuals and small groups. Familiarity with data reporting on field trials, particularly comparisons of cover crop varieties and species. Strong organizational skills and ability to work as a self-starter. Ability to initiate and have timely followup on communications with collaborating partners.
To Apply: Applications for this position can find the job posting here or search for Job ID 45980 in the University of Missouri Human Resources employment portal. Applicants should submit a cover letter outlining experience with cover crops and variety testing or breeding, a resume, and list of at least three references. Review of applications will begin on March 10th, 2023. For questions about the position, email Dr. Rob Myers at myersrob@missouri.edu.
Project Support Coordinator
Responsibilities: Contribute to programs and educational events offered through the University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture (www.cra.missouri.edu). This includes a new $25 million USDA-NRCS climate-smart project and a new $10 million USDA-NIFA cover crop variety development project, both five-year projects. Collaborate with Center staff on a variety of other grant activities of the Center. Also provide support with the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, assisting SARE regional and state programs. This will be a 30 to 40 hour per week position paid hourly, with the exact number of hours and work schedule to be negotiable.
To Apply: Applications for this position can find the job posting here or search for Job ID 45926 in the University of Missouri Human Resources employment portal. Applicants should submit a cover letter outlining experience with arranging educational events, project support, and working in a team environment. Also provide a list of three references. Review of applications will begin on March 10th, 2023. For questions about the position, email Dr. Rob Myers at myersrob@missouri.edu.
Conservation Agronomist – Northwest Missouri/Northeast Kansas
The Conservation Agronomist is the farmer face for AgOutcomes and the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund (www.theoutcomesfund.com) in Northwest Missouri and surrounding areas. The Conservation Agronomist works to enroll farmers in the Soil & Water Outcomes Fund, assists farmers and affiliated recruiters in the enrollment process, provides quality control of incoming farmer data and translation of resulting environmental and ecosystem service data. Additionally, this position provides conservation and agronomic advice to enrolled farmers and maintains excellent customer relationships with farmers.
This position will be based remotely in the identified territory. Requires some office time at the Iowa Soybean Association office in Ankeny, Iowa. As a remote employee, you are responsible for setting and maintaining your schedule. Requires up to 50% travel, typically within the identified territory. Frequently travel is outside the local area and may be overnight. Some of the travel may be in other states.
Conservation Agronomist – Eastern Illinois/Western Indiana
The Conservation Agronomist is the farmer face for AgOutcomes and the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund (www.theoutcomesfund.com) in Eastern Illinois, Western Indiana, and surrounding areas. The Conservation Agronomist works to enroll farmers in the Soil & Water Outcomes Fund, assists farmers and affiliated recruiters in the enrollment process, provides quality control of incoming farmer data and translation of resulting environmental and ecosystem service data. Additionally, this position provides conservation and agronomic advice to enrolled farmers and maintains excellent customer relationships with farmers.
This position will be based remotely in the identified territory. Requires some office time at the Iowa Soybean Association office in Ankeny, Iowa. As a remote employee, you are responsible for setting and maintaining your schedule. Requires up to 50% travel, typically within the identified territory. Frequently travel is outside the local area and may be overnight. Some of the travel may be in other states.
Conservation Agronomist – Minnesota/North Dakota
The Conservation Agronomist is the farmer face for AgOutcomes and the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund (www.theoutcomesfund.com) in the Red River Valley and surrounding areas. The Conservation Agronomist works to enroll farmers in the Soil & Water Outcomes Fund, assists farmers and affiliated recruiters in the enrollment process, provides quality control of incoming farmer data and translation of resulting environmental and ecosystem service data. Additionally, this position provides conservation and agronomic advice to enrolled farmers and maintains excellent customer relationships with farmers.
This position will be based remotely in the identified territory. Requires some office time at the Iowa Soybean Association office in Ankeny, Iowa. As a remote employee, you are responsible for setting and maintaining your schedule. Requires up to 50% travel, typically within the identified territory. Frequently travel is outside the local area and may be overnight. Some of the travel may be in other states.
Conservation Agronomist – Eastern Iowa/Western Illinois
The Conservation Agronomist is the farmer face for AgOutcomes and the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund (www.theoutcomesfund.com) in Eastern Iowa and Western IL. The Conservation Agronomist works to enroll farmers in the Soil & Water Outcomes Fund, assists farmers and affiliated recruiters in the enrollment process, provides quality control of incoming farmer data and translation of resulting environmental and ecosystem service data. Additionally, this position provides conservation and agronomic advice to enrolled farmers and maintains excellent customer relationships with farmers.
This position will be based remotely in the identified territory. Requires some office time at the Iowa Soybean Association office in Ankeny, Iowa. As a remote employee, you are responsible for setting and maintaining your schedule. Requires up to 50% travel, typically within the identified territory. Frequently travel is outside the local area and may be overnight. Some of the travel may be in other states.
Agriculture Outreach Coordinator
We are looking for one full-time person, or two people working approximately half-time, to organize support for the League’s agriculture policy goals, with a focus in Illinois and Iowa. Position Description Ag Outreach Coordinator 03-04-2023
Working under the direction of the Agriculture Program Director, the Agriculture Outreach Coordinator or coordinators will be primarily responsible for developing and implementing
organizing strategies designed to achieve the League’s public policy goals focused on clean water, healthy soils, and wetland conservation. Initially the primary focus will be on organizing support for the League’s advocacy work in support of conservation priorities in the federal Farm Bill in Iowa and/or Illinois, and in nearby Congressional districts in surrounding states. Longer term, the
position(s) could involve organizing support for state policy goals as well as federal agricultural policy goals. The Coordinator(s) will regularly educate, communicate with, and mobilize IWLA members, allies in the small business community (including farmers), and conservation organizations and agencies. The position(s) are based in Iowa or Illinois, with potential periodic work in surrounding states.
We are open to applicants interested in a full-time position, as well as to applicants willing to provide services at approximately a half-time position, or applicants interested in either arrangement.
To apply: Send a cover letter that includes your interest and whether you are applying for the full-time position or a part-time position, or both, along with a resume, with the subject line “Organizer Position” to AgJob@IWLA.oeg
STAR Operations Manager Position
To meet state and national agricultural and conservation goals and sustainably feed a growing world population, agricultural conservation practices need to work at the field level. Communicating how conservation solves real issues farmers face, while also providing environmental benefits, will be key to long term adoption.
The STAR Operations Manager will work closely with partners to implement and grow STAR. This will be accomplished by leading administrative and operational tasks, project management, and communicating the value of the STAR tool. The successful candidate will work with and provide support to conservation partners administering STAR to enhance initiative effectiveness (referred to as Affiliates). The STAR Operations Manager position is funded through 2026, with the possibility for extension.
This position is optionally remote, with occasional travel to team meetings, committee meetings, farmer/Licensee/Affiliate check-ins, etc. The anticipated start date will occur in April 2023. Flexible work schedule. The salary range is $55,000-75,000 and will be commensurate with education and experience. A competitive insurance coverage package (100% premium coverage for employee), along with paid vacation, sick, personal, and holiday time away will be provided.
Senior Research Coordinator
We’re seeking a scientist to fill a senior research coordinator position in our research department that is poised for growth in the coming years. You will support proof-of-concept investigation, ground-truthing new ideas and practices and help a range of farmers design research that can satisfy their curiosity about their farms. You will play a pivotal role in helping us expand on-farm research opportunities in Iowa and neighboring states that explore ways to maximize the climate-smart potential of soil health-promoting practices. You will work with the senior research manager, Stefan Gailans, to fundraise for the Cooperators’ Program to increase our capacity and the reach of our efforts.
As the senior research coordinator, you’ll work with farmers of all types and farms of many sizes, from grain crops to vegetables, organic to no-till and including those with integrated crop-vegetable and livestock enterprises. These farmers are leaders among their farming peers whose work contributes to more profitable, diverse and environmentally sound farms. Building rapport and trust with farmers and understanding their research priorities will be instrumental for success in this position. You will play a key role in helping us imagine new, creative ways both for conducting on-farm research projects and transferring knowledge to farmers, partners and other stakeholders.
This is a full-time position based in our Ames, Iowa, office with hybrid work potential. Due to the need to engage with farmers around Iowa, this position requires some travel (mostly in Iowa) and a valid driver’s license. The starting annual salary for this position is $54,500 to $60,000 with the opportunity for a salary increase on an annual basis.