Career Opportunities from University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture
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.