Cropping Systems Coordinator in Ames, Iowa at Practical Farmers of Iowa

Practical Farmers of Iowa is Hiring a Cropping Systems Coordinator

About PFI

Practical Farmers of Iowa is a nonprofit organization that has worked to equip farmers to build resilient farms and communities since 1985. We create learning opportunities via farmer-led events, on-farm research and educational content through our robust network of farmers. We also provide funding and technical assistance to help farmers adopt regenerative farming practices and grow farm businesses. Our vision is an Iowa with healthy soil, healthy food, clean air, clean water, resilient farms and vibrant communities.

This work has always been rooted in our value of welcoming everyone and creating a culture of mutual respect. We believe that a diversity of people, ideas and perspectives strengthens our ability to find creative solutions, enriches our understanding and broadens our impact. At Practical Farmers, we celebrate this diversity and are committed to ensuring that our policies and practices create an equitable and inclusive workplace. We take equal opportunity seriously and seek to empower and support all applicants and teammates.

Practical Farmers offers a flexible, supportive and fast-paced work environment. Professional development is a core part of our culture and team members are encouraged to take independent initiative to help fulfill our mission.

About the Position

PFI’s farm viability department provides innovative, personalized support to help farmers achieve their goals. We partner with farmers to implement new on-farm practices, develop markets and create robust farm business plans. We develop strategic partnerships across the food and agriculture supply chains and shape the policies that encourage resilient farms to thrive.

Within the farm viability department, the farm systems team oversees regenerative agriculture financial assistance programs. In 2025, these programs supported almost 3,000 farmers adopting cover crops, diverse rotations and improved nutrient management. The team works closely with major supply chain partners to drive large-scale landscape change.

This position will support the work of the farm systems team by providing technical assistance to farmers implementing regenerative row-crop practices and planning events to support communities of practice. The person in this role will also help farmers through the cost-share sign-up process and, once enrolled, help them complete program requirements.

Duties

· Provide technical assistance to farmers about adopting cover crops, growing small grains and forages and reducing fertilizer

· Organize and record information on farm systems cost-share programs

· Grow and facilitate farmer networks on cost-share topics

· Promote cost-share programs to the public through direct engagement and collaboration with the communications department

· Facilitate events and meetings on cost-share topics

· Respond to inquiries and requests for resources from Practical Farmers of Iowa members and the public on farm systems cost-share programs

· Facilitate collaboration between departments and teams to achieve cost-share project deliverables

· Other duties as assigned or volunteered to support department or team projects

Required Qualifications and Characteristics

· Understanding of Midwestern crop production practices

· Knowledge of how to manage cover crops in row crop systems

· Knowledge of crop fertility needs and management

· Data entry experience

· Excellent written and verbal communication

· Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite

· Ability to provide excellent customer service

· Experience developing cropping plans based on farm-specific information and goals

· Careful attention to detail

· Ability to work as part of a team

· Ability to coordinate across different teams with varying goals and work styles

· Ability to learn quickly

Desired Qualifications and Characteristics

· Knowledge of small grain production

· Knowledge of forage crop production

· Experience with precision conservation analysis and making recommendations based on it

· Familiarity with quality assurance and quality control best practices for direct-service teams

· Basic understanding of best practices in phone, email and event marketing strategies

· Experience managing partner relationships

· Data entry experience, especially in Airtable and/or Salesforce

· Data management experience

· Event planning experience

· Experience facilitating teams

· Comfortable networking with peers in industry

· Experience building community

This is a full-time position with potential for hybrid work, with a minimum in-office requirement of two days a week in Ames, Iowa. There is also the potential for seasonal travel around Iowa and surrounding states. The beginning salary range for this position is $46,000-$53,000, with annual opportunity for salary increases and position advancement.

PFI values its employees and is a flexible and supportive work environment. We offer employees a competitive benefits package that includes employee health insurance with 100% employer-paid premium, generous paid time off, flexible hours, six weeks of fully paid parental leave and 5% automatic 401k contribution after one year of employment.

We also encourage employee professional development and offer a range of specialty benefits employees can use to support their wellness, sustainability and financial goals. Examples of our specialty benefits include contributions towards spouse or dependent health insurance, stipends for remote workers and reimbursements for fitness costs, CSA subscriptions, student loans or eco-friendly purchases. Practical Farmers is a family-friendly employer.

Please apply by completing an application (including contact information, cover letter, resume and references). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.