Practical Farmers of Iowa is Hiring a Temporary Field Crops Education 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

The farmer-led education department houses PFI’s long-standing farmer-led education efforts. This department annually delivers robust educational programming consisting of field days, conference sessions, workshops and webinars. These events, along with farmer meet-ups and other programming, aim to help farmers build peer networks and learn from one another.

The field crops education coordinator will support that team by:?

• Planning and facilitating high-quality, farmer-led educational and networking events relating to organic and conventional field crops production and farming systems, including small grains and cover crops.
• Connecting with field crops farmers to learn about their challenges, opportunities and how PFI can serve them.
• Responding to questions from the public about PFI’s field crops programming, connecting them to other members with expertise or interest in the topic, or to other PFI programs or external service providers.
• Supporting the farmer-led education department in data collection and information management processes.

Duties

• Plan educational and networking events related to field crops systems.
• Facilitate events on field crops topics, including:

- Field days

- A virtual cover crop workshop

- Providing flexible support across other enterprise areas

- Outreach events

• Grow and facilitate networks of farmers and landowners interested in diversifying and improving their field crop rotations and management.
• Respond to inquiries and requests for resources from PFI members and the public on field crops topics.
• Organize and record information on PFI members and contacts into our customer relationship management and project management software.
• Other duties as assigned or volunteered to support department or team projects.

Required Qualifications and Characteristics

• Strong event planning and logistics coordination skills
• Strong writing skills
• Knowledge and empathy about commodity crop farmers
• Familiarity with the agricultural landscape in Iowa and the Midwest
• Familiarity with basic agronomics and field crops
• Effective problem-solving and conflict resolution skills (a strong listener who is able to give and take feedback constructively)
• Ability to develop and manage a detailed schedule and work plan with little oversight
• Adept at building networks and engaging with a range of collaborators, partners or relevant parties
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills (including public speaking)
• Strong event and meeting facilitation skills for both in-person and virtual events
• Ability to adapt to or learn different software (including Word, Excel, Airtable, data management and web software, etc.)
• Respectful of differing perspectives
• Efficient, effective and able to meet deadlines in fast-paced work environments
• Dependable – able to work independently and with a team
• Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work

Desired Qualifications and Characteristics

• In-depth field crop knowledge
• Knowledge of planting and managing cover crops, small grains and row crops
• Existing knowledge of PFI’s programs
• Familiar with sustainable and regenerative agriculture concepts
• Knowledge of agricultural marketing, business management or supply chains
• Two years of professional experience
• Formal or informal teaching experience
• Experience with grassroots organizing or outreach
• Storytelling skills
• Appreciation and passion for PFI’s organizational mission
• A mindset of continuous improvement

This is a temporary, full-time exempt position based in our Ames, Iowa, office through Nov. 30, 2026, with potential for a hybrid schedule. This position requires a minimum of two days in the office per week (Monday and Tuesday) and travel around Iowa and surrounding states, which may include occasional overnight travel – for example, staffing 10 field days from June to October. The salary range for this position is $3,833 to $4,167 monthly ($46,000-$50,000 annual equivalent). There is a chance this position could transition to a full-time regular status, dependent on continued funding for this position.

PFI values its employees and has 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 and hybrid workers and reimbursements for wellness costs, local food and 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.