CTIC is seeking applications for a full-time, exempt Soil Health Specialist who will work remotely, in the row-crop region of South Dakota, preferably east-river. If you thrive working directly with farmers and are passionate about soil health and supporting farmers in their ongoing effort to improve the economic and environmental stewardship of their operations AND you want to be a part of a small and dynamic team, this is the ideal position for you.  CTIC is also providing farmer technical assistance in Minnesota and Wisconsin so if selected for the exciting position, you would have 2 additional colleagues to closely partner and collaborate with along with the other 17 states that are part of this ambitious program.

Primary Position Responsibility: The Soil Health Specialist will provide individualized technical assistance to farmers on best management practices for adopting and scaling cover crops within their unique operation.  This includes all aspects of support from helping promote and enroll farmers into the Farmers for Soil Health cost-share program (administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation), to making recommendations on cover crop species, establishment methods and termination strategies and options that together provide exceptional customer service and successful integration of cover crops within their cash crop enterprise.  The Specialist will also conduct outreach efforts to raise awareness about the program and provide assistance with Measurement, Reporting and Verification.

This partnership-driven position is directly connected to the Farmers for Soil Health - a collaborative effort led by the National Corn Growers Association, Pork Checkoff and Soy Checkoff - which is working to increase cover crops to 30 million acres by 2030.  The Specialist will work closely with the South Dakota Soybean Association and other partners such as University Extension, non-profits, Soil Health Coalitions, Department of Agriculture, local conservation districts, and CTIC members operating in these regions to maximize program awareness, referral opportunities and harnessing the value of a partnership-driven approach.

Essential Functions:

• Provide ongoing agronomic and conservation technical assistance on how to successfully incorporate cover crops into a corn and soybean crop rotation with priority for on-farm consultations. Help participating farmers plan cover cropping systems in accordance with the relevant state NRCS standard for conservation practice code 340.
• Increase farmer enrollment into the Farmers for Soil Health program, including Historically Underserved farmers, into the Signup Incentive Program and Transition Incentive Program
• Become knowledgeable about program eligibility requirements and enrollment platform. Support farmers during the eligibility determination, enrollment, data entry, and measurement, reporting, and verification tasks using the Farmers for Soil Health online platform.
• Increase program awareness through networking and partnership coordination and leading outreach efforts at farmer-facing events and workshops including public speaking.
• Help direct the CTIC Cover Crop Coaches in South Dakota for additional farmer-to-farmer technical assistance including supporting field day planning and execution.
• Provide communications and marketing recommendations to CTIC and partners for reaching new farmers and providing visibility for success stories.
• Advise farmers about Marketplace Platform to connect to buyers of climate-smart commodities and opportunities for premiums and incentives.
• Become knowledgeable and provide referrals to other conservation programs and opportunities to support individual farmer-driven goals.
• Participate in cover crop training and technical assistance opportunities through the FSH lead education organizations (Soil Health Institute and University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture).
• Prepare stakeholder reports and accomplishment tracking.
• Participate and receive additional training to stay on leading-edge of cover crop strategies.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in agronomy, soil science, environmental/natural resources or other agriculture related fields.
• Minimum of three years of experience working in agronomy, soils or conservation.
• Proven knowledge of corn, soybean and other cropping systems and how cover crops can be successfully incorporated to complement the cash crop system.
• Past outreach and/or sales experience is beneficial.
• Established and impeccable track-record of project management, developing solid relationships and working with farmers and trusted advisors.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to use personal vehicle for travel (with mileage reimbursement)

Preferred Credentials & Qualifications:

• Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) certification
• Farm background
• Use of social media for work-related objectives

Travel/Location:

• This position will be working from home/based remotely within the row-crop region of South Dakota. As a remote employee, you are responsible for setting and maintaining your schedule. Requires some overnight travel, the majority of which will be within your home state. Reimbursement at the current GSA rate for use of personal vehicles will be provided. Ability to work statewide is required. Very limited, but occasional travel may be to other states for trainings and collaboration with colleagues.

Starting Salary: $60,000 to $70,000, commensurate with required experience and education

Benefits: CTIC provides an excellent benefits package, including 13 paid holidays, vacation (3 weeks earned by 1 year anniversary), sick time; life insurance; short and long‐term disability; health reimbursement account or medical insurance (100% for employee); Simple IRA (up to 3% match); cell phone stipend ($60/month) and a dynamic, team‐oriented work environment. Although the CTIC office is located in West Lafayette Indiana, the Soil Health Specialist will be remote in South Dakota.