Agronomy & Conservation Specialist

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever; Austin (MN); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) match

Student loan assistance

Paid time off

Holidays

Job summary

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever is seeking an agronomist-type professional to build farmer relationships and deliver cost-share programs in southeast Minnesota. You will visit farms, map sites, and present ROI-focused conservation options, working with NRCS and PF/QF staff.

The role emphasizes outreach, collaboration with Farm Bill Biologists, and communication of EO and CSP/EQIP opportunities, with travel within ten counties and up to 50% telework after training.

Qualifications

• Initiative to make initial contacts and develop new relationships.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with diverse clientele.
• Customer relations and interpersonal skills to communicate with team and partners.
• Knowledge of modern farm equipment and regional conservation practices.
• Ability to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.
• Experience with ArcGIS for data and mapping preferred.

Responsibilities

• Understand and relay how economic data and precision information drive profitable conservation.
• Lead recruitment of farmers interested in conservation solutions.
• Collaborate with Farm Bill Biologists to identify, enroll, and implement programs.
• Analyze ROI and profitability at sub-field levels using data platforms.
• Increase coordination and efficiency of voluntary conservation programs.
• Create and deliver education/outreach events for producers and advisors.
• Partner with local USDA to promote EQIP and CSP; write conservation plans.

Skills

Initiative

Self-motivation

Customer relations

Agriculture equipment knowledge

USDA clearance readiness

ArcGIS

Valid driver's license

Education

Bachelor's in Precision Agriculture, Agronomy, Ag Systems Tech, Ag Business, Natural Resources or Wildlife Management

Associate degree + 2+ years relevant experience

5+ years agriculture experience (no degree)

Tools

ArcGIS

Job description

Application Deadline: September 15, 2026

Anticipated Start Date: October/November 2026

Description

In partnership with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and Pheasants Forever we are seeking a candidate who is motivated to build working relationships with farmers, associated agriculture advisors & consultants, and conservation partners. Working in southeast Minnesota to prepare farm management plans that integrate conservation, agriculture, technology, and economics. A goal of these farm management plans is to showcase alternative management practices that increase farm profitability and conservation opportunity. Examples of alternative management practices that have been used successfully in Minnesota include cover crops, diverse crop rotation, hay plantings, variable rate inputs, prairie and shrub plantings, and wetland restoration.

In this agronomist type position, you will be responsible for one-on-one farm site visits, identifying and evaluating marginally productive cropland using agriculture technology, making maps and plans to improve areas on the farm, identifying & presenting grants and cost share opportunities, and monitoring project success. Organizing and hosting workshops, field days, and other outreach efforts for public and professional audiences will further support farmer recruitment and is highly recommended. Building and maintaining professional relationships within the agriculture community is paramount.

You will be a Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever employee based out of a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Service Center with regular travel within a ten-county coverage area. Overnight travel will be required.

Once the candidate is trained and working independently, telework is allowable up to fifty percent of the time or as negotiated between candidate and manager. During the training period, the candidate will need to report to their USDA office every day.

Essential Job Duties

• Understand and relay how the use of economic information and precision data can be used to develop profitable conservation solutions on working lands
• Lead in the recruitment of farmers interested in conservation solutions.
• Work cooperatively with Farm Bill Biologists to facilitate voluntary program identification, enrollment, and implementation
• Possess a working knowledge of data collection, management and software platforms to conduct and interpret analyses of precision data and economic inputs to calculate Return on Investment (ROI) and profitability at a sub-field level.
• Increase coordination and efficiency in implementing voluntary conservation programs by fostering trust and credibility among farmers and the broader agriculture industry
• Create and deliver education and outreach activities and events to promote voluntary conservation opportunities with agricultural producers and trusted advisor audiences
• Collaborate with local USDA office to promote and implement Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) programs. Write conservations plans and provide technical assistance to help landowners implement these voluntary programs

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Initiative to make initial contacts, cold calls and develop new relationships using various methods
• Self-motivated and able to work independently without direct supervision with diverse clientele
• Customer relations and interpersonal skills, ability to communicate challenges and success with team members, supervisor, and partners
• Demonstrated knowledge of modern farm equipment and techniques, technology, agronomic and conservation practices common to the region
• Commitment to maintain high standards and address issues in a timely, professional manner
• Experience with ArcGIS with the ability to import and export data, create, and edit shapefiles to create professional looking maps is preferred
• Valid driver's license required; Use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided);
• The ability to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance

Education and Experience Guideline

Applicants for this position should possess a bachelor's degree in Precision Agriculture, Agronomy, Ag Systems Technology, Ag Business, Natural Resources or Wildlife Management, or other related field. Candidates with an associate degree and two or more years of relevant experience will be considered. Candidates without a bachelor's or associate degree should have five-plus years of relevant experience in agriculture.

Starting Salary

$49,500 to $65,500 Commensurate with experience. New graduates will be at the low end of this scale, while candidates with experience post college are eligible for the upper end of this scale. This role has annual performance-based raises and benefits include:

• Health, vision, dental and more insurance coverage plans are available
• 401(k) Retirement plan with an employer match of up to 5%
• Student Loan Assistance program of up to $200/month for eligible employees
• Paid Time Off accrued at 15 days (120 hours) per year for new employees (increasing after 3 years)
• Bereavement/Family/Sick Leave of 6 days (48 hours) per year.
• 13 Paid holidays
• see our benefits summary at www.pheasantsforever.org/about-us/careers

Contact

Josh Pommier, PF/QF Minnesota Private lands Manager, at 320-292-5860 or [e-mail].

Pheasants Forever, Inc and Quail Forever is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), national origin or ancestry, age, disability status, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including but not limited to selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.