Director of Conservation & Climate-Smart Agriculture

Precision Conservation Management; Bloomington (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Precision Conservation Management is seeking a Director of Conservation and Stewardship to lead Illinois Corn's water quality and sustainability initiatives, aligning NLRS goals with supply chain demands, including 45Z.

The role oversees policy, partnerships, outreach, and programs that advance nutrient efficiency, soil health, carbon intensity awareness, and farmer adoption of conservation practices across public-private initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field; master's preferred.
• 5+ years in agronomy, farm program management, or related leadership roles.
• CCA preferred.
• Understanding of nitrogen management and regulatory context.
• Proficient in MS Office; excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to plan collaboratively and execute independently.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the IL Corn contact and subject matter expert for water quality, nutrient stewardship, conservation systems, crop insurance innovation, environmental policy, and climate-smart agriculture initiatives.
• Lead education, outreach, and research initiatives to achieve NLRS goals and broader conservation priorities.
• Develop and manage strategic projects, budgets, and partnerships advancing nutrient efficiency, soil health, water quality, climate resilience, and farmer adoption.
• Lead policy discussions and provide recommendations related to conservation implementation, regulations, crop protection, nutrient management, and climate initiatives.
• Draft and contribute to comments, letters of support, and stakeholder recommendations on pesticide regulation, conservation programs, and climate initiatives.
• Collaborate with commodity organizations, conservation groups, universities, and policymakers to advance nutrient loss and environmental outcomes.

Skills

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Strategic leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field (Agriculture, Ag Management, Agronomy, Water Quality, Soil Science)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Precision Conservation Management is seeking a Director of Conservation and Stewardship to lead Illinois Corn's water quality and sustainability initiatives, aligning NLRS goals with supply chain demands, including 45Z.

The role oversees policy, partnerships, outreach, and programs that advance nutrient efficiency, soil health, carbon intensity awareness, and farmer adoption of conservation practices across public-private initiatives.