Farmer-Led Cropping Systems Research Lead (Hybrid)

Practical Farmers of Iowa

Ames (IA)

Hybrid

USD 46,000 - 53,000

Full time

4 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

401k

Job summary

Practical Farmers of Iowa is seeking a Cropping Systems Research Coordinator to lead multisite on-farm research projects across the Midwest, focusing on nitrogen management informed by soil tests and cover crop impacts on fieldwork windows. You will develop farmer-driven research opportunities, design data collection tools, and translate findings into practical reports for farmer audiences.

The role requires advanced experience in agronomy research, strong data analysis and visualization skills,

Qualifications

Master’s degree in agronomy, plant science, soil science, horticulture or related field and three years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Knowledge of current trends in Midwestern agricultural systems
Knowledge of cover crop management, soil health principles, nutrient management and conservation practice adoption
Knowledge of soil health assessment methods including soil organic carbon, carbon mineralization potential and aggregate stability
Strong experimental design skills in field plot settings
Strong statistical analysis, interpretation and visualization skills
Experience with open-source statistical software (R, Python, etc.)
Strong research report writing skills
Experience publishing peer-reviewed scientific journal articles
Ability to perform analyses of ongoing multisite-year research results
Ability to communicate scientific principles to non-scientists and farmers
Clear interest in applying their research skills to serve the learning outcomes desired by farmers
Ability to coordinate concurrently active projects
Ability to work well independently and with others
Ability to organize work, set goals and adhere to deadlines

Responsibilities

Coordinate two large-scale, multisite on-farm research projects
Design and implement data collection and management tools with farmers for on-farm research projects
Analyze, interpret and visualize research data
Write reports and articles for PFI publications on research projects
Plan and facilitate events with research objectives.
Other duties as assigned or volunteered to support department or team projects