Sr Carbon Scientist

Balance of Nature; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Balance of Nature is seeking a carbon scientist to bridge agronomy, data science, and carbon program development. You will support GHG accounting, modelling, and regenerative practice research while providing GST technical support and ensuring program integrity.

The role requires leadership in agronomic guidelines, field data translation to models, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to maximize carbon outcomes and market credibility.

Qualifications

• MS/PhD in soil science, rangeland management, environmental science, or related field.
• 5+ years in agronomy, regenerative agriculture, or related field leading technical projects.
• Experience with carbon markets, GHG accounting, and carbon-credit methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Provide cross-functional agronomic support across Science, Data, Modeling, Carbon, GST and Commercial teams.
• Translate research into practical guidelines and scalable practice guidance to improve carbon output.
• Lead evaluation and improvement of agronomic guidelines using data and modeling insights.
• Mentor GST teams with scientifically rigorous training and field resources.
• Collaborate with modeling to convert field data into reliable model inputs.
• Address VVB and Verra findings with agronomic leadership and data quality controls.
• Stay current with regenerative agriculture science and present findings externally.

Skills

GHG accounting

Regenerative agriculture

Data analytics

Scientific communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

M.S. or Ph.D. in Soil Science / Rangeland Management / Environmental Science

Tools

Verra VCS

Job description

Job Summary:

The carbon scientist manages agronomic research and scientific analysis; supports greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting, modelling, regenerative ag practice research and implementation, and Sales and Grower Success Team (GST) technical support. This role bridges applied agronomy, data-driven scientific and carbon program development; supporting carbon market integrity, agronomic and carbon performance of regenerative practices, and program outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

Agronomic Support

• Provide cross-functional agronomic support and guidance across all teams, ensuring alignment between Science, Data, Modeling, Carbon, GST and Commercial teams. Translate basic and applied research into clear program guidelines, continuous improvements and scalable practice guidance to improve our carbon output
• Provide technical expertise in range and pasture management, including grazing systems, forage management, soil health, and regenerative grazing practices. Apply this knowledge to support program development, practice guidelines, field implementation, modeling, and carbon outcomes. Candidates with demonstrated experience in range and pasture management are preferred; strong agronomic candidates with the potential and interest to develop into a subject-matter expert in this area will also be considered.
• Proactively evaluate emerging agronomic practices, technologies, and systems to develop new practice offerings that increase carbon sequestration rates, emissions reductions, and program scalability
• Lead ongoing evaluation and improvement of agronomic practice guidelines using scientific evidence, field performance data, and modeling insights to maximize carbon yield and credit integrity
• Continuously working with GST to monitor practice-level data quality, completeness, and consistency, applying agronomic science to identify gaps, risks, or biases and drive improvements in data standards and field-level reporting
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to GST, ensuring training, field visits, and educational resources are scientifically rigorous, practice-aligned, and support carbon credit outcomes
• Work closely with the modeling team to translate field-level agronomic data into reliable model inputs, proactively addressing data challenges and improving alignment between practice implementation and modeled outcomes
• Partner with Carbon team and provide agronomic leadership to analyze and resolve Validation and Verification Body (VVB) and Verra findings, including issues related to practice eligibility, data quality, modeling inputs, and scientific justification

Research, Data & Technical Leadership

• Act as a knowledge hub by regularly updating the company on advances in regenerative agriculture science and technology, fostering continuous learning and improved agronomic decision-making
• Integrate agronomic science with data analytics, visualization, and reporting to support business success. Support effective communication of complex agronomic and sustainability concepts to farmers, ranchers, and industry partners
• Attend agronomy and regenerative agriculture conferences to engage with industry experts, identify innovations, and communicate the organization’s scientific achievements
• Lead preparation of scientific reviews, reports, and white papers based on project outcomes to inform strategy, program development, and external communications.

Back ground and Training Requirements

• Education: M.S. or Ph.D. in Soil Science, Rangeland Management, Environmental Science, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Experience: 5+ years of relevant experience in agronomy, regenerative agriculture, agricultural research, soil health, carbon programs, or a related field, with demonstrated ability to lead technical projects and work cross-functionally.
• Range & Pasture Management: Strong experience in range and pasture management, including grazing systems, forage management, soil health, and regenerative grazing. Candidates with strong agronomic expertise and demonstrated potential to develop into a subject-matter expert in range and pasture systems will also be considered.
• Carbon & GHG: Working knowledge of agricultural carbon markets, GHG accounting, carbon sequestration, and carbon-credit methodologies. Experience with Verra VCS and VVB processes is highly desirable.
• Scientific & Analytical Skills: Strong background in applied agronomic research, experimental design, data analysis, scientific interpretation, and translating research into practical field and program recommendations.
• Modeling & Data: Experience working with agricultural or carbon datasets and models, with the ability to translate field-level information into reliable model inputs and insights.
• Communication & Leadership: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex science into practical guidance for growers, ranchers, field teams, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Industry Engagement: Demonstrated ability to stay current with regenerative agriculture and carbon science and represent the organization through technical reports, conferences, presentations, and external engagement.
• Travel: Approximately20–30% travel required for field visits, grower and rancher engagement, conferences, research activities, and team meetings