Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever

MN Agronomy & Conservation Specialist

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever  •  $50k - $66k/yr  •  Onsite  •  21 days ago
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Job Description

Location Sleepy Eye, Minnesota - *remote eligible*
Application Deadline  Open continuously until filled, review of applications will begin April 1, 2026
Anticipated Start Date May 2026

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 southwest 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/jobs
To Apply Please combine your cover letter, resume, and three references as a single Word document or PDF file before uploading as part of your application on our recruitment website as www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs. Only online applications will be accepted

Contact Josh Pommier, PFQF Minnesota Private Lands Manager, at 320-292-5860 or jpommier@pheasantsforever.org
  Pheasants Forever, Inc is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with disability, or any other category that may be protected by law.
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever

About Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever make up the nation's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. This community of more than 500,000 members, supporters and partners is dedicated to the protection of our uplands through habitat improvement, public access, education and advocacy. A network of 754 local chapters spread across North America determine how 100 percent of their locally raised funds are spent — the only national conservation organization that operates through this grassroots structure. Since its creation in 1982, “The Habitat Organization” has dedicated more than $1 billion to 580,000 habitat projects benefiting 28.8 million acres.

At the heart of Pheasants Forever is the unique grassroots system of fundraising and project development that allows members to see the direct result of their contributions. Pheasants Forever and its quail division, Quail Forever, empower county and local chapters with the responsibility to determine how 100 percent of their locally raised conservation funds will be spent - the only national conservation organization that operates through this truly grassroots structure. As a result, chapter volunteers are able to see the fruits of their efforts locally, while belonging to a larger national organization with a voice on federal and state conservation policy.

Industry
Consulting & Advisory
Company Size
201-500 employees
Headquarters
St. Paul, MN
Year Founded
1982
Website
pheasantsforever.org
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