The farmer-led education department houses PFI’s long-standing farmer-led education efforts. This department annually delivers robust educational programming consisting of field days, conference sessions, workshops and webinars. These events, along with farmer meet-ups and other programming, aim to help farmers build peer networks and learn from one another.  

  The field crops education coordinator will support that team by:   

• Planning and facilitating high-quality, farmer-led educational and networking events relating to organic and conventional field crops production and farming systems, including small grains and cover crops.  
• Connecting with field crops farmers to learn about their challenges, opportunities and how PFI can serve them.  
• Responding to questions from the public about PFI’s field crops programming, connecting them to other members with expertise or interest in the topic, or to other PFI programs or external service providers.  
• Supporting the farmer-led education department in data collection and information management processes. 

Duties  

• Plan educational and networking events related to field crops systems. 
• Facilitate events on field crops topics, including: 
• Field days 
• A virtual cover crop workshop 
• Providing flexible support across other enterprise areas 
• Outreach events  
• Grow and facilitate networks of farmers and landowners interested in diversifying and improving their field crop rotations and management. 
• Respond to inquiries and requests for resources from PFI members and the public on field crops topics. 
• Organize and record information on PFI members and contacts into our customer relationship management and project management software. 
• Other duties as assigned or volunteered to support department or team projects. 

  Required Qualifications and Characteristics  

• Strong event planning and logistics coordination skills 
• Strong writing skills  
• Knowledge and empathy about commodity crop farmers 
• Familiarity with the agricultural landscape in Iowa and the Midwest   
• Familiarity with basic agronomics and field crops  
• Effective problem-solving and conflict resolution skills (a strong listener who is able to give and take feedback constructively) 
• Ability to develop and manage a detailed schedule and work plan with little oversight  
• Adept at building networks and engaging with a range of collaborators, partners or relevant parties   
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills (including public speaking) 
• Strong event and meeting facilitation skills for both in-person and virtual events 
• Ability to adapt to or learn different software (including Word, Excel, Airtable, data management and web software, etc.)   
• Respectful of differing perspectives   
• Efficient, effective and able to meet deadlines in fast-paced work environments  
• Dependable – able to work independently and with a team   
• Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work  

Desired Qualifications and Characteristics  

• In-depth field crop knowledge  
• Knowledge of planting and managing cover crops, small grains and row crops 
• Existing knowledge of PFI’s programs   
• Familiar with sustainable and regenerative agriculture concepts   
• Knowledge of agricultural marketing, business management or supply chains 
• Two years of professional experience    
• Formal or informal teaching experience    
• Experience with grassroots organizing or outreach  
• Storytelling skills  
• Appreciation and passion for PFI’s organizational mission  
• A mindset of continuous improvement