The Agribusiness Specialist is responsible for building relationships and developing and implementing sustainable agriculture projects and programs with key agribusinesses and conservation organizations in the Corn Belt.
The Agribusiness Specialist will work with agricultural industry partners and TNC staff to help evaluate and advance the implementation of the North American Region priorities. This team member will interpret agronomy and/or water quality research, assist agribusinesses with corporate practices and conservation goals, and communicate regularly about soil health, nutrient management, and water quality.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Fosters and develops collaborative relationships with the agricultural businesses and non-profits, with a focus on Certified Crop Advisers (CCA), ag input suppliers, and ag fertilizer manufacturers.
- Engages with the CCA, ag input suppliers and ag fertilizer manufactures to help influence the adoption of soil health and nutrient management practices.
- Works with a diverse team (including CCA, ag input suppliers and/or ag fertilizer manufacturers) to develop and assess soil health and nutrient management systems, products, and programs.
- Designs, implements and directs complex and diverse projects encompassing multiple programs.
- Makes strategic decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment.
- Work involves extensive travel throughout the Corn Belt and occasional other domestic travel and may include evening and weekend hours.
- Works within a budget to complete projects, negotiates contracts, and assists with budget development.
- Assists in ensuring that public and private funds are raised to meet program needs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.7 years’ experience in agronomy, soil science, agribusiness retail, nutrient management, or agricultural economics.
- Experience developing partnerships and working in teams.
- Experience leading complex projects or strategic initiatives in an unstructured environment.
- Familiarity with 4Rs of nutrient stewardship and Midwest agriculture and conservation practices.
- Experience writing and presenting complex material in an easy to understand manner.
- Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including staffing, workloads and finances under deadlines.
- Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups, and/or government agencies.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to collaborate effectively and build consensus across team members.
- Previous agribusiness sales, management, team lead experience.
- Experience critically analyzing and evaluating information from conflicting sources and compiling it into cohesive reports and recommendations for strategy and action.
- Master’s degree in business, environmental, agronomy, economics, or related field.
- 7-10 years’ experience in conservation or agribusiness and be a Certified Crop Adviser (CCA).
- Ability to develop and drive new ideas and approaches.
- Ability to work in a multicultural and multidisciplinary context.
- Ability to work well in a highly matrixed, decentralized and collaborative organization.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet time sensitive deadlines.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.