The Agriculture Conservation Practitioner develops, manages, influences, and advances conservation programs, restoration projects, partnerships, and agriculture conservation methods in the Ohio River Basin, with a focus on the Scioto and Great Miami River watersheds. This position supports The Nature Conservancy in Ohio’s Agriculture Strategy centered on: Soil Health and Nutrient Management, Water Management, and Restoration of Natural Infrastructure/Nature Based Solutions. This position will be based at our main office located near Columbus, Ohio, but other locations within Ohio may be considered.
The Agriculture Conservation Practitioner (AGCP) provides technical leadership and support to Ohio’s agriculture programs, plans and directs activities, and helps to coordinate and communicate statewide strategies. The AGCP addresses critical threats to providing food and water sustainably, fosters collaborative communication and learning among the agriculture and conservation communities, and synthesizes local and landscape level information relevant to agriculture conservation planning teams and processes. The AGCP advances agriculture conservation methods based on current best science and implements a variety of strategies to secure public and private support for Ohio’s agriculture conservation priorities. The AGCP manages diverse and multiple projects, engages stakeholders in those projects, effectively communicates results, and plans community and stakeholder events to transfer knowledge. The AGCP must regularly and successfully interact with and build trust among partners in local, state and federal decision-makers, researchers, and members of the public and private sectors engaged in agriculture production and water quality protection.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Manage multi-disciplinary projects to advance soil health and nutrient management, water management, and natural infrastructure strategies in the Ohio River Basin.
- Collaboratively engage and cooperate with TNC staff, as well as external partners such as public agencies, universities, agribusinesses, commodity groups, individual farmers and non-governmental organizations.
- Conduct grant writing, management, reporting, and communication of results.
- Perform multiple tasks with minimal supervision and make decisions based on scientific analysis, experience and context.
- Ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- Must be willing to travel overnight, work in variable weather conditions, and at remote locations.
- Financial responsibility will include working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development, and helping to meet fundraising targets.
- 3 years of experience in agriculture systems, business and/or communications; natural resource management related to agriculture nutrient reduction strategies, design, or a similar field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience working independently to manage and prioritize tasks from multiple projects and project contacts.
- Experience with interpersonal communication skills such as active listening, curiosity for the motivation of all parties, optimism in relationships and projects, and the ability to adapt to different styles within a learning organization.
- Experience in using current trends and practices in agriculture and conservation as it relates to harmful algal blooms, hypoxia and other water quality and quantity impairments.
- Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
- Experience in situations and experiences related to diversity, equity and inclusion.
- Experience with Microsoft Office suite and ArcGIS.
- Must have valid driver's license.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Five to seven years of experience and/or some combination of advance education and work experience.
- Ability and willingness to dynamically articulate and communicate within and outside the organization through visual, written, and spoken modes.
- Demonstrated grant-writing and management experience.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and steward diverse relationships.
- Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
- Knowledge of ecological water quality and water quantity management principles.
- Knowledge of climate change solutions related to agriculture.
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.