Ag Management Solutions seeks a dedicated and knowledgeable Agronomic Program Manager to support our client, MN Crop Production Retailers, by administrating their 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program, coordinating annual ag retailer surveys, and supporting the Certified Crop Advisors program. The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in the program administration by identifying and recruiting agricultural coops, agricultural retailers, and industry professionals and providing expertise and assistance to program participants. This position requires strong communication skills, a deep understanding of nutrient stewardship practices, professional development, and working collaboratively with various stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:
· Identify and Recruit Agricultural Coops/Ag Retailers:
o Identify and recruit Ag Retailers to participate in the Minnesota 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program.
· Engage with Agricultural Stakeholders:
o Interact with agricultural retailers, nutrient service providers, and other industry professionals throughout the supply chain to educate and encourage the implementation of 4R practices.
· Audit Preparation Assistance and Post-Audit Support:
o Provide expertise and assistance to program participants to help with audit preparation.
o Provide expertise and assistance to program participants post-audit to aid in the development of corrective action plans when necessary.
· Promote the Value of Certified Crop Advisor:
o Assist with planning outreach strategies to retain and recruit individuals to become Certified Crop Advisors. Work with ag industry leaders and stakeholders to promote the value of having CCAs on staff.
· Coordinate the Annual Ag Retail Survey
o Provide high-level coordination and management of the team collecting data on farming practices data from ag retailers and manage the contracts with third-party organizations for data analysis and reporting.
· Grant Management and Reporting:
o Prepare written summaries of program outreach and engagement activities for the Minnesota Crop Production Retailers (MCPR) and assist with submitting required reports.
o Ensure that program activities and expenditures are aligned with the goals and allowable uses outlined in various grant agreements and funding sources.
· Serve as Agricultural Industry Liaison:
o Assist MCPR in serving as an agricultural industry liaison with other agricultural organizations, state agencies, and other nutrient stakeholders regarding the implementation and progress of the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification, Ag Retail Survey, and the efforts to grow the number of Certified Crop Advisors in Minnesota.
Qualifications:
· A Bachelor’s Degree in Agribusiness Management, Agronomy, Agriculture, Crop Science, Environmental Science, Nonprofit Management, or a related field is preferred. A related technical degree with three years of relevant experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree.
· Experience in agricultural program coordination or a similar role.
· Strong understanding of nutrient stewardship practices and the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Principles.
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
· Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
· Skilled at analyzing data and identifying trends.
· Proficiency in preparing written reports and summaries.
· Strong organizational and time management skills.
· A current Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) or CCA candidate is desirable.
About Us:
Ag Management Solutions (AMS) is an association management company that provides various services, including accounting, administrative services, marketing communications, membership services, events services, and technical expertise to a growing list of client organizations. Our mission is to help small and mid-sized agribusinesses and associations realize efficiencies to maximize effectiveness. AMS employees are passionate about agriculture, talented in their fields, and dedicated to the success of our client organizations. Check out our website to learn more: https://agmgmtsolutions.com/
Minnesota Crop Production Retailers (MCPR) is a member-based organization that promotes the proper use, storage and application of crop production inputs in an environmentally safe and agronomically sound manner and supports regulatory and legislative initiatives that benefit retailers, manufacturers, distributors and custom applicators of crop production inputs.
MCPR is the program administrator for the Minnesota 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification program, which certifies nutrient service providers for adhering to the 4R Nutrient Stewardship framework and approach to increasing grower profitability by optimizing nutrient efficiencies and minimizing nutrient losses to the environment. This internationally recognized certification program was launched in Minnesota in March 2020.
More information on the program can be found here:
· Minnesota 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program - Minnesota Crop Production Retailers (mcpr-cca.org)
· 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program (4rcertified.org)
· More information about the Minnesota Certified Crop Advisory program can be found here.
· Ag retailers survey is similar to the Iowa approach found here.
What We Offer:
· Competitive salary and benefits package.
· Opportunities for professional growth and development.
· A supportive and collaborative work environment.
· The chance to make a significant impact in a leading industry organization.
Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references to hr@agmgmtsolutions.com. Please include "Agronomic Program Manager Application - [Your Name]" in the subject line of your email.
Ag Management Solutions is an equal-opportunity employer.
We look forward to welcoming a passionate and skilled Agronomic Program Manager to our team!
