The Nature Conservancy is seeking an Agriculture Conservation Associate to support efforts to influence local supply chains and farmers toward long-term agricultural conservation adoption in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois. This role advances TNC’s agricultural supply chain work and farmer engagement program, demonstrating effective and sustainable supply chain-driven farmer incentive models.
About The Nature Conservancy – Science-Based Conservation Leader
Mission: Protecting the lands and waters upon which all life depends
Scale: More than 1 million members and over 400 scientists worldwide
Iowa Legacy: Over ten years working with agricultural partners to enhance on-farm conservation
History: Doing work you can believe in since 1951, grown into a leading global environmental organization
Culture: Inclusive work environment where every colleague’s contributions are valued
Regional Impact & Career Opportunity
Program Focus: Supply chain farmer incentive programs through the dairy industry
Field-Based Role: Regular travel to dairy farms across NE Iowa, SW Wisconsin, and NW Illinois
Community Impact: Facilitate peer-to-peer farmer learning groups, field days, and farm tours
Comprehensive Benefits: 401(k) with 8% employer match, health care, parental leave, and more
Position Overview
This Agriculture Conservation Associate role at The Nature Conservancy involves serving as programmatic lead for supply chain farmer incentive programs through the dairy industry in NE Iowa, SW Wisconsin, and NW Illinois, providing technical assistance on new conservation practices, and supporting farmers to lead regional change through peer-to-peer learning groups, field days, and farm tours over a 3-year term position.
Why This Role Matters: As Agriculture Conservation Associate at The Nature Conservancy, you help drive lasting agricultural conservation adoption across three states, support dairy farmers in improving water quality and sustainability outcomes, build meaningful relationships with landowners and agribusiness partners, gain hands-on field experience in agronomy and conservation delivery, and contribute to one of the world’s most effective environmental organizations.
Key Responsibilities
Program Leadership & Supply Chain Engagement
- Serve as programmatic lead for supply chain farmer incentive programs through the dairy industry
- Advance TNC’s agricultural supply chain work and farmer engagement program
- Ensure dairy program compliance with internal policies and external requirements
Technical Assistance & Field Support
- Provide technical assistance related to adoption of new conservation practices
- Perform field work with minimal supervision, making independent decisions based on analysis and experience
- Expect regular travel within the project region to dairy farms and professional events
Farmer Empowerment & Community Building
- Support and empower farmers to lead change through peer-to-peer learning groups
- Facilitate field days and farm tours to expand conservation practice adoption
- Work collaboratively with farmers and external agricultural supply chain partners
Stakeholder Collaboration
- Work with internal technical, administrative, and professional staff on performance and training
- Maintain professional customer service under variable weather and demanding schedules
- Build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, from farmers to agribusiness to academia
Qualifications & Requirements
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in agricultural or natural resource management-related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience Requirements
- Experience working with non-industrial private landowners
- Relationship-building experience across varied partners (farmers, agribusiness, academia, government)
- Experience completing tasks independently with respect to a timeline
- Experience in field work and data collection
Essential Skills
- Excellent relationship building and communication skills
- Ability to self-motivate, creatively problem solve, and influence without authority
- Communication via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and/or other relevant languages
- Proficiency with common software applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams
- A valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program
About The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest challenges. Since 1951, TNC has grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world, supported by more than 1 million members and over 400 scientists working to advance conservation globally.
Career Excellence: Join a mission-driven, science-based conservation leader making a lasting impact across the Midwest’s agricultural landscape.
Who Should Apply?
- Agricultural & Natural Resource Graduates: With 3+ years of relevant field experience
- Farmer Engagement Professionals: Skilled in building trust with landowners and agribusiness partners
- Conservation & Sustainability Advocates: Passionate about water quality and dairy supply chain sustainability
- Field-Based Data Collectors: Comfortable working independently in variable outdoor conditions
- Community Facilitators: Experienced organizing peer learning groups, field days, or farm tours
Recently opened JOBS 👇🏻
Grain Operations Specialist Jobs Dorchester NE 2026
Commercial Agronomist Jobs Albany GA 2026
