What We Can Achieve Together:

A shift to a more regenerative food system - one that supports resilient farms and supply chains, builds thriving agricultural communities, and positions agriculture as a solution to our most pressing environmental threats - necessitates investing in integrated crop and livestock systems. Integrated crop and livestock systems, including perennial and grass-based livestock operations, have been demonstrated to improve environmental outcomes (e.g., improved nutrient cycling and water quality, enhanced soil health, increased biodiversity) and reduce on-farm economic risk (e.g., increased yield efficiency, diversified production).

Farmers have flexible options for integrating crops and livestock on their farms, including through adaptive and integrated grazing. Adaptive and integrated grazing represents a particularly important opportunity, wherein farmers can graze livestock on diverse grass-based systems, diverse perennial crops, or cover crops. In the Upper Mississippi River Basin Foodscape, adaptive and integrated grazing aligns with the historical land use of the region, complements the current agricultural system, and could help us to reach soil health, water quality, and biodiversity goals in the region.

The Grazing Specialist will be responsible developing, managing and advancing regenerative agriculture projects – specifically focused on accelerating and scaling adoption of integrated crop and livestock systems – in the Upper Mississippi River Basin Foodscape. The position will work within a highly matrixed, multidisciplinary team, as well as with external partners and staff in a variety of TNC state programs/Chapters.

The position will network, build, strengthen, and convene relationships with partners, stakeholders, and landowners / farmers in the Foodscape geography to support and develop new models and provide assistance to increase adoption of integrated crop and livestock systems. The position will support TNC state ag programs and existing regenerative agriculture projects, integrating findings and successful projects into the regional strategy. To be successful in this position, the Grazing Specialist must be detail-oriented, highly organized, a good communicator and have experience with and/or knowledge of agriculture and integrated crop and livestock systems, key partners and stakeholders, farmer networks/engagement, and farmer incentives and technical assistance.

This is a 3-year fixed term position currently funded through March 30, 2029.

This is a remote position based in WI, IL or IA. Preferred locations include Southwest WI, Northeast IA, or Northwest IL.

Job Responsibilities and Scope:

The Grazing Specialist provides technical leadership and support to the North America Agriculture, Wisconsin, and Upper Mississippi River Basin Foodscape teams by assisting, planning and executing projects in service of our programmatic goals to accelerate adoption of integrated crop and livestock systems. In collaboration with and under the guidance of the Wisconsin Director of Agricultural Strategies and the Upper Mississippi River Basin Foodscapes team, the Specialist will be responsible for advancing project activities to meet outcomes, identifying and developing key performance indicators, monitoring and measuring progress, communicating information to stakeholders and ensuring all organizational and divisional standards are met. The Specialist may be responsible for managing contracts, tracking budgets and deliverables, producing reports, meeting planning and facilitation, and may serve as the liaison for external partners and TNC staff.

Key responsibilities and scope include:

• Designs and implements projects to accelerate adoption of regenerative agriculture and integrated crop and livestock systems and achieve grant objectives.

• Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.

• Act independently within broad program goals to prioritize tasks in the absence of specific instructions and exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems;

• Manage projects with multiple variables and stakeholders - set realistic deadlines, manage a timeline and budget, and ensure accountability;

• Gain cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals;

• Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information;

• Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, and assisting with budget development.

• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.

• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

• Travel and work flexible hours, as needed.

We’re Looking for You:

If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join The Nature Conservancy as a Grazing Specialist! We’re looking for a passionate, dedicated person to contribute to our work in regenerative agriculture. Systems Leadership, creativity, and the ability to influence without authority are key in this role. Come join TNC and apply today!

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in animal science, agronomy, conservation, environmental science or related field and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience;

• Experience engaging, collaborating, and developing partnerships with farmers and grazers, farmer networks, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders to achieve scalable regenerative agriculture outcomes;

• Experience with regenerative agriculture practices, integrated crop and livestock systems, and grass-based livestock;

• Experience delivering high quality financial and technical assistance to livestock farmers and grazers;

• Experience providing outreach and education for farmers, farmer networks, and stakeholders to increase awareness and adoption of regenerative agriculture practices; and

• Experience using common applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Web Browsers, and relevant tools.

Desired Qualifications:

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated;

• Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities;

• Grant / proposal writing and management experience;

• Knowledge of current trends and practices in regenerative agriculture; including grass- and pasture-based livestock systems, cover cropping, precision ag, and edge-of-field practices;

• Demonstrated social and emotional intelligence by successfully engaging and motivating others to support a new path forward, building energy and involvement to sustain results over time;

• Ability to explain regenerative agriculture and conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences;

• Completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s); and

• Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant language skills.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page under the FAQ section. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $53,000 - $62,000. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.