Sustainability Program Specialist

This position serves as a key resource for growers and internal teams by coordinating program enrollment, collecting and managing agricultural data, supporting carbon intensity and nutrient stewardship initiatives, assisting with conservation practice implementation, and helping growers participate in sustainability opportunities. The Sustainability Program Specialists are key contributors to the continued growth and success of IAS sustainability programs and initiatives that help growers capture value through stewardship, carbon-intensity improvement, nutrient management, conservation, and market opportunities.

The Sustainability Program Specialists are key contributors to the continued growth and success of IAS sustainability programs and initiatives that help growers capture value through stewardship, carbon-intensity improvement, nutrient management, conservation, and market opportunities.

Sustainability Program Specialist

Location: East Central Iowa (Monticello, Masonville or similar area)

About Sustainability Programs at Innovative Ag Services

At Innovative Ag Services (IAS), we believe sustainability should create measurable value for our farmer members. Through our sustainability programs and partnerships, we help growers pursue opportunities related to conservation, nutrient stewardship, carbon intensity improvement, low-carbon grain markets, and emerging sustainability incentives.

IAS sustainability efforts connect agronomic expertise, farm data, stewardship practices, conservation resources, and market opportunities to help growers improve profitability while enhancing the long-term productivity of their operations. As programs, partnerships, and market requirements continue to evolve, IAS is committed to providing practical solutions that help farmers succeed.

Who We Are Looking For

IAS is seeking a highly motivated, organized, and relationship-focused individual to support the growth and delivery of IAS sustainability programs and initiatives. This specialist will work directly with growers, Agronomy Sales Advisors, grain personnel, and industry partners to support opportunities that create value for both farmers and IAS.

The ideal candidate is comfortable working with farm data, sustainability programs, carbon intensity metrics, nutrient management concepts, and grower-facing communications. They are passionate about agriculture, committed to helping farmers succeed, and capable of navigating a rapidly evolving sustainability landscape.

Position Summary

The Sustainability Program Specialist is responsible for supporting the administration, implementation, and growth of IAS sustainability programs and related initiatives. This position serves as a key resource for growers and internal teams by coordinating program enrollment, collecting and managing agricultural data, supporting carbon intensity and nutrient stewardship initiatives, assisting with conservation practice implementation, and helping growers participate in sustainability opportunities.

This role combines agronomy, project management, sustainability, data analysis, and customer service to help farmers maximize the value of their stewardship efforts while preparing for market and regulatory opportunities.

 

Key Responsibilities

Sustainability Program Administration

·         Serve as a primary point of contact for growers participating in IAS sustainability programs and initiatives.

• Support grower enrollment and onboarding into sustainability programs.
• Manage program records and maintain accurate grower documentation.
• Coordinate grower communications regarding program requirements, opportunities, deadlines, and reporting.

·         Track participation metrics and support continuous improvement of IAS sustainability program offerings.

• Work closely with sustainability leadership to expand program enrollment and grower engagement.

 

Sustainability Data, Measurement & Reporting

• Assist with the collection, validation, and management of farm management data used in carbon intensity calculations.
• Support development and distribution of grower sustainability and carbon intensity reports.
• Help growers understand the agronomic and management factors influencing carbon intensity scores.
• Assist in identifying opportunities for growers to improve environmental performance and capture additional program value.
• Support documentation requirements associated with low-carbon grain, biofuel, and sustainability programs.

 

Nutrient Stewardship & Program Readiness

• Support development and documentation of nutrient management plans and nutrient budgets.
• Assist growers in implementing 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices.
• Work with Agronomy Sales Advisors to develop sound agronomic recommendations.
• Help maintain documentation required for sustainability, regulatory, and market-based programs.
• Stay informed on evolving sustainability policies, biofuel regulations, and program requirements impacting growers.

 

Conservation & Soil Health Programs

• Educate growers on conservation and soil health practices, including reduced tillage, cover crops, nutrient management, and water quality initiatives.
• Assist growers with participation in conservation incentive and cost-share programs.
• Coordinate with conservation agencies, watershed groups, and industry partners to support project implementation.
• Promote adoption of practices that improve soil health, nutrient efficiency, and long-term farm sustainability.

 

Data Management & Analysis

• Utilize sustainability software platforms and agricultural data systems to manage grower information.
• Review field-level management records for completeness, accuracy, and program eligibility.
• Analyze sustainability performance metrics and prepare grower-facing reports.
• Support internal reporting and project tracking requirements.
• Maintain confidential grower records and ensure data integrity.

 

Grower & Employee Education

• Serve as an educational resource for IAS employees and customers regarding sustainability programs and opportunities.
• Assist in creating grower communications, presentations, training materials, and educational resources.
• Support sustainability training initiatives for Agronomy Sales Advisors and other internal stakeholders.
• Represent IAS at grower meetings, field days, industry events, and educational programs.

 

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Agricultural Business, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or related field.
• Minimum of three years of experience in agriculture, agronomy, conservation, sustainability, or project management.
• Understanding of Midwestern crop production systems and farm management practices.
• Experience working directly with growers and agricultural stakeholders.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and data management systems.
• Excellent communication, organization, and relationship-building skills.

 

Preferred Qualifications

·         Knowledge of sustainability measurement, environmental outcomes reporting, carbon intensity concepts, and agricultural market or incentive programs.

• Understanding nutrient management planning and 4R Nutrient Stewardship principles.
• Experience working with USDA, NRCS, IDALS, SWCD, or other conservation initiatives.

 

Competencies & Skills

• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Customer-focused mindset with a passion for serving growers.
• Ability to communicate technical information in a practical and understandable manner.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

 

Physical Requirements / Environmental Adaptability

• Ability to travel throughout the IAS trade territory to visit farms, attend meetings, and support field activities.
• Ability to work in both office and agricultural field environments.
• Occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions and agricultural production settings.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry up to 50 pounds.
• May require use of personal protective equipment when appropriate.