Working Lands Conservation Coordinator

• Job Title: Working Lands Conservation Coordinator
• Location: Belle Plaine, Minnesota, or surrounding area with easy access to Belle Plaine. Travel required throughout the local region (field-based).
• Position Type: Full-time
• Application Deadline: Open until filled
• Start Date: ASAP
• Salary Range: $24.04-26.44/hr
• Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and short-term disability insurance; overtime; 401K with 5% match; paid time off, sick leave, and 12 paid holidays per year.

Position Summary

The Working Lands Conservation Coordinator will support the Monarch Joint Venture’s (MJV) mission by working directly with private landowners in Scott County and the surrounding area—primarily row crop producers, with some livestock and specialty crop operations—to integrate pollinator-friendly practices into agricultural systems.

This producer-facing role emphasizes the use of precision agriculture and conservation tools to identify opportunities for practices that strengthen farm profitability while enhancing habitat for monarchs and other pollinators. A key focus will be overseeing implementation of a Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) project in the area to enhance required riparian buffers with pollinator habitat to help demonstrate how compliance buffers can be managed to provide additional ecological benefits while maintaining agricultural viability.

In this role, you’ll collaborate with area farmers, their agronomists, and local conservation partners to match the right conservation practices to the right places in-field. Leveraging tools such as profitability mapping, satellite imagery, and GIS, you’ll support landowners in adopting practices like prairie strips, cover crops, integrated pest management, and more. The result: healthier soils, cleaner water, stronger farm economics, and more resilient communities.

Key Responsibilities
• Provide one-on-one technical assistance and conservation planning for area producers.
• Use precision ag tools to identify low-ROI acres and opportunities for pollinator habitat.
• Support producers in accessing Farm Bill programs (CRP, EQIP, CSP, etc.).
• Enhance state-required riparian buffers with pollinator-focused plantings.
• Support local NRCS offices with producer technical assistance and coordinate with SWCDs and other partners.
• Develop demonstration projects and host workshops/webinars.
• Engage historically underserved producers in alignment with MJV’s equity commitment.

Recommended Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, agroecology, natural resource management, or a related agricultural or conservation field. Or at least 3 years of relevant work experience in agricultural systems, farm planning, or landowner engagement.
• Knowledge of pollinator habitat practices in row crop, grazing, or specialty crop systems.
• Familiarity with Farm Bill conservation programs (e.g., CRP, EQIP, CSP) and their application on private lands.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with producers, agronomists, and partner organizations.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel regularly throughout Scott and surrounding counties, as well as occasionally beyond.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with precision agriculture tools (profitability mapping, remote sensing, or GIS-based planning).
• Skills in data interpretation, ROI analysis, and spatial analysis for conservation planning.
• Understanding of monarch biology and pollinator-friendly agricultural practices.
• Experience supporting Historically Underserved or Special Emphasis producers.
• Familiarity with conservation grazing systems and integration of livestock with cover crops.
• Knowledge of native plants and pollinator forage species relevant to Midwest farming systems.
• Passion for agriculture and pollinator conservation.

Physical Requirements

This position will operate in a mix of indoor (office-based) and outdoor (field-based) environments. Field work may include exposure to varying weather conditions, rugged terrain, and wildlife. Specific requirements include:
• Mobility: Capable of traveling to and working from conservation sites in and around Scott County.
• Lifting and Carrying: Capable to lift and transport equipment, tools, and supplies, occasionally of substantial weight or irregular shape.
• Bending and Stooping: Comfortable with bending down or stooping to pick up items.
• Manual Dexterity: Proficient use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and operating field and office equipment.
• Sitting: Ability to sit for extended periods while performing office-based computer tasks.
• Focus and Concentration: Ability to concentrate on detailed tasks and maintain focus.
• Sensory Abilities: Ability to use sensory abilities to perceive and analyze information from computer screens, written documents, and/or verbal communication.

How to Apply

Apply online at: https://jobs.gusto.com/postings/monarch-joint-venture-working-lands-conservation-coordinator-a9ea46cc-59b4-4265-83f2-96345172dd2c

You will be asked to submit the following:
• Your resume (1-2 pages max)
• Brief responses (~5 sentences) to the following prompts*
• Why is working with agricultural producers on implementing pollinator habitat something that interests you?
• Tell us about your past experience working with Farm Bill Conservation Programs; if you haven’t worked with Farm Bill programs, what other conservation programs have you engaged with?
• What is your personal or professional connection to Scott County?
• The names and contact information for 3 professional references.
• Please note that NO COVER LETTERS will be accepted

What to Expect

Interviews will be conducted in two phases. Successful applications will first be invited to a brief introductory interview by Zoom with a single MJV staff member. A second longer interview with multiple staff and/or MJV board members will be invited for successful first interview candidates. References may be contacted after the second interview. While unlikely, a potential short third interview may be requested as needed in final decision making. All candidates will be notified via email if their application is no longer being considered.

About Us

The Monarch Joint Venture is a national nonprofit organization working to conserve monarch butterflies and other pollinators through habitat conservation, education, and research. We work in close partnership with federal and state agencies, nonprofit organizations, researchers, and communities across the country.

The Monarch Joint Venture is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. We strive to ensure equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants and foster an environment free from discrimination and harassment. MJV values diversity in all forms and is dedicated to promoting fairness, equity, and respect throughout our organization.

The Monarch Joint Venture is an at-will employer.