Description
The Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) is a nonprofit organization based in Lincoln, Nebraska. The soybean checkoff program was created as a part of the 1990 Farm Bill in order to maximize profit opportunities for soybean farmers. NSB staff is tasked with carrying out projects passed by the nine members of the board in the areas of communications, domestic marketing, education, international marketing, and research.
The mission of the Nebraska Soybean Board is growing value for Nebraska farmers by maximizing their checkoff investments.
Job Description
The Research & Extension Coordinator’s main responsibility is to implement a strategic soybean research and farmer support program to improve Nebraska soybean farmer profitability. This position will work closely with Nebraska research institutions, national and regional research groups, and the agricultural industry. This position is responsible for seeking projects that align with the NSB strategic plan and mission, maintaining the research budget, and supporting the work of the NSB board of directors.
Essential Functions
- Coordinate program/project development, contract development and compliance, budget preparation, and program/project evaluation. Identify, analyze, and communicate timely and relevant research information that impacts NE soybean producer profitability.
- Liaising with the NSB board, research committee, and staff to manage strategic investments in research projects and determine long-term research priorities.
- Facilitate the annual research grant process and implement the research objectives outlined in the strategic plan.
- Maintain effective relationships with ag organizations, universities, and related ag businesses interested in researching soybeans and soy products. Attend regular industry meetings or meetings of external organizations of which the Nebraska Soybean Board is a member.
- Soliciting grower input continuingly and representing those interests with researchers, extension personnel, industry colleagues, external stakeholders, and regional/national counterparts.
- Serve as NSB subject matter expert on applied agronomic research.
- Support the NSB’s Production and Crop Research Committee in setting long-term research priorities and gauging the success of funded projects.
- Researching and promoting agricultural strategies to counter the effects of changes in soil, climate, weather, and pest damage.
- This position requires frequent travel throughout the state and occasionally may require an overnight stay.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to work in a team environment.
- Computer skills critical thinking, prioritization, organization, analytical and planning skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in crop/weed science, soil science, plant breeding, plant pathology, entomology, or other closely related agriculture fields; plus 3 years of agriculture work experience.
- Working knowledge of the soybean industry.
- Working knowledge of the land grant university system (particularly related to agricultural research and extension).
- Work experience developing and managing budgets and contracts.
- Work experience making presentations to groups, including boards.
- Work experience establishing and maintaining working relationships with a variety of people, including co-workers, farmers, agribusinesses, universities, and researchers.
Benefits
The Nebraska Soybean Board offers a variety of employee benefits including the following:
- Employee stipend
- Short & Long-term disability insurance
- Life insurance
- A match of up to four (4) percent on company 401(k) plan.
- Up to 12 paid holidays each year
- Three weeks of paid vacation per year, for the first five (5) years
If you are interested in the position, please submit your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to Scott Ritzman at [email protected]. If you have any questions, please contact Scott at (402) 432-5720.
