Under the supervision of the County Conservationist, this Agronomist will provide outreach and support for farmers to implement cover crops, no-till, and low disturbance manure applications (LDMA) in the Eldorado Marsh and Fond du Lac River Watershed areas of Fond du Lac County. Funding for additional conservation practices may be also become available during the project period. This position is currently funded by a 3-year Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant that is scheduled to end March 31st, 2026, however potential future funding may extend this project.

The goals of this Agronomist position are:

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  Be a positive resource to farmers and agriculture professionals to increase farmer adoption of cover crops, not-till, and low-disturbance manure applications along with other soil health practices that improve soil and water quality in the project area of the county.
• Provide technical and outreach support to farmers for the successful implementation of soil health practices and water quality programming in the project area of county.
• Be part of an educational network for farmers and other agronomy professionals in the county to learn and share information about soil health practices, systems, and equipment that other farmers are using successfully.

• Collects and maintains accurate database of existing farming practices and analyzes information making for recommendations to adapt soil practices with farmers in the project area in the county.
• Network with farmers and other agronomy professionals to provide information and education on practices, equipment, and programs available to reduce soil erosion and runoff and improve overall soil health on their farms. This may also include providing continued training and support for the implementation of nutrient management plans using SnapPlus software.
• Analyze and interpret soil test data to help farmers meet both production and soil health goals on their farm.
• Analyze available Snap+ information with LWCD staff for conservation and program planning. This includes assistance with analyzing and reporting soil loss and nutrient reduction information, preparing field maps and acreages of practices, and providing relevant information for preparation of cost share agreements.
• Work with other staff on the LWCD Soil Health Team to manage the Fond du Lac County Soil Health Programming in the county.
• Coordination of field days and educational events to provide information about soil health conservation practices, techniques, and equipment.
• Maintains, through applicable training, a high level of technical knowledge and skills necessary for the effective promotion of soil health practices including nutrient management plan implementation.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

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  Thorough knowledge of and the ability to apply principles of soil health systems and methods, cropland conservation practices and nutrient management planning that are effective in improving soil health and water quality while maintaining economic sustainability for farm operations. This includes knowledge to set-up and operate various planting and tillage equipment, interpretation of soil test reports, and nutrient and pest management methods and application.
• Proficient in using computer software such as Wisconsin’s nutrient management planning software SnapPlus including SnapMaps, Microsoft Office suite, USDA- NRCS RUSLE2,. Some knowledge of GIS software such as ESRI ArcMap and other web-based GIS software is desirable. Some knowledge of database management software is also desirable.
• Ability to interpret aerial photography and soils maps using Wisconsin SnapMaps and other web based GIS applications.
• Strong written, verbal, and listening communication skills. This includes effective communication to assist in the set up and operation of various planting and tillage equipment used for soil health practices.
• Knowledge of programs and responsibilities of the County Land and Water Conservation Department as well as other conservation program partners such as WI Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, WI Dept. of Natural Resources, and USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service.
• Ability to maintain effective and positive working relationships with farmers and landowners, agriculture professionals, and other LWCD program partners and staff.

• Possess a B.S. or Associate Degree in Natural Resource Management, Agronomy, Soil Science or a related field of study; or a combination of training and direct experience that would place the individual at an equivalent level.
• Possess a minimum of two years experience in an Agronomy or Farming related position with knowledge of conservation tillage, residue management, cover crops and nutrient and pest management.
• Possession of or the ability to attain appropriate Agronomic certification (CCA, ARCPACS, or NAICC) is desirable, but not immediately required.
• Possession of a valid Wisconsin driver’s license and the ability to meet the County’s Fleet Vehicle Policy Requirements is required.