Sustainable Agriculture Manager

Clean Wisconsin is a nonprofit organization with offices in Madison and Milwaukee and a mission to combat climate change and pollution in our air, water and land. Clean Wisconsin is looking for an effective and resourceful leader to serve as our sustainable agriculture manager (Manager). The Manager will work within our water & agriculture program to advance policies that support farmers in expanding regenerative agricultural systems and reducing reliance on pesticides and agricultural chemicals, while protecting Wisconsin’s water resources from pollution.

The Manager will report to the director of water & agriculture to advance the program’s strategic priorities. The Manager provides policy expertise, research and analysis, stakeholder engagement, and project leadership that expands the program’s capacity to address Wisconsin’s most urgent agricultural and water-quality challenges. The Manager will help translate the program’s vision into actionable policy initiatives, effective outreach strategies and collaborative partnerships that drive meaningful and lasting change.

Clean Wisconsin is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in our work and in our hiring practices. We value a team with different perspectives, educational backgrounds, and life experiences, and we prioritize diversity within our team. If you are not sure whether you might be qualified for this position but you think you have something special to contribute, we encourage you to apply. Please also see our statement on diversity, equity and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Research, analyze, and advocate for legislative, regulatory and administrative policies to expand regenerative agricultural systems, protect water resources and reduce pollution.
• Track and engage on issues related to agricultural diversification, nutrient management, regenerative agriculture and rural economic development.
• Monitor and incorporate the latest scientific research, environmental monitoring data and policy developments into Clean Wisconsin’s water and agricultural advocacy.
• In collaboration with Clean Wisconsin’s water policy team, support the program’s legislative and policy priorities including drafting legislation, preparing and occasionally delivering testimony, and developing policy briefs and educational materials related to sustainable agriculture, surface and groundwater quality protection, pesticide use reduction and rural economic development.
• Cultivate relationships with farmers, agricultural organizations, conservation groups, researchers, businesses, policymakers and/or government agencies to identify and advance practical solutions to improve environmental outcomes while supporting farms and rural communities.
• Co-lead the Wisconsin Neonicotinoid Workgroup with partner organizations to advance education, research, outreach and policy initiatives that reduce environmental and public-health risks associated with neonicotinoids and other pesticide use while supporting practical alternatives.
• Develop policy analyses, reports, testimony, comment letters and educational materials to advance program goals and support public engagement.
• In collaboration with Clean Wisconsin’s science program, evaluate scientific data related to agricultural water contamination to guide policy and programmatic efforts and assess linkages between contamination and public health.
• Work with Clean Wisconsin’s communications department to create outreach materials and website content to elevate the environmental issues facing the agricultural industry and policy and program solutions to address those challenges.
• Identify and collaborate with agricultural producers/groups working to protect drinking water quality through data analysis and policy development.
• Promote Clean Wisconsin’s efforts to combat agricultural water pollution at speaking engagements, fundraising events and other venues, as needed.
• Participate in and occasionally help lead statewide or regional stakeholder groups, coalitions and partnerships focused on sustainable agriculture, pesticide reduction and regenerative agricultural systems.
• Assist with grant development, grant reporting, project management and other activities that support program priorities.
• Anticipated effort by topic will generally align as follows: pesticides and neonicotinoid workgroup (40%), regenerative agriculture (50%), other duties relating to the water & agriculture program as assigned (10%).

Required Skills and Experience

• Ability to perform in a rapidly changing work environment and manage competing priorities while maintaining a long-term vision.
• Familiarity with the issues and terminology relating to agricultural systems, agricultural policy, water quality, conservation and the challenges facing farmers, rural communities, and natural resources.
• Familiarity with sustainable and regenerative agricultural systems, agricultural conservation practices, and strategies for advancing their adoption and long-term economic viability.
• Familiarity with pesticide policy, groundwater protection and nutrient management is preferred.
• Familiarity with policy development, including legislative, regulatory and administrative systems at the state and federal level.
• Analytical skills applicable to environmental policy, agriculture, economics and natural-resource management, including the ability to evaluate scientific research, policy proposals and environmental data.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with farmers, agricultural organizations, policymakers, government agencies, researchers, conservation organizations, businesses and/or other stakeholders.
• Interdisciplinary thinking and an understanding of the connections among agriculture, water quality, public health, biodiversity, climate resilience, and rural economic development.
• Experience using quantitative and qualitative information to support policy development, advocacy, program evaluation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong listening skills, oral and written communication skills, and ability to be a spokesperson to the media, to other advocates and within appropriate governmental forums.
• Ability to translate complex scientific and policy information into accessible materials for diverse audiences.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational and project management skills.
• Skill in working with people from a diverse range of backgrounds, especially communities most affected by environmental injustices.
• Ability to interact effectively, appropriately, and collaboratively with staff, partners, stakeholders, and members of the public.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Outlook, and Zoom, (or equivalents).
• Two years of experience working within relevant issue areas and policy development is preferred but not required.

Traits

• Commitment to protecting Wisconsin’s water resources, public health, and agricultural landscapes.
• Strategic thinker with strong policy analysis and project management skills.
• Ability to navigate complex environmental and agricultural issues with professionalism and diplomacy.
• Commitment to collaborative, science-based, and farmer-centered solutions.
• Passion for advancing practical approaches that benefit both farmers and the environment.

Working Conditions

• Office based position in Madison, Wisconsin with potential for a hybrid work schedule allowing remote work up to two days or approximately 16 hours per five-day work week.
• Frequent travel throughout the state to meet with farmers, policymakers, agency staff, researchers and partner organizations.
• Occasional evening and weekend work for public meetings, conferences, workshops, and events, as necessary.

Required Education

An undergraduate or graduate degree—or equivalent experience—related to environmental science, agriculture, conservation, climate change, public policy or political science.

Compensation

Salary range for the position is $64,000-80,000 commensurate with skills and experience. Benefits package includes health and dental insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan with a 6% employer match, paid sick leave and vacation, life insurance and short- and long-term disability insurance.