ABOUT CLEAN RIVER PARTNERS
Clean River Partners (CRP) is an environmental non-profit based in Northfield, MN. We envision a community that collaboratively creates and protects a watershed with healthy soils; drinkable groundwater; and clean, fishable, and swimmable rivers, lakes, and streams. We partner with people and organizations to value, protect, and improve the Cannon River Watershed’s land and water. Our core values of building resilience, acting equitably, engaging intentionally, and inspiring hope guide all of our work. CRP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including women, candidates of color, Indigenous candidates, LGBTQIA2S+, or candidates with non-traditional work or experience backgrounds.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
This position develops, executes, and manages Clean River Partners’ conservation agriculture work that builds the capacity of southeast Minnesota’s agricultural sector to adopt conservation agriculture practices, especially those that mitigate and/or adapt to climate change, improve water quality, and/or build soil health. This position is for someone with knowledge of the agricultural sector who is passionate about supporting systems change efforts focused on farmer engagement, technical assistance, and when applicable, financial incentives. This position will work closely with the Executive Director, partners, and area farmers to develop, pilot, and scale behavior change initiatives and other programming focused on conservation agriculture practice adoption.
This is an exempt, full-time position with benefits including Simple IRA matching, paid vacation and sick leave, 15 paid holidays, and a paid office closure from December 24-January 1. The salary role for this range is $53,500-$66,500. CRP offers a flexible workplace. Most staff choose to have a hybrid work schedule, with all staff in the office on Tuesdays.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design, implement, evaluate, and continuously improve programs and projects that lead to the adoption of conservation agriculture practices on the southeast Minnesota landscape.
- Develop, steward, and sustain strategic relationships with diverse landowners and farmers, agricultural and natural resource organizations (such as the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition, Minnesota Farmers Union, and Truterra), federal, state, and local government agencies (such as NRCS, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and SWCDs and county governments), and college and university partners (such as Carleton College, St. Olaf College, and the University of Minnesota) to further the adoption of conservation agricultural practices and build the capacity of the local agricultural sector to transition to these practices.
- Supervise the Conservation Program Coordinator.
- Provide timely and accurate technical assistance to growers working to adopt conservation practices.
- Develop relationships with groups underrecognized in CRP’s current collaborators, membership, and audience, including communities of color, Indigenous communities, Spanish-speaking communities, disabled communities, LGBTQIA2S+ communities, and youth.
- Maintain, track, and report on key data related to indicators of success identified in Clean River Partners’ strategic framework and use findings to inform program improvement and future conservation strategies.
- Evaluate program activities and make recommendations to improve impacts and/or develop new programming.
- Prepare grants and other written communications or public or small-group presentations that describe program objectives, activities, and impacts.
- Track grant and contract deadlines, deliverables, and reporting requirements, including preparation of contracts, invoices, and reports.
- Participate in annual budgeting process and monitor program and project budgets.
- Participate in team meetings and represent CRP on committees.
- As needed, take on additional duties to enhance the work of the team, including, but not limited to, developing documentation or enhancing the systems and tools used by the team.
EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS
Required
- Interest in and commitment to the mission and values of Clean River Partners
- Commitment to equity, justice, and fostering belonging
- A degree in a field closely related to agriculture and water such as agronomy, soil science, water resources science, or agricultural education or equivalent applied experience with conservation agriculture and soil health practices such as growing cover crops, no-till farming, or perennial crops
- A proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and collaborations with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders, including those that may have diverse missions, goals, and backgrounds (e.g. local landowners, industry groups, and government professionals)
- Experience supervising others
- Ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects and coordinate with stakeholders to meet goals
- Experience with grant and project management including timeline development, reporting, and budget management
- Experience with government funding programs or public contracts
- Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience in conservation agriculture or closely related program leadership roles
- Proficiency with common workplace technology, including Microsoft Office, Google Suite, spreadsheets, databases, and shared drives
- Valid driver’s license, access to a motor vehicle, and ability to travel within the Cannon River Watershed and surrounding areas for in-person programming, meetings, and providing on-farm technical assistance when necessary
- Must be able to travel within the Cannon River Watershed and other locations, especially in southeast Minnesota, and provide in-person programming and technical assistance (often on-farm) when necessary.
Preferred
- Knowledge/experience with Cannon River Watershed region and communities
- On-farm row crop agriculture experience
- Experience in a nonprofit
- Experience working with diverse populations and communities
- Experience developing and leading multi-partner initiatives
- Advocacy or policy experience
- Systems change experience
- Grant-writing experience
- Grant management/administration experience
- Proficiency in one or more non-English languages, especially Spanish, Dakota, Somali, and/or Hmong
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
This role requires a blend of public-facing and behind-the-scenes work and includes regular collaboration with internal staff and external partners. Work is primarily sedentary, although there is some moving, travel, and carrying of heavier items such as bins of activity supplies.
Clean River Partners’ normal business hours are 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Monday-Friday. CRP’s office is in an office building and in an adequately lighted and climate-controlled, ADA-compliant space. Most staff choose to work a hybrid schedule; we are all in the office on Tuesdays. This person will share an office space with coworkers but will have a dedicated workspace and computer. This position requires meeting in various community spaces, including outdoor and on-farm spaces, for relationship-building, providing technical assistance, sample collection (such as water samples, forage samples, or crop samples), and event delivery. Outdoor spaces will sometimes have rough terrain, steep grades, or inclement weather conditions.
Occasional travel as well as occasional evening and weekend meetings and events will be part of the job.
Hours of Work
This position is a full-time, exempt position. Clean River Partners’ normal business hours are 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Monday-Friday.
TO APPLY
Send a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information of three professional references to Jennifer Tonko at jobs@cleanriverpartners.org. Review of applicants will begin February 20, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.
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