Farmers for Soil Health Technical Assistance Contractor (Kentucky)

**Position Summary **

The Illinois Corn Growers Association (ICGA), administrator of the Precision Conservation Management (PCM) program, is seeking a Technical Assistance Contractor to support farmer enrollment, data collection, verification, and technical assistance activities for the Farmers for Soil Health (FSH) initiative in Kentucky.

This is a temporary, grant-funded independent contractor position. Funding for this position is tied to the Farmers for Soil Health program, and continuation of services is contingent upon the availability of program funding and project needs. The position is expected to conclude upon completion of the funded project period and does not create an expectation of ongoing employment or future contract opportunities with ICGA or PCM.

Contract Status

This position is being offered as an independent contractor engagement and is not an employee position. The contractor will be responsible for all applicable taxes, insurance, and business expenses not otherwise reimbursed under the contract.

The contract is expected to remain in effect through the completion of the Farmers for Soil Health funding period and associated project activities. ICGA reserves the right to modify or terminate the contract based on project needs, funding availability, or program requirements.

Compensation

• $40.00 per hour
• Mileage reimbursement at the current IRS rate
• Reimbursement for approved lodging, meals, and travel expenses
• Travel time associated with approved project activities is billable

This is a temporary, grant-funded contract position with no eligibility for employee benefits, paid leave, retirement benefits, or unemployment compensation.

Primary Responsibilities

Enrollment and Onboarding Support (Present – August 1)

• Monitor the Farmers for Soil Health enrollment platform for new participant enrollments

• Contact newly enrolled growers within five days of enrollment

• Explain program requirements, eligibility criteria, incentive payments, planting standards, verification requirements, and USDA documentation requirements

• Coordinate and conduct virtual or in-person grower meetings

• Assist growers with field enrollment and mapping in the Farmers for Soil Health DTN platform

• Collect and document cropping plans, irrigation practices, tillage systems, and cover crop plans

• Obtain and process required USDA and Farm Service Agency (FSA) documentation

• Align FSA Farm, Tract, and Field identifiers with enrolled field boundaries

• Collect seed receipts and supporting verification documentation when available

• Coordinate with PCM staff to prepare data for environmental evaluations and program reporting

Verification and Follow-Up Support (August – Following Spring)

• Confirm cover crop species planted on enrolled acres

• Verify planted cash crop information

• Collect and upload required seed receipts and supporting documentation

• Assist growers with resolving satellite verification issues

• Support final program verification and documentation efforts

Qualifications

• Experience working with agricultural producers, conservation programs, crop consulting, agronomy, or related agricultural fields
• Familiarity with USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) programs and documentation
• Understanding of conservation practices such as cover crops and reduced tillage
• Experience using GIS, mapping software, or agricultural data platforms
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple growers and projects simultaneously
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom
• Ability to travel throughout Kentucky as needed

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and recordkeeping skills
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision
• Professional communication with farmers, agricultural partners, and program staff
• Ability to learn and apply program requirements and conservation practice standards
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality of participant information

Physical and Travel Requirements

• Frequent travel throughout Kentucky
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
• Ability to conduct on-farm visits in varying weather conditions
• Ability to sit, stand, and work on a computer for extended periods

About Precision Conservation Management

Precision Conservation Management (PCM) is a farmer service program administered by the Illinois Corn Growers Association. PCM works with farmers and supply chain partners to improve farm profitability while advancing conservation outcomes through data-driven decision making, technical assistance, and continuous improvement.