Rend Lake College is seeking an innovative and collaborative Sustainable Agriculture Specialist to support the Agronomy Innovation Center (AIC) and Land Lab initiatives. This position plays a key role in developing new agricultural programs, coordinating training and outreach activities, building partnerships with educators and industry leaders, and supporting student and workforce engagement opportunities. The ideal candidate is passionate about agricultural innovation, sustainable practices, and workforce development, with the ability to connect education, technology, and industry to advance the College’s agricultural programming and community impact.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Lead development and pilots of new offerings for the Agronomy Innovation Center (AIC).
- Assist in fostering partnerships with educators, agencies, service organizations, and businessand industry in support of the land lab and the Agronomy Innovation Center (AIC).
- Assist with coordinating land lab activities.
- Oversee the equipping of instructional spaces for the Agricultural Automation Program.
- Assist in project evaluation efforts as assigned.
- Coordinate with Rend Lake College faculty and staff to institutionalize new AIC programs, including providing assistance to Rend Lake College administration with program approval/accreditation process.
- Assist in preparing formative, summative, and performance reports of AIC programs.
- Coordinate with Ag industry to ensure grant objectives are appropriately addressed.
- Schedule, coordinate, and provide training within the AIC and Land Lab.
- Schedule and coordinate outreach events for students and industry partners highlighting access to the AIC.
- Recruit both students and industry partners with interest in the AIC and Land Lab.
- Assist with the facilitation and tracking of AIC leases.
//50-week, non-tenure track position
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
- 3 or more years of industry experience
- Community college experience preferred
- Excellent communication and organization skills; detailed oriented
- All candidates will be required to successfully pass a background screening process.
SALARY & BENEFITS
- $65,000 to $75,000 annually.
- Full benefits.
- Free tuition for employee, spouse and dependents.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
Work Location: In person