Description

The Soil Health Institute (SHI), a non-profit organization created to safeguard and enhance the vitality and productivity of soil, seeks an experienced Soil Health Educator. Educators at SHI develop educational programs to advance the adoption of soil health management systems. Internally, they collaborate with SHI Project Scientists to create resources to mobilize SHI’s research. Externally, they work with many partners to ensure program content is practical and locally relevant and cultivate networks of support and mentorship in soil health management. While Educators are assigned to work on a specific project, they also contribute more broadly to the SHI’s educational efforts and may support additional projects as needed. 

This position will report to Dr. Mara Cloutier, Program Director and Research Soil Scientist, and support the Advancing Markets for Pacific Northwest Potatoes, Industrial Hemp, and Commodities from American Indian Reservations: Managing Soil Health for Farmer-First Outcomes project by developing and delivering educational programs that encourage adoption of soil health management systems across Pacific Northwest potato production. This is a 1-year fixed appointment with the possibility of extension based on funding, performance, and interest.  Remote work is expected, with periodic travel. The preferred start date is February 15, 2026.

Work Environment
This position is primarily remote, with preference for candidates living in or near the Pacific Northwest. Travel is expected approximately 10 to 15% of the time. 

Compensation
Expected annual salary is $80,000 - $90,000, depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time staff position with competitive paid leave, life, health and dental insurance, 401K, and other benefits.

To Apply
Email a cover letter, resume/CV, copy of college transcripts (unofficial copy is okay), and the contact information of at least 3 references to Mara Cloutier, mcloutier@soilhealthinstitute.org. References will not be contacted without the candidate being notified first. In the subject line of the email, please write ‘Soil Health Educator’. Review of applications will begin January 12, 2026 and the position will remain open until filled, with a goal of beginning work February 2026.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver educational programs, both virtually and in-person, including field days, soil health events, and listening sessions for diverse farming communities
• Provide technical consultation to farmers on agronomic practice that can enhance soil health principles, appropriate for potato production in the Pacific Northwest
• Cultivate engaged communities of practice for regenerative soil health management systems by recruiting local technical specialists, farmers, and other stakeholders
• Support the development and delivery of high-quality educational and outreach materials including webinars, fact sheets, blogs, webpages, and social media
• Create, implement, and continuously improve instruments for evaluating Education Program effectiveness while maintaining consistency across SHI projects/initiatives
• Coordinate with SHI colleagues to ensure communication products are consistent, accurate, and well-aligned with SHI’s mission and values
• Advance SHI’s commitment to support a workplace culture guided by the principles of humility, transparency, and respect
• Regular travel to field days, grower meetings, and potato-related conferences is required
• Support other project on an as needed basis

Qualifications

We value diverse perspectives and recognize that each applicant for this role will bring unique skills, knowledge, and lived experience. Candidates who meet at least some of the criteria below are encouraged to apply.

Education:         M.S. in agronomy, soil science, or other agricultural science degree program

Experience:        Experience implementing technical agronomic practices that enhance soil health and providing effective communication products with measurable evaluation criteria for multiple audiences   

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong organizational skills, with an ability to plan, prioritize, and execute a diverse workload
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, with demonstrated experience in facilitating collaborative partnerships with farmers, landowners,
• Extension educators, USDA and state agency personnel, commodity organizations, and industry partners across diverse cultures and backgrounds
• Ability to simplify complex soil health principles for practical producer implementation
• Ability to thrive in a remote working environment
• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States and possess a valid United States driver’s license