Job Opening: Director Nutrient Management & Technology

About the Job

Serve as the industry’s resource for dynamic research and outreach programs focused on reducing the environmental impact of dairy farming and creating value for the dairy industry through dairy manure management practices and technologies.

Primary Responsibilities:

This position will evaluate available manure management technologies and beneficial management practices (BMPs) in an effort to identify opportunities to enhance dairy manure management practices resulting in minimizing dairy farming impact on the environment and extraction of the valuable nutrients in dairy manure for reuse. The position will collect, analyze, and disseminate the information pertaining to the achievement of multidisciplinary research and outreach programs related to dairy manure management, water quality and greenhouse gas emissions mitigation strategies, working in support of existing DMI nutrient management and anaerobic digestion initiatives. Working as a technical expert and advisor in support of DMI, partners, collaborators and associated entities on manure management technologies. Work collaboratively with the sustainability and communication teams to communicate these environmental improvements to consumers.

Key Accountabilities:

Collaborate with milk industry trade associations, technology providers, dairy cooperatives, producers, academics, NGOs, marketing and promotion organizations, and regulatory agencies in evaluating strategies or conducting research.
In concert with industry develop an integrated research agenda with US based institutions to further research.
Collaborate to develop a dynamic communications strategy to promote the most promising management mitigation techniques
Present at industry related events to educate and communicate emerging mitigation strategies
Consistent with the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 and the Dairy Promotion and Research Order, work with research institutions to raise funds to further pre-competitive research and communications efforts

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Experience: PhD in Animal Science, Soil Science, Agronomy or related field with emphasis in manure management (degree must be conferred prior to date of employment)

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

A broad understanding of the dairy industry, and detailed understanding of manure management technologies and research relating to both.
Familiarity and established network of contacts within the manure management industry and/or research community.
Strategic and analytical thinker with creative problem solving skills who applies science to solving real-world problems.
Applied experience and research knowledge with dairy cattle and dairy production practices
Experience managing multi-disciplinary projects to completion in a timely manner and within budget
Ability to assess manure management and nutrient extraction techniques based on market value and business potential
Entrepreneurial personality, likes start-up settings, with demonstrated capacity to work as part of a team and be self-directed
Strong verbal communication and presentation skills
Strong written communication skills including evidence of successful publications in scientific and popular press
Strong leadership, interpersonal and business skills
Ability to learn quickly and identify solutions to complex multi-dimensional problems

Other:

Willingness to travel approximately 30% of time.

Competitive benefits, generous 401(k), and collaborative culture. Our Rosemont office is conveniently located across from O’Hare Airport and accessible to the CTA Blue Line and Metra. We offer free chocolate and regular milk on tap.

Dairy Management Inc.™ (DMI) is funded by America’s nearly 47000 dairy farmers, as well as dairy importers. Created to help increase sales and demand for dairy products, DMI and its related organizations work to increase demand for dairy through research, education and innovation, and to maintain confidence in dairy foods, farms and businesses. DMI manages National Dairy Council and the American Dairy Association, and founded the U.S. Dairy Export Council and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy. DMI works with state and regional promotion organizations to implement these programs across the country.