Agricultural Program Coordinator

Career Guide

An Agricultural Program Coordinator plans, runs, and improves agriculture-related programs, often for government agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, or agribusinesses. The role focuses on coordinating partners, managing timelines and budgets, supporting farmers and communities, and ensuring programs meet goals and reporting requirements.

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Key Responsibilities

Plan program activities, timelines, and staffing needs
Coordinate field days, trainings, workshops, and outreach events
Build and maintain relationships with farmers, suppliers, researchers, and community partners
Support grant and contract administration, including required documentation
Track program progress and report results using clear metrics
Manage budgets, purchasing, and vendor coordination
Develop outreach materials and manage program communications
Coordinate data collection from sites and participants
Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and funding requirements
Identify risks and resolve scheduling, logistics, and stakeholder issues

Top Skills for Success

Project Planning

Stakeholder Management

Program Operations

Budget Management

Event Coordination

Grant Administration

Data Tracking

Report Writing

Farmer Outreach

Agronomy Fundamentals

Regulatory Compliance

Conflict Resolution

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Senior Program Coordinator Program Manager

Extension Program Manager

Conservation Program Manager Sustainability Program Manager Operations Manager

Transition Opportunities

Grant Manager Community Engagement Manager

Agricultural Extension Agent

Farm Business Advisor

Sustainability Specialist

Supply Chain Coordinator

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Grant BudgetingImpact MeasurementProcurement ManagementContract ManagementFacilitationGIS BasicsRisk ManagementChange Management

Development SuggestionsBuild a simple measurement plan with clear outcomes, outputs, and metrics. Practice creating a budget and tracking spend monthly. Volunteer to lead a workshop agenda to strengthen facilitation. Take an introductory GIS course and apply it to a basic mapping task such as partner locations or program coverage.

Market Intelligence Report

Agricultural Program Coordinator is part of the Program Management category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 45,000 to 60,000

Mid LevelUSD 60,000 to 80,000

Senior LevelUSD 80,000 to 105,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand, driven by sustainability initiatives, climate resilience programs, local food systems, and ongoing grant-funded projects. Hiring is strongest in regions with major agriculture activity and active extension or conservation programs.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

USDANRCSState Departments of AgricultureCounty Extension OfficesLand Grant UniversitiesThe Nature ConservancyWorld Wildlife FundFarm BureauCargillADMCorteva AgriscienceBayer Crop Science

Industry Sectors

Government Agriculture ProgramsUniversity ExtensionNonprofit ConservationFood Systems OrganizationsAgribusinessCooperativesInternational DevelopmentEnvironmental Services

Recommended Next Steps

Create a program portfolio with one page summaries of two to three projects, including goals, budget size, partners, and results

Strengthen reporting by using a consistent monthly dashboard with activities, participation, and outcomes

Gain hands on experience by supporting at least one field event per quarter and documenting lessons learned

Complete a short course in grant management and practice building a compliant budget template

Expand your network by attending local extension meetings, conservation district events, and producer association gatherings

Prepare interview stories focused on coordination challenges, stakeholder alignment, and measurable outcomes