Dairy Systems Associate

This position supports the development and implementation of Truterra’s Dairy Sustainability Platform (Platform) through a focus on life cycle analysis quantification and modeling techniques, including novel development of life cycle assessment models for dairy farm and milk shed level GHG footprint analyses.

The Platform components are the first in a series of best-in-class dairy environmental stewardship assessment/improvement guidance tools being developed for utilization by trained Truterra service providers to support Truterra customers in the food and agriculture value chain.  This position provides tremendous growth opportunity for the right individual, and it could include becoming a Truterra service provider.  This individual will report to the Strategic Operating Director and work day-to-day with the Senior Manager of Livestock Sustainability.   

Responsibilities: 

·        Assist with technical development and evolution of methods to conduct lifecycle analyses of dairy operations, including manure, feed, enteric, and energy  

·        Conduct testing of developed methods. 

·        Understand, incorporate, and adapt existing quantification models, includes those validated by Gold Standard, Verra and other validation and verification bodies for development of insetting programs. 

·        Provide contributions for development, buildout, and utilization for Truterra Measuring, Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MMRV) plans. 

·        Execute on specific project needs as assigned including review and summary of scientific and grey literature. 

·        Develop and maintain quantification methodology bibliographies. 

·        Learn how to use the Truterra Dairy Sustainability Platform and all incorporated quantification methods and models; use in support for internal and external customer engagements. 

·        Assist with development and maintenance of project management documents (Gantt charts, accomplishment summaries, reports). 

·        Support validation and verification processes through documentation of quantification methodologies as needed.  

Minimum Experience/Knowledge: 

·        3+ years of professional experience, 1-2 years professional experience and Master of Science or equivalent degree 

·        Undergraduate or graduate degree in Animal Science, Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Science, or closely related field 

·        Strong math skills, experience with spreadsheets, analytical mindset 

·        Ability to review and summarize scientific literature findings. 

·        Spreadsheet skills 

·        Strong communication skills 

·        Self-starter 

·        Accomplishment-oriented 

Preferred Experience/Knowledge: 

·        Experience working with dairy farms 

·        Understanding of climate change mitigation and adaptation methods available to dairy farmers 

·        Understanding of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) procedures 

·        Understanding of the major GHG quantification protocols 

·        Passed Fundamentals of Engineering exam 

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