Application Guide
How to Apply for Agroforestry Technical Assistance Provider (WI)
at Savanna Institute
🏢 About Savanna Institute
The Savanna Institute is unique for its Midwest-specific focus on agroforestry as a climate solution, bridging scientific research with practical on-farm implementation. Working here means contributing directly to ecological resilience in agricultural communities through innovative approaches that combine traditional farming with tree-based systems.
About This Role
This role involves hands-on technical support for Midwest farmers adopting agroforestry, from initial planting design to long-term management and troubleshooting. It's impactful because you'll directly help farmers implement climate-resilient practices while contributing to research on tree-root inoculation effects on soil health.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve morning site visits to partner farms to assess agroforestry system health and troubleshoot issues, followed by afternoon coordination calls with research teams about the tree-root inoculation study, and ending with documentation of farmer interactions and technical recommendations. You'll regularly switch between field work, farmer communication, and cross-team collaboration.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Savanna Institute Is Looking For
- Has practical experience with agroforestry systems in the Midwest, not just theoretical knowledge
- Can demonstrate successful farmer relationship-building and technical problem-solving in agricultural settings
- Is comfortable with both field work (site visits, troubleshooting) and coordination between different teams and stakeholders
- Understands the intersection of ecological science and practical farm management
📝 Tips for Applying to Savanna Institute
Highlight specific Midwest agroforestry projects you've worked on, including details about species selection, spacing, or management challenges
Describe your experience with farmer education or technical assistance, emphasizing long-term relationship building rather than one-time consultations
Mention any experience with on-farm research protocols or data collection, particularly related to soil health or plant performance
Demonstrate knowledge of Savanna Institute's specific programs like their perennial crop breeding or their work with chestnuts and hazelnuts
Show how you've coordinated between different stakeholders (farmers, researchers, extension agents) in previous roles
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your direct experience with agroforestry implementation in the Midwest, including specific systems you've worked with", 'Examples of successful farmer technical assistance where you helped solve practical problems', "How you've bridged research and practical application in previous roles", "Your understanding of Savanna Institute's specific mission and how your background aligns with their Midwest focus"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Savanna Institute's specific research projects, particularly their work with tree crops like chestnuts, hazelnuts, and persimmons
- → Their partner farms and demonstration sites in the Midwest to understand their practical approach
- → Their publications and resources on Midwest-specific agroforestry implementation
- → Their organizational structure and how the Technical Assistance, Partner Farm, and Ecosystem Science teams interact
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on academic knowledge without demonstrating practical on-farm experience
- Being vague about specific agroforestry systems you've worked with or regions where you've implemented them
- Failing to show understanding of the Midwest agricultural context and its specific challenges and opportunities
📅 Application Timeline
⏰ Deadline: March 11, 2026
We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Savanna Institute!