Data Collection Systems Coordinator

Practical Farmers of Iowa is a nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping farmers with the tools they need to build resilient farms and communities. They are seeking a Data Collection Systems Coordinator to support their data systems and member engagement department by building and maintaining data systems for program delivery, reporting, and technical assistance.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement data collection tools:
• Build, configure and maintain farmer-facing surveys in Airtable, Qualtrics and Jotform based on standards defined by the data systems engineering manager
• Design and implement data management tools:
• Implement standardized field structures, validation logic, conditional flows and embedded data patterns
• Execute quality assurance checks prior to launch (data field mapping, required logic, response capture, edge cases)
• Maintain existing Airtable table structures, views, interfaces and automations using established patterns
• Apply naming conventions, field types and relationship standards consistently across bases
• Perform routine schema updates (new fields, option updates, deprecations) as directed
• Assist with metadata upkeep (field descriptions, usage notes, status flags)
• Analyze data and report results:
• Monitor live collection periods for data quality issues and flag anomalies
• Run quality control checks during active data collection windows
• Implement data operations protocols to ensure data operations are organized and run efficiently:
• Resolve routine data issues (missing fields, formatting errors, mismatched IDs)
• Investigate data anomalies and apply corrective actions using established data integrity and validation standards
• Implement and support system integrations (Zapier, webhooks, imports) using established patterns and protocols
• Prepare materials and information required for reporting operations:
• Prepare exception lists for review when issues exceed defined thresholds
• Assist with preparation of data exports and payloads for external platforms (e.g., FPC, MRV tools)
• Assemble funder-ready outputs using approved templates and datasets
• Apply consistent labeling, year logic and formatting to field names, interface structures (reporting dashboards), formatting instructions and filter labels
• Maintain documentation of assumptions, versions and reporting changes
• Prepare draft outputs for review
• Provide technical assistance to seasonal staff on established systems and routine issue resolution:
• Support onboarding of seasonal staff into established systems
• Serve as first-line support before issues escalate to the data systems engineering manager
• Write articles, stories, reports or technical documentation for internal audiences on system workflows, integrations and troubleshooting topics:
• Document integration steps and failure points
• Create and maintain internal documentation for Airtable workflows, survey operations and common troubleshooting steps

Skills

• Understanding of relational data architecture
• Working knowledge of survey-based data collection principles?
• Working knowledge of data integrity and standardization concepts
• Basic understanding of integrations with external data platforms
• Understanding of responsible artificial intelligence usage principles
• Understanding of survey implementation and quality assurance protocols
• Working knowledge of high-accuracy data handling
• Ability to clearly explain processes and create concise documentation
• Ability to use AI as a productivity tool
• Ability to execute goals and workplans within clearly defined standards
• Ability to manage repetitive, high-volume work accurately
• Ability to support teams of various sizes with fluctuating seasonal work volumes
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with AI tools
• Adept at applying sound judgement to AI outputs
• Applied understanding of agricultural data?
• Practical understanding of AI-assisted workflows
• Working knowledge of supporting third-party integrations (Zapier, webhooks, MuleSoft)
• Ability to independently coordinate assigned projects and goals?
• Working knowledge of script maintenance within JavaScript ?
• Experience building and maintaining systems for non-technical users
• Understanding of using AI as a problem-solving tool
• Ability to refine and iterate on AI prompts
• Ability to recognize potential for problems and errors early
• Ability to anticipate downstream impacts
• Ability to identify repeatable AI use cases

Benefits

• Employee health insurance with 100% employer-paid premium
• Generous paid time off
• Flexible hours
• Six weeks of fully paid parental leave
• 5% automatic 401k contribution after one year of employment
• Contributions towards spouse or dependent health insurance
• Stipends for remote and hybrid workers
• Reimbursements for wellness costs
• Local food and CSA subscriptions
• Student loans or eco-friendly purchases

Company Overview