Description
Who We Are
- Assist NRCS in identifying priority clients for targeted intervention and support.
- Coordinate outreach and services with other AFT staff, relevant NRCS field staff and partner planners as needed for efficiency and expertise.
- Using a variety of methods (e-mail, phone, or traveling to the farm) establish direct contact with farmers and program participants with existing financial assistance contracts with NRCS.
- Work with the farmers and program participants to identify barriers to project completion.
- Where possible, furnish necessary technical assistance directly.
- Where the Specialist is unable to provide the assistance necessary, identify sources of assistance and connect the farmer or program participant with those external sources.
- Identify areas where practices implementation within the existing contract requirements is not possible and communicate the situation and need for contract modifications to NRCS.
- Aid in the interpretation and layout of practices, and in checking on completed practices.
- Develop and compile extensive notes on all interactions with farmers and program participants to properly document support and progress towards contract completion.
- Contribute to the maintenance of program contract file folders.
- Assist field office staff with contacting program applicants for data collection.
- Work with farmers and program participants to compile necessary data for contract completion.
- Assist in maintaining workload registers with information from contracts for needed follow-up, and in carrying out some basic functions of the follow-up schedule.
- Establish and maintain program files and documents for program delivery and documentation.
- Maintain mailing and contact lists for program delivery.
- Attend meetings to learn, gather data and record information.
- Attending meetings with NRCS staff, where appropriate.
- Maintain records of work accomplishments for reports relative to all agricultural programs.
- Develop and curate a deep contact list of service providers and contractors across the state.
- Participate in trainings as appropriate.
- Travel visiting diverse farms and farmers to execute the job functions.
Requirements
Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate:
- At least 7 years of professional experience, working on farms or in land stewardship or land management positions. A college degree in a directly related field may be substituted for up to 4 years of work experience.
- A proven track record of implementing or assisting with implementation of conservation practices.
- Experience with NRCS funded conservation practices is especially valuable, but not required.
- Proven track record in developing relationships with diverse groups and supporting them in achieving their goals, ideally in a farming or land management context.
- Ability to see the big picture while being incredibly detail oriented.
- Success in roles requiring simultaneous management of multiple priorities and processes under tight timelines is important.
- Proven ability to work with efficiency, flexibility, and good humor.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide array of people – junior and senior, for-profit, and nonprofit, and from diverse backgrounds.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
- A deep working knowledge of agriculture or conservation and an understanding of the culture of farmers and farming.
- A valid US driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
- Passionate about American Farmland Trust’s mission and impact.
- Completion of a federal background check during the initial months of employment is required for this role. Continued employment is contingent on successful completion of this background check.
- Medical & Prescription Coverage
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Coverage
- Company Paid Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability (LTD)
- Voluntary Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – Healthcare & Dependent Care
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- 401(k) with 10% match after six months of employment
- Sick Leave: Regular full-time employees accrue 3.5 hours per pay period (13 “sick days” per year).
- Vacation Leave: Accrue 15 days during the first year increasing by one day per year to 20 days per year
- Holidays: The Company observes eleven holidays during the year (all offices closed): plus, choice of 3 other floating holidays depending on hiring date
- Be a part of a purpose-driven, committed, knowledgeable, high-performing, experienced and fun team
- A diverse and inclusive work environment
- A cause and mission you can be proud of
- Competitive compensation & benefits
- Remote work opportunities
- Flexible scheduling
Salary Description
$52,000 - $60,000