Who We Are

American Farmland Trust is a national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 6.5 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally-sound farming practices on millions of additional acres and helped thousands of farm families make a go of it (primarily through programs that increase farm viability and/or enhance farmland access). Long a pioneering leader, AFT is now riding a new wave of growth, driven by agriculture’s most pressing needs and opportunities.

We believe diversity drives innovation. We are inclusive. We embrace differences. We recognize and respect the fundamental value and dignity of all our employees. We celebrate the unique traditions, heritages, and experiences our employees bring to the workplace. We are committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive culture that promotes and values diversity, and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work every day. Please see AFT’s statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice.

We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, expression or identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Farmland Trust complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which we have facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

What You Will Do

As an integral part of our Midwest team, the Soil Health Specialist will work primarily to implement farmer-focused education, outreach, and research collaborations across the Midwest region within AFT’s portfolio of soil health, climate, and regenerative agriculture-related activities. This position is a good fit for someone who is as passionate about getting their boots dirty as they are about taking notes at farmer meetings and crafting practical resources for farmers. The scope of work for this position includes everything from event planning to soil sampling, crafting communication, organizing soil health data, and facilitating farmer-to-farmer exchanges.

The Soil Health Specialist will leverage soil health as a foundational starting point to work closely with landowners, farmers, and soil and water professionals to increase the use of regenerative agricultural practices; work closely with Truterra and other industry partners to assist landowners and farmers in reaching their conservation and climate smart commodity farming goals; work with stakeholders in the Lake Decatur Watershed to improve water quality; and work with farmers to host on-farm demonstrations to evaluate the use of biochar as a soil amendment. 

Specific Responsibilities Include

• Assist with planning and delivery of Soil Health Workshops and other events that bring together farmers, landowners, technical support providers, and other stakeholders to identify, address, and develop solutions to barriers and challenges related to climate adaptation and healthy soils practices adoption. This includes providing logistical support and prioritizing speakers and content based on local issues and opportunities. 
• Serve as a connecting point for local farmers and landowners to present soil health and climate adaptation opportunities available from AFT and its partner organizations (including the Natural Resources Conservation Service and Soil and Water Conservation Districts).  
• Assist farmers and farm advisors in the creation and implementation of Soil Health Impact Plans, working closely with these individuals to track progress and report outcomes. 
• Provide technical expertise for internal and external audiences, including delivering presentations and summarizing research and data for reports, fact sheets, and other materials.
• Engage farmers and agricultural service providers to identify challenges, needs, and opportunities related to soil health and climate adaptation.
• Gather field-based data, including soil health assessments, soil sampling, and forage or biomass sampling, as well as the organized management of field data.
• Represent AFT at public meetings, field days, and educational events in the region. 
• Participate in regular staff meetings and events, maintaining the strong team culture among AFT staff. 

Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate

• The ideal candidate has a Bachelors’ degree in plant or soil sciences, agronomy, environmental science, or related field and 4+ years of experience in direct professional outreach or applied research relating to soil health, sustainable agriculture, conservation, agroecology, regenerative agriculture, climate change, ecology, water quality, or environmental analysis, including experience in field sampling, methods development, data collection and analysis, and writing for both scientific and lay audiences. A Masters’ degree in a related field may be substituted for up to 2 years of experience.
• Reside in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, or Wisconsin and be willing to travel within the Midwest Region (up to 15%). 
• Knowledge of and experience working with soil health practices and their impacts on climate change mitigation, adaptation, water quality and environmental co-benefits.
• Must be able to work independently, deliver high quality work in a dynamic organization under time pressure, and bring a collaborative, outgoing, professional, and innovative approach to tackling these issues.
• Direct professional experience working with farmers and landowners on soil health or regenerative agriculture is strongly preferred.
• Experience planning events for agricultural audiences and knowledge of farmer networks and communication platforms is preferred.
• Comfortable translating complex scientific information to broad audiences; writing reports and presenting at scientific meetings, farmer/rancher focused workshops, policy makers, and conservation planner training events.
• Demonstrated project management skills, organizational skills, and experience working in diverse teams of individuals, peers, and partners.
• Ability to communicate effectively with racially and ethnically diverse farming communities in an inclusive manner, including farms large or small; organic or conventional; urban or rural.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite is required.
• Ability to help foster effective partnerships with diverse stakeholders including Extension, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, USDA, state agency personnel, farmers, farm workers, and landowners is highly valuable.
• Familiarity with NRCS conservation practices and a basic understanding of NRCS programs strongly preferred.
• This position is part of AFT’s Midwest Team, which is fully remote. Occasional travel to in-person staff meetings is expected.
• While not required, experience working in diverse agricultural systems; multi-lingual skills and cross-cultural experiences; working knowledge of key climate models and tools relevant to agriculture; experience working with carbon or other environmental service-based markets; and knowledge of current policies and programs supported at state and national levels as related to agriculture, soil health, and climate mitigation will be relevant and highly beneficial in this role.

Compensation

American Farmland Trust pays salaries that are competitive with nonprofits of our budget size, and offers meaningful vacation, medical, retirement and other benefits. Salary range is from $60,000 to $70,000. 

Why you should apply

• 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

Ready to apply? If this job sounds like a fit for you, then click on the ‘apply’ button below.  Please answer the screener questions and be sure to include a cover letter and resume to be considered. 

American Farmland Trust provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Farmland Trust complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.