Who We Are  

American Farmland Trust is the only 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.

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.

Description

As an integral part of the regional programs team, the New York Program Specialist will primarily work with the Farmland for a New Generation New York (FNG-NY) program team to support a new and diverse generation of farmers in their search for land, farmland owners looking to make their land available for farming, and farmers looking to transfer their farms to a new generation. FNG-NY operates the New York Farmland Finder website, coordinates a network of Regional Navigator organizations who provide training and one-on-one support to farmland seekers and farmland owners, and leads or partners on several other projects to further the program’s goals. 

The New York Program Specialist will advance FNG-NY’s ability to support Spanish-speaking farmers and farmworkers in New York state to access farmland through one-on-one technical assistance, organizing trainings for farmers, farmworkers, farmland owners, and agricultural service providers, and supporting the coordination of the Regional Navigator network. The position will also work more broadly with American Farmland Trust (AFT) regional and national staff to deliver programs for Spanish-speaking farmers related to AFT’s mission in saving the land that sustains us by protecting farmland, promoting sound farming practices, and keeping farmers on the land.

What You’ll Be Working On

• Provide one-on-one bilingual technical assistance to farm seekers and farmland owners to support their land access and transfer needs.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with farmers, farmworkers, farmland owners, and partner agricultural, environmental, and community organizations.
• Organize in-person and virtual training and networking events for service providers, farmers and landowners on topics related to farmland access and transition.
• Spanish-English language facilitation for presentations, meetings, and conversation.
• Translation of website elements and relevant written materials. 
• Support the development of programming activities to serve new and beginning farmers and farmland owners in collaboration with FNG-NY manager and team.
• Represent AFT at public meetings, conferences, workshops, and trainings. 
• Assist with developing compelling communications materials, funding proposals, and reporting results. 

This position is fully remote, though applicants should be located in the New York region as physical attendance at AFT sponsored events, farm visits, and training is a requirement of this position. Travel will primarily take place in the Hudson Valley, Capital Region, Mohawk Valley, and Central New York.  

The ideal candidate should possess:

• Full written and verbal proficiency in English and Spanish
• Lived experience with and/or demonstrated commitment to advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice
• Ability to apply an equity lens and an understanding of systemic racism and its consequences in agriculture and food systems 
• On-farm experience or related experience in agricultural sector in the United States
• Experience providing technical assistance to diverse farmers, farmworkers and landowners, including beginning and senior farmers, non-farming landowners, agricultural organizations, and land trusts
• Experience with or willingness to learn about issues and techniques related to farmland access, farmland transfer, and farmland conservation
• Experience interpreting technical conversations related to agriculture between English and Spanish
• Ability to see the big picture while also being detail oriented
• Ability to work independently and as a team
• Ability to think creatively and strategically
• Approximately 10-15% of this position will be spent traveling; some overnight travel may be required. 

Additional Qualifications
A strong candidate will possess some or all of the following: 

• Experience translating written materials between English and Spanish
• Experience developing and delivering programming and training events for immigrants, refugees, farmworkers, and other communities of Spanish-speaking farmers
• Back-end website management experience
• Experience using Microsoft 365 suite
• Experience communicating using different methods like phone calls, text, email, WhatsApp, and more
• Strong understanding of the Latina/o/e/X rural community in New York State

Education & Experience

• An BA or BS degree in agriculture, natural sciences, resource management, food systems, or related field
• 2+ years of practical experience in agriculture, land management or conservation

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

Data shows that women, gender nonbinary or nonconforming, immigrant, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other historically resilient job seekers do not apply for jobs when they do not meet all criteria. The AFT NY team is dedicated to hiring the right fit for this role and committed to a diverse, inclusive work environment. Applicants are not required to meet 100% of the qualifications listed to be considered for this position. If you meet at least half of the qualifications and have a passion for NY agriculture and land access issues, please submit a cover letter telling us how your experience makes you an excellent candidate and what excites you about this position along with your resume for consideration. 

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.