Agricultural Stewardship Associate

Role Overview

• Support existing Demonstration Farm Network activities in NY by working directly with farm partners to design, implement, and maintain trials of innovative conservation practices.
• Actively engage with Demonstration Farm Network partners through regular, structured communication, such as one-on-one check-ins and farm visits, to support ongoing collaboration and strengthen connections among participating farmers.
• Provide agronomic support to partner farms, including guidance on crop production, soil health practices, nutrient management, conservation of natural resources, and more.
• Assist with trial-related data collection, management, and interpretation, including economic data, soil health assessments, soil sampling, forage or biomass sampling, etc.
• Provide technical assistance to farmers across the region that are interested in adopting conservation practices, including helping them access state, federal, and other financial or technical assistance programs.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and provide technical expertise for internal and external audiences, including delivering presentations, developing educational and technical resources, case studies, fact sheets, and other materials to communicate the benefits of soil health and conservation practices.
• Coordinate and support outreach activities that facilitate peer-to-peer learning and engagement such as field days, field walks, workshops, and webinars.
• Facilitate and coordinate partnerships with a diverse network of agricultural and conservation professionals including AFT state and national staff, USDA NRCS, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Cornell University and Cooperative Extension, farmers, crop consultants and others.
• Represent the organization at public events, field days, and educational programs to promote conservation goals and share success stories.
• Coordinate with AFT’s Communications team to actively promote work and identify and assist with storytelling opportunities such as social media posts, blog posts, fact sheets, videos, and other mediums.
• Work with Ag Stewardship Program Manager to develop annual program and budget goals, provide input on funding proposals and reporting, and develop strategies for expanding Demonstration Farm Network activities.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in agriculture, conservation planning, or applied research relating to soil health, sustainable agriculture, conservation, agroecology.
• A college degree in a related field can substitute for up to 4 years of work experience.
• A deep working knowledge of Northeast agriculture or conservation in agroecosystems and an understanding of the culture of farmers and farming.
• Independent and reliable worker; willingness and ability to conduct field-based work in all weather conditions and work effectively.
• Direct professional experience working with farmers and landowners on soil health or conservation is strongly preferred.
• A track record of developing and maintaining strong working relationships with and among a diverse group of stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Proven ability to foster effective partnerships with Extension educators, soil and water conservation districts, USDA and state agency personnel and other professionals as well as training and supporting farmers and landowners is highly valuable.

Benefits

• 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)
• 401k Plan
• Sick Leave: Regular full-time employees accrue 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 maximum.
• Holidays: AFT observes twelve fixed holidays and a week between Christmas and New Years off during the year (all offices closed) plus a choice of up to three (depending on hiring month) floating holidays.