Provide technical assistance to farmers, ranchers and other landowners through implementation of conservation practices.
Establish direct contact with farmers with existing financial assistance contracts with NRCS.
Collaborate with farmers to identify barriers to project completion.
Furnish technical assistance directly where possible.
Curate the contact list of service providers and contractors across the state for reference in aiding farmers.
Aid in the interpretation and layout of practices, assisting with and checking on projects in progress and certification assistance of completed practices.
Maintain extensive notes on all interactions with farmers to document support and progress towards contract completion.
Support NRCS staff and farmers with assessments, planning, data collection, and communications.
Assist in maintaining workload metrics with information from contracts for needed follow-up.
Attend relevant AFT and NRCS meetings and training courses to gather data and share information.

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 others 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.
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.

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.

Conservation Implementation Specialist

Key skills