Farmland Specialist

Genesee Valley Conservancy, Inc. is seeking an individual to oversee and implement our successful and expanding agricultural conservation activities as part of our work across the Genesee River watershed.

The successful candidate will be a self-starter, able to work independently and in collaboration as part of a small staff – specifically with the Director of Land Conservation – and able to lead multiple agricultural programs.

Duties

Farmland Protection (50%)

Coordinate all aspects of the Conservancy’s implementation of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Market’s Farmland Protection Implementation Grant work to protect farmland with conservation easements, including:

• Coordinating county held informational workshops and pre-applications, including consolidation of pre-selection process and refining programs in Genesee, Livingston and Wyoming counties.
• Writing grant applications to Ag & Markets for land protection projects for county selected projects (creating budget, GIS site planning, farm narratives)
• Attend relevant town board, planning board, and county meetings when necessary for specific project approvals and for general program continuation
• Manage awarded projects to successful completion, coordinating with contractors (title companies, surveyors, appraisers, attorneys), Conservancy staff, and landowners
• Attend Conservancy Board and committee meetings

Farmer Outreach (20%)

Provide proactive outreach on behalf of the Conservancy to the agricultural community, landowners and support agencies, to develop relationships and drive farmland protection work locally, including:

• Respond to farmer inquiries on services offered
• Updating and creating an inventory of priority parcels for protection within the Genesee River watershed.
• Developing and implement screening processes in all counties where Farmland Protection work is occurring, including using inventory to screen for best fit/ priority projects.
• Develop, implement and assist with outreach for farmland projects in coordination with staff that increases organizational effectiveness, diversify Conservancy constituents, and raise community awareness about farmland protection and organizational values.

Great Lakes Farm Navigator (15%)

Represent the Conservancy as a Regional Navigator to implement service delivery within American Farmland Trust’s regional umbrella, including

• Serve as a connector, not an expert, in assisting farms with farm transition, access to land, and soil and water conservation practices.
• Develop and maintain good communications and relationships with farmers and landowners.
• Attend workshops and trainings as required by Great Lakes Farm Navigator grant program

Community Events (10%)

Support public facing events and represent the Conservancy at events that bring awareness to the organization and our farmland protection work:

• Genesee Valley Agricultural Tour
• Farmer neighbor dinners

Administrative (5%)

This position will assist other areas of the organization, including:

• Preparing for and attending Board and committee meetings
• Fundraising and community events (Genesee Valley Landowner Workshops)
• Office assistance

Other

All work will be completed in accordance with organizational policies and procedures and up to standards of the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.  Position requires independent and collaborative work.

Required Qualifications

• Good interpersonal skills including writing, email, phone, and in-person communication, including public speaking
• Knowledge of computers
• Basic understanding of GIS
• Organized with attention to detail
• Ability to have a flexible schedule and willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends
• Must have valid NYS driver’s license and reliable transportation to be used during work

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous hands-on farming experience or providing technical service to farmers
• Experience with Office365 (Outlook/Word/Excell) and collaboration software like Monday.com
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in agricultural or conservation related field
• Experience with non-profits, land conservancies, and Genesee Valley Conservancy, Inc.
• Living within the Genesee River watershed

Supervisor: Director of Land Conservation

Location: This position is based out of Geneseo and will require travel throughout the Genesee Valley region (primarily: Livingston, Wyoming, Genesee counties).  Remote work option possible for a portion of this position after introductory period.  In office vs on-site work split is ~70/30.

Hours: Full-time, 40 hours/week (exempt position)

Starting Benefits

• Salary: $45-55k based on related experience and qualifications
• Paid vacation (1hr per 26 worked), nine paid holidays
• $4,600 towards a company health plan
• NYS Sick Time: 40 hours provided upon hire
• 3% match to a self-directed Simple IRA
• Mileage reimbursed at Federal rate
• Training opportunities via webinars and in-person State and national conferences

Conditions of Employment: The Employee Handbook[1] lists all policies, procedures, benefits, and working conditions to be followed as a condition of employment.

Start Date: Position is open until filled.  Ideal start: week of July 1

[1] Employee Handbook will be made available upon request which has a complete detailing of all employment details.