Mid-Atlantic Crops Specialist

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.

The Position AFT is seeking an experienced, collaborative team member to help advance soil health and regenerative agriculture on cropland in the Mid-Atlantic region. This position will play a key role in a major USDA climate-smart partnership project aimed at engaging crop farmers, landowners and their trusted advisors in learning about and implementing soil health management systems. This position will also support AFT’s Regenerate Virginia programs and other initiatives and provide direct technical assistance to crop producers as they transition to regenerative and organic production systems.

What You’ll Be Working On

• Support AFT’s co-leadership of the Truterra Climate SMART project focused on promoting soil health practice adoption among corn, wheat, soy and dairy farmers in the Mid-Atlantic region.
• Help plan, facilitate and take part in regional Advanced Soil Health Trainings for farmers, service providers, and trusted advisors
• Build and maintain connections with training participants in developing and delivering soil health implementation plans in their own communities through the creation of peer-to-peer networks, and in reporting on soil health practice adoption progress.
• Become an expert user of Truterra grower journey onboarding and sustainability insights tool
• Work with participants to ensure enrolling producers meet eligibility requirements and relevant metrics are being recorded per USDA requirements
• Collaborate with local/regional marketing partnerships, non-profits, and organizations representing historically underserved producers to leverage resources and expand collaborative project impact
• Conduct one-on-one technical assistance for crop producers interested in transitioning to climate-smart, soil health promoting, regenerative and organic production
• Provide crops-specific support for regional farmer listening sessions, field days, and learning circles on climate resilience and regenerative agriculture
• Promote this work at workshops, meetings, and farm field days and contribute relevant metrics to project reporting
• Support fundraising efforts as needed

Requirements:

The Crops Specialist must be a highly motivated and entrepreneurial problem solver. They should be personable and eager to work with diverse audiences. Excellent communication skills (meeting facilitation, phone, writing, partner relations), organizational skills, task management, and record keeping are essential to the position. The potential candidate must have knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:

• Strong understanding of soil health promoting, climate-smart, regenerative crop production systems
• Experience working with and supporting commodity and/or specialty crop producers, including historically underserved (limited resource, beginning, socially disadvantaged, or veteran) producers.
• Experience building networks and managing networks, people, and groups
• Strong compassion and empathy, Diversity Equity Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) training and/or experience and desire to drive positive DEIJ impact
• Both an independent and proactive worker and team member who will complete deliverables in both individual and collaborative settings on time
• Flexible and willing to grow and contribute skills as needed to a growing team
• Team-oriented leadership and management
• Experience with designing and implementing curriculum and training with adult learners, preferably in an agricultural setting
• Experience with NRCS conservation planning and contracting is highly desirable
• Highly organized with excellent communication skills and the ability to juggle, navigate, and deliver on time
• Located in Pennsylvania, Maryland, or Virginia

Expectations

• Minimal travel required, anticipate:
• 6 overnights per year
• 40 total travel days in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania
• 25 producer visits and 5 regional workshops per year
• Remote work from home environment

Education & Experience

At least 6 years of professional experience, working on or with 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.

Compensation

American Farmland Trust offers excellent vacation, medical, retirement and other benefits. The salary range for this position is from $55,000 to $70,000 based upon experience.

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 opportunity

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.

Apply Here

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