Regional Soil Health Specialists

Description:Who We AreAmerican Farmland Trust is a national high impact organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural systems of 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. Please see AFT’s statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice.Reporting to the Climate and Soil Health Director, the Regional Soil Health Specialists will build partnerships and provide technical practice- and science- based expertise, guidance, training, and assistance to facilitate successful practice implementation and innovation in support of AFT’s national efforts to catalyze a new conventional agriculture. AFT’s Climate and Soil Health Team is hiring two full time Regional Soil Health Specialists to serve as regional experts addressing primarily southeastern and southern U.S. needs. As the team continues to grow, the reporting structure may change. The purpose of these roles is to lead strategies and priorities for building capacity of multipliers and influencers to scale up climate smart practice adoption by diverse producers, with an emphasis on historically underserved producers. The specialists will also engage in national strategic climate and soil health work across AFT and with partners, to build on these projects to catalyze a new conventional agriculture: one that is climate-smart, diverse, resilient, soil health promoting, equitable, and environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable. The positions’ ultimate goal is to contribute to AFT’s efforts to empower diverse farmers and ranchers across the nation to manage diverse, viable, profitable farming and ranching operations through systems of practices that promote soil health, rebuild soil function and biodiversity, build resilience to climate change, improve economic returns, sequester carbon and minimize GHG emissions. About the Roles: The two Regional Soil Health Specialists will act as regional experts, primarily addressing needs in the southeastern and southern U.S. These roles, based in the southeastern U.S., will be supported by secured funding over the next five years, primarily from two Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities (PCSC) projects. One of the regional specialists will concentrate on fostering the successful adoption of science-based, efficient soil health management systems in row crops (such as corn, soy, wheat, cotton, dairy feed). The other specialist will focus on climate-smart practices on beef operations involving grazing-based systems.Dual Role Consideration: Candidates applying for these positions will be considered for both roles, as our selection will be drawn from the same applicant pool to identify individuals best suited to meet the requirements of each position and align with the organization’s needs. Position summary The Regional Soil Health Specialist Positions require a blend of practical on-farm expertise and scientific knowledge in soil management, focusing on creating and maintaining healthy soils within designated production systems and regions. These positions involve engaging underserved producers, collaborating with stakeholders, and implementing strategies for impact within a growing, forward thinking conservation organization. As part of our dynamic team, these specialists will collaborate across various departments and with partners like farmers, landowners, and agricultural professionals. The role is crucial in executing our strategic vision by promoting sound farming practices, fostering climate-resilient systems, and encouraging diverse participation in all initiatives. Responsibilities include forging impactful partnerships, documenting outcomes, leading outreach efforts, providing advanced training and technical assistance, developing farmer to farmer networks, developing technical resources for our multiplier networks, reviewing literature, engaging with scientists, and developing innovative soil health practices. Specialists will support farmers in implementing effective soil health management plans tailored to local conditions and will contribute to assessing soil health and greenhouse gas outcomes, establishing market and financial assistance connections, and publishing findings. Emphasis will be placed on assisting underserved and small-scale producers and their advisors, identifying gaps, and proactively addressing these within our organization and partner networks. Duties and responsibilities Soil health implementation technical assistance leadership and capacity building Identify soil health practice implementation issues, research solutions, provide or source technical assistance and training for AFT’s and partners’ regional mentor-coordination staff. The Soil Health Grazing Specialist will work closely with the Regenerative Grazing Mentors Network to enroll producers in our beef focused project’s funded states. On the ground practice adoption work is funded in PA, VA, MD, GA, AL, MS, TX, OK. Flexibility to engage in and leverage other national funded projects and pending future funding. The Soil Health Crop Specialist will work closely with the Advanced Soil Health Training advisor cadres to enroll producers in our row crop focused project’s funded states. Specialist will focus on the ground work in PA, VA, MD, NC, SC, TX with broad flexibility beyond these via collaboration across AFT regions and Truterra ag retailer and other project partner networks. Engage directly with producers and their advisors to provide and/or facilitate technical assistance on options, data collection, conservation planning, and troubleshooting to support successful transitions to soil health management systems. Connect farmers with resources, networks, and funding opportunities to support their long-term success. Support development, capacity building, and scale up of peer-to-peer/mentoring networks Stay current and share highlights on innovative producer experience, latest technology, literature, and scientific findings, related to soil health and climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience. Collaborate on practical scientific research that addresses identified needs. Provide technical advice and review of technical materials for programs and policy staff Serve as a trusted source of information for soil health management systems adoption and expansion in the region and beyond. Collaborate on technical resources, publications, and tools Develop, update, compile, and improve technical resources and decision support tools that facilitate adoption of practices. Collaborate on publication of lessons learned, toolkits, and more across projects on our Farmland Information Center and beyond, for diverse audiences, including but not limited to farmers and ranchers, landowners, agricultural service providers, others in the ag and conservation communities, decision makers and influencers, and scientists. Collaborate with AFT and partner scientists on peer-reviewed scientific publications. Soil health training and outreach leadership and support Lead and represent AFT at compelling virtual and in-person events, similar to many extension roles but with broad regional influence. This will include giving science-based and inspirational presentations at, hosting, and facilitating events such as webinars, multi-session trainings, networking and outreach events, scientific and producer conferences, workshops, field days and farm and other stakeholder visits. Develop and implement educational programming and outreach for diverse stakeholders across these multiple formats, including social media, and other online outreach. Ensure programming is responsive to identified gaps and needs and strategically relevant to the growing national scope of AFT’s climate and soil health project portfolio. Contribute to and/or lead curriculum and new training development. Provide training, both for project specific networks, and beyond, to build relationships, impact, and capacity. Integrate the newest soil health management understanding, successful producer experience, research, and new practices and technologies into training and technical materials. Programmatic management and fund raising: Support producer eligibility and enrollment processes, project-required farmer management software use by producers and their service providers, and trouble shooting. Pursue filling gaps in producer data required for USDA reporting and project success. Document and contribute to reporting project outcomes. Prepare and contribute to preparing reports to funders. Collaborate to identify priorities, and develop and implement strategies for driving soil health management systems adoption in the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Texas and Oklahoma, and national scale-up Support Climate and Soil Health Initiative Director, cross-disciplinary collaborative teams, and Development staff in fundraising through contributing significant, compelling insights and opportunities that inform proposals and pitches, for scaling up impact in the southeastern U.S. and beyond to drive the transition to a new conventional agriculture. Stakeholder, partnership and collaboration management for impact: Cultivate productive collaborative relationships for achieving high quality, timely current and future project outcomes. Collaborate on/lead gathering data for reporting, technical deliverables, partnering, networking, and documenting key gaps and lessons learned. Build effective collaborations with organizations serving underserved producers and leverage project resources for impact. Support convening listening sessions to document barriers for underserved producers in accessing USDA-NRCS and other technical and financial assistance including via Farm Bill conservation programs, and in successfully adopting soil health practices. Network regularly, virtually and in person, for facilitating adoption and to connect producers with profitable climate smart market opportunities, NRCS and other financial assistance access options. Work closely with AFT project staff and partners who include and a diversity of professionals such as farmers and land owners, NRCS and other state and federal agencies, organizations serving historically underserved producers, conservation districts, land grant university and other researchers, producer groups, commodity and conservation organizations, non-profits, the private sector and beyond, to deliver on projects on time and within budget, and amplify messaging and outcomes. Support and facilitate culture of shared learning, team creativity and problem solving, innovative thinking, high integrity science-based implementation for public benefits across a diverse, interdisciplinary, collaborative, mutually supportive national team. Serve as AFT representative and leader in cross-organizational endeavors. Leverage this unique opportunity for creativity and growth in the scope of work. Other tasks: Work on other tasks as assigned and as your skills can be leveraged – many opportunities to engage for positive impact on soil health, climate, and successful, resilient farming in diverse communities across the nation! Education & ExperienceWe will be hiring at either a more junior level or senior level depending on education, experience, and qualifications of the applicant pool. Also see compensation. To qualify for the position the candidate must have: State or regional leadership experience, production systems/farming expertise, and required qualifications detailed belowDegree in agronomy, soil science, agroecology, farm production, conservation, or similar related agriculturally relevant sciences and commensurate amount of experience in agriculture, including experience with soil health management in the position’s focus production systems. Masters degree and a minimum of 5 years of experience; OR PhD degree and a minimum of 3 years of experience; OR Bachelor’s degree can be considered in lieu of a graduate degree with a minimum of 10 years of experience To qualify for the senior level the candidate must have: Significant regional or national leadership experience, production systems/farming expertise, and high level qualifications detailed below Degree in agronomy, soil science, agroecology, farm production, conservation, or similar related agriculturally relevant sciences and commensurate amount of experience in agriculture, including experience with soil health management, across multiple soils and climates, and the position’s focus production systems. Masters degree and a minimum of 10 years of experience; ORPhD degree and a minimum of 7 years of experience; OR Bachelor’s degree can be considered in lieu of a graduate degree with a minimum of 15 years of experience Additional Considerations: Qualifications for the position described are more important than level of educational degree attainment. Requirements:

Qualifications

The (Senior) Regional Soil Health Specialist must be a team player with strong technical, practical and conceptual soil health management skills and excellent interpersonal and communications skills. The specialist will work across diverse teams and stakeholders to accomplish common goals, and must be highly organized and motivated, a capable problem solver, avid learner, and capable of accomplishing high quality work on time, both independently and as part of a team, to advance adoption of soil health management systems. Soil health technical experience Required: Substantial hands-on experience assisting producers with, and/or working on own operation to transition to and adapt soil health management practices and systems for success to build high functioning soils and viable, resilient, productive, profitable operations. Understanding of specific agricultural systems and the tools, machinery, and equipment used. Significant scientific/technical and on-farm, applied understanding and subject matter expertise of soil health, soil function, and interactions between production systems, soils, climatic conditions, and the need to adapt practices to site specific contexts. Mechanistic understanding of how soil health practices improve soil function and how they impact climate change mitigation, adaptation, and environmental co-benefits; at least general familiarity with the microbial, ecological, and other soil science processes involved. Comfortable with learning producer-facing software, apps, and farm data management; Avid learner, ready to learn new practice approaches, on farm equipment, technologies, scientific findings, software, and more and share learnings through technical assistance, training, and written work.

Desired:

Experience staying up to date on latest soil health research, research and producer innovations, and/or technologies for potential implementation on diverse operations Experience with successful critical assessment, reading, and evaluation of new innovations and technology to identify legitimate evidence and potential ways to improve soil health systems. Familiar with producer-facing software and apps, digital agriculture and farm data management; Direct applied agricultural research design and implementation basics Experience co-authoring peer-reviewed papers and compiling literature reviews related to soil health, agricultural systems, and climate. Certified Crop Advisor (CCA), NRCS Technical Service Provider or similar certifications. Experience with NRCS practice standards, technical assistance, and financial assistance Experience with biochar application.

Soil health grazing position specific technical experience

Required:

Substantial hands-on experience with livestock and at least some cattle grazing soil health management practices, particularly in southeastern climate and soils. Experience assisting producers with, and/or working on own operation, to transition from continuous grazing and/or row crop-based systems to soil health building rotational systems, including assessing risk and risk management, and making and using grazing plans. Knowledge and experience with integrating livestock and cropping systems management; Familiar with the principles, benefits, and disagreements around rotational, mob, intensive, adaptive, and/or regenerative grazing. Somewhat familiar with, and ready to learn more about, grazing methods and how they’re described in and/or impacting results in beef GHG footprint scientific literature.

Desired:

Significant experience with cattle specifically, experience with small livestock may be beneficial in future years of this role. Familiarity with life cycle analysis of beef production systems, beef production system GHG models or similar mechanistic understanding of GHG outcomes of beef production management parameters and options, as well as quantification. Knowledge of and experience with US-based beef supply chains and go to market strategies; with livestock breeding principles and practices; business management

Soil health crop position specific technical experience

Required:

Substantial hands-on experience with corn, soy, wheat, and cotton production and soil health management options, particularly in southeastern climate and soils. Experience assisting producers with, and/or working on own operation, to transition from conventional row crop management to soil health management system that maximizes soil cover, living root presence, and biodiversity, and minimizes disturbance, including assessing risk and risk management, making and using soil health management and/or nutrient and/or pest management plans and adapting systems. Familiar with the principles and benefits of cover cropping, reducing tillage, innovative ways for diversifying row crop systems, maintaining soil cover for as much of the year as possible. Somewhat familiar with, and ready to learn more about, soil health practice and GHG scientific literature.

Desired:

Significant familiarity with some of the row crop production soil health practice and GHG footprint/impact literature

Training, technical assistance, and outreach experience

Required:

Proficient trainer, facilitator, and communicator adept at translating practical and science-based concepts for diverse audiences. Skilled at delivering engaging, inspiring soil health implementation training to producers and their service providers. Experienced in creating educational materials and curriculum, disseminating project results, and conducting public-facing presentations. Experience providing technical assistance

Desired:

Proficient in providing technical assistance that leads to soil health practice adoption Familiar with NRCS, including for example: practice standards, conservation planning (soil health management planning, soil health testing, grazing management planning, nutrient management planning), eligibility and financial assistance, and with other technical service provider networks and services. Experience with barriers to NRCS program access by historically underserved producers Ability to help the team guide participating producers through NRCS and FSA eligibility process for successful project enrollment

Stakeholder, partnership, and team management experience

Proficient in networking and professional communication across diverse teams, both written and verbal, proactively fostering relationships and completion of tasks and goals internally and externally. Proven ability to engage and collaborate with a wide array of stakeholders, such as historically underserved producers, federal and state agencies, research institutions, non-profit entities, and private sector entities. Dedication to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within AFT and the broader agricultural landscape, and experience empowering underserved farmers and contributing to a culture of shared learning and innovation. Experience networking to connect producers with each other, and ready to learn more.

Desired:

Experience building, facilitating, and leading peer-to-peer farmer networks/mentoring networks; able foster a group dynamic where farmers learn directly from each other.

Programmatic management

Strong project management, organizational, communication, and interpersonal abilities. Proven history overseeing project implementation, and delivery, leveraging specialized knowledge to achieve goals. Collaborative and proactive team player skilled in independent and group settings. Exceptional organization and clear communication regarding priorities and timelines. Ability to prioritize tasks, deliver high-quality work within tight deadlines in a dynamic environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel for data management and Word for collaborative document editing. Capability to compile and analyze data Capability to develop programs addressing identified needs. Creative, flexible problem-solving skills, resourceful at finding solutions and leveraging connections. Valuable contributions to a dynamic team, adaptable to growth and change. Motivated and passionate about catalyzing a new conventional agriculture promoting soil health, equity, biodiversity, climate resilience, economic returns, carbon sequestration, and reducing GHG emissions.

Direct reports

This position has no management responsibility at this time, but may have potential to evolve into a management position.

Working Conditions

This job operates in a teleworking or professional office environment when not traveling to engage with the agricultural, conservation, and science communities. Co-location at a university or other similar arrangement may be a possibility. While remote, when not traveling, willingness is required to make a multi-year commitment to be located in close proximity to the Mid-Atlantic/Southeast/Southern region of the U.S. to enable easy travel (see below) particularly across the states the project funding the majority of the position initially covers. Soil Health Grazing Specialist: all project on-farm work is in GA, AL, MS, MD, PA, VA, TX, OK. Soil Health Crop Specialist: on farm work for this position is focused on NC, SC, MD, PA, VA, TX, but the project funds national work. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers and phones. This role routinely involves travel to meet with producers, agricultural services providers, university professionals, and other agricultural and conservation stakeholders in indoor and outdoor locations, including visiting a variety of agricultural operations. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to meet deadlines or attend events.

Travel

Willingness, ability, and passion for regular travel and networking across the Southeastern region to visit farms and attend events, and nationally to represent AFT at events. Estimating that day trips and/or overnight travel will fluctuate depending on priorities, and may occur ~1-4 days in a week for 1-3 weeks out of a month, ~25-30%. Valid drivers license and access to a vehicle required.

Physical requirements

Ability to perform the essential job functions consistently ,safely, and successfully with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards. Will need to perform light field-based tasks such as attending a farm field day, including the ability to traverse uneven terrain.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $75,000 to $105,000, contingent upon experience, education, and qualifications (see thresholds in education and experience section). Candidates with more junior-level experience, education, and qualifications fall within the $75,000 to $90,000 range, while those at the senior-level range from $90,000 to $105,000.

American Farmland Trust offers a full benefits package:

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) 401(k) Sick Leave: Regular full-time employees accrue 3.5 hours per pay period (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. Holidays: The Company observes the fixed federal eleven holidays during the year, and closes between Dec 25 and Jan 1 every year (all offices closed). Additionally AFT offers choice of 3 other floating holidays annually, depending on hiring date.

Why you should apply

Be a part of a purpose-driven, committed, knowledgeable, high-performing, interdisciplinary, collaborative, experienced and fun team. A diverse and inclusive work environment. A cause and mission you can be proud of. Competitive compensation & benefits. Remote, flexible work opportunities.

Timeline

Applications should include both a resume or CV and a cover letter expressing interest in working in climate and soil health at AFT and describing qualifications for either/both of the positions. Applications received by January 5, 2024 will be reviewed first. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

American Farmland Trust provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, 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 the organization has 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.

 

 

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