American Farmland Trust seeks a Soil Health Program Manager
Position Summary
The primary responsibilities of the Program Manager are to implement existing AFT soil health and regenerative agriculture projects within the Climate and Agriculture Program in New England, develop and implement strategies to facilitate adoption of regenerative agriculture on farmland; help develop new programming that furthers AFT’s broader mission as it relates to soil health and agriculture, and provide leadership and support to partner organizations in the region related to soil health and regenerative agriculture. The Soil Health Program Manager (Program Manager) will be integral to AFT’s expansion and support of Regenerative Agriculture in New England, by leading projects and identifying opportunities that improve our region’s soil health and advance adoption of Regenerative Agriculture including the recently announced 5 year, $20m Western New England Regenerative Agriculture Project. The Program Manager will preferably be based within commuting distance (1-2 days a week) of the organization’s New England Office located in Northampton, MA. This position entails regular travel within New England (2-3 times per month).
Background
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.
Duties and responsibilities
- Direct professional experience (minimum of three years) providing technical assistance to farmers OR a BA or BS degree in agriculture, agronomy, plant or soil science, natural resource conservation or related field.
- Proven success in project management (minimum of four years) including complex or multi-year project budget management and reporting in a conservation, applied science, or agricultural organization (Masters’ degree in a related field may be substituted for up to 2 years of experience).
- Excellent planning skills, the ability to organize complex details, and communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
- Ability to help foster effective partnerships with Extension Educators, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, USDA and state agency personnel, farmers, landowners – including women landowners, and others is highly valuable.
- Ability to work independently, deliver high quality work in a dynamic organization, and bring a collaborative, outgoing, professional, and innovative approach to tackling these issues.
- Ability to communicate effectively with racially and ethnically diverse farming communities in an inclusive manner, including farms large or small; organic or conventional; urban or rural.
- Ability to travel throughout the New England region including occasional overnight trips.
- Experience in using Microsoft Office 365 Suite applications such as including Teams, SharePoint, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
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 opportunities
- Flexible scheduling
How to apply: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/jobs/Apply/608279