Livestock & Grazing Specialist

Livestock and Grazing Specialist

Remote, Based in New River Valley, Virginia

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

The Grazing Specialist position offers an exciting opportunity to help livestock producers accomplish their ecological, economic, and management goals for their operations. In this role you will work closely with AFT Mid-Atlantic staff and Virginia Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) state and field office staff to improve and create planning templates, develop prescribed grazing plans, provide follow-up technical assistance and guidance to livestock graziers. You will also collect grazing records, complete annual monitoring as needed, coordinate and conduct producer outreach and education events, promote farm bill programs, and support producers in the area through implementation of Farm Bill programs. You will also connect producers in the area with ‘wraparound’ services to help meet production or business goals.

This position is funded for three years with the possibility of renewal. This position will be based in the New River Valley. You will work in a unique role, as an AFT employee, but in deep cooperation and frequent coordination with the position funder, NRCS. The Livestock and Grazing Specialist will work with AFT’s Mid-Atlantic Director and NRCS State Grazing Specialist to guide your workflow to assure it is integrated with NRCS needs and utilizes the full depth of both AFT and NRCS resources and expertise.

What You’ll Be Working On

This position will write and support grazing plans and conduct education and outreach activities in the New River Valley, and work closely with state and field office NRCS staff to:   

• Work with Virginia NRCS State Grazing Specialist to improve or create planning templates that can be used by AFT and other NRCS partners to collect key information about producers and their operations to inform the conservation planning process.
• Receive referrals from the NRCS State Technical Contact or other designated staff, contact farmers, and make field conservation planning visits.
• Work with the planner to compile necessary information for planning and implementation of some activities including grazing plan maps.
• Provide farmers with information on financial assistance opportunities
• Assist with outreach for the project by participating in on-farm events, connecting with local agriculture groups, contacting interested farmers, etc.
• Participate in virtual and in-person training.
• Develop prescribed grazing plans that meet NRCS standards and specifications.
• Provide follow-up technical assistance and guidance to livestock grazing producers who are currently implementing prescribed grazing practices.
• Coordinate and conduct producer outreach and education events (i.e., pasture walks, field days, etc.)
• Perform informational duties such as writing news articles, giving talks at meetings, and staffing displays at various outreach events.
• Keep the NRCS program and technical liaisons, and NRCS District Conservationist’s and other applicable NRCS staff regularly appraised of work schedule and project tasks being performed. Provide detailed quarterly report of completed work for NRCS data entry into performance tracking software.
• Promote farm bill programs and support producers in the area through implementation of Farm Bill program contracts as needed by connecting them to technical assistance, following up on questions, and serving as a go-to resource, helping to identify and forestall potential roadblocks and challenges to ensure success.  
• Connect producers in area with ‘wraparound’ services to help meet production or business goals not within the scope of the conservation planning process with the support of AFT’s grazing and crops specialists and other partner organizations.
• Demonstrate an awareness of USDA Civil Rights policies and responsibilities and performs all duties in a manner which consistently demonstrates fairness, cooperation and respect to coworkers, office visitors and all others in the performance of official business.
• Complete the following performance measures and annual target completion quantities:
  • New Prescribed Grazing Plans: 5 in year one; 20 in year two
  • On Farm Visits/Consultations: 10 in year one; 40 in year two
  • Outreach events: 4 in year two

Requirements

• Must live in the New River Valley and be comfortable working remotely.
• Demonstrated experience providing technical assistance to farmers/landowners or direct experience in production agriculture.
• Knowledge of Virginia agriculture and soil health principles
• Experience with field-based conservation practices and federal and state policies and programs to support agricultural conservation.
• Experience working collaboratively with diverse partners and audiences.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to independently manage and prioritize work.
• Experience developing grazing plans.
• Highly motivated, entrepreneurial and collaborative problem solver who is 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.
• Strong compassion and empathy, Diversity Equity Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) training and/or experience and desire to drive positive DEIJ impact.
• Ability to communicate in an engaging and clear manner to diverse audiences.
• Highly organized with excellent communication skills, time management skills, and the ability to juggle, navigate, and deliver on time.
• A passion for and understanding of regenerative grazing systems and/or farming operations. 
• Experience working with and supporting livestock producers, including historically underserved (limited resource, beginning, socially disadvantaged, or veteran) producers.

Expectations 

• Minimal travel required, anticipate:
  • 5 overnights per year  
  • 40 total travel days in Virginia

• Remote work environment from a home office in the New River Valley
   

Education & Experience

At least 2 years of professional experience writing grazing plans and/or working on or with farms or in land stewardship or land management positions. NRCS certified technical service provider status is a plus. A two-year associates or four-year 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 $65,000 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   

Please answer the screener questions and be sure to include a resume AND cover letter to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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.