Illinois Watershed Coordinator

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 (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. 

Job purpose 

The Watershed Coordinator position offers an exciting opportunity to help carry out the strategic agenda of a growing, forward-looking conservation organization. S/he will have the opportunity to work across teams within AFT’s Midwest Region, as well as with external partners including farmers, landowners, and agricultural professionals. This a permanent position that will work to support and build upon AFT producer-led programs in the Midwest, especially in east central Illinois. The Midwest Watershed Coordinator will work with farmers, farmland owners (especially non-operating landowners) as well as state and federal agencies, agricultural service providers, and conservation leaders to provide coordination across diverse groups of partners and programs. Several of the programming will directly support the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). This is a remote work position and will report directly to the Midwest Program Manager overseeing the water quality initiatives. 

Position summary 

The Watershed Coordinator will take an active role in supporting the development and execution of the regional farmer-led soil health and water quality programming occurring in East Central Illinois initially, with the potential for expansion across Illinois. 

Duties and responsibilities:

Program Coordination 

• Develop and launch farmer-led watershed programs in priority watersheds in Illinois by engaging with farmer leaders and program partners and sharing information with a diverse group of stakeholders across multiple formats, such as webinars, networking events, educational workshops and field days. 
• Support farmer-led watershed groups with administrative needs, event planning, scheduling meetings and other needs. 
• Work with local partners to ensure success of farmer-led watershed groups and to increase adoption of conservation practices that improve soil health and water quality.  

Technical Assistance 

• Present technical and financial assistance to local farmers and landowners to increase conservation practice adoption and improve soil health and water quality.   
• Develop conservation practice recommendations and verify implementation according to NRCS standards and specifications.   
• Create technical documents for farmer-led watershed programs, including delivering presentations and summarizing research and data for reports, fact sheets, and other materials. 
• Engage farmers and agricultural service providers to identify challenges, needs, and opportunities related to conservation practices to improve soil health and water quality. 

Internal and External Partner Engagement 

• Help build positive relations with the team and external partners. 
• Support program growth and development. 
• Represent AFT at public meetings, field days, and educational events. 

Staff Supervision / Management  

• This position does not have supervisory or management responsibilities. 

The Midwest Watershed Coordinator must be entrepreneurial and a self-starter, outgoing and energetic, organized, and capable of working well independently as well as part of a team.   

• BA or BS degree and a minimum of 2 years of related work experience in agriculture or watershed/water quality outreach and planning. An advanced degree in one or more of the disciplines noted may substitute for 1years of work experience. 
• Direct professional experience working with farmers, non-farming landowners, women, Black, Indigenous, People of Color, or other socially disadvantaged farmers, public officials, agricultural and conservation organizations, commodity groups, and academic institutions.  
• Experience developing compelling events and outreach tools and/or programming that is responsive to partner needs and strategically relevant to target audiences. 
• Experience with public outreach and community engagement.   
• Direct professional experience working with farmers and landowners on soil health or regenerative agriculture is strongly preferred. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite. 
• Preferred experience using ArcGIS and other spatial mapping tools.  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated commitment to high-quality work. 
• Knowledge of the Midwest agricultural landscape, water quality concerns, and key stakeholders.  
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, and justice, and knowledgeable about how those principles can be effectively applied in practice.   
• Currently living in or willing to relocate to Central Illinois.  

Working conditions/Travel  

• Willingness to travel frequently within East Central Illinois (approximately 40% of time), specifically the Embarrass watershed to meet with farmers and partners, and with occasional travel within the Midwest region. Future years will potentially involve more extensive travel across Illinois. Mileage is reimbursed. 
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers and phones. Occasional work in the evenings or on weekends may be required to meet deadlines 

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. 

American Farmland Trust offers a full benefits package for full time employees:

• Insurance coverage begins the 1st of the month following the date of hire. 
• 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) with 10% match after six months of employment
• 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 maximum.
• Holidays: AFT observes eleven fixed holidays during the year (all offices closed) plus a choice of up to three (depending on hiring month) floating holidays.

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 

 
Please answer the screener questions and be sure to include a resume AND cover letter to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Apply Directly Here: Illinois Watershed Coordinator

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.