New York Implementation Specialist

Location: Northern NY (north of I-90 Thruway)

Who We Are

American Farmland Trust (AFT) 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. Please see AFT’s statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice.   

What You Will Do

Join a mission that makes an impact! As a New York Implementation Specialist, you'll empower farmers to adopt regenerative practices and access funding for climate resilience and water quality protection. You’ll guide them through local, state, and federal programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), supporting them in overcoming barriers to implementation of conservation practices. With a focus on traditionally underserved and beginning producers, you'll assist farmers in navigating USDA’s NRCS programs, providing financial incentives, and promoting practices that benefit the climate.

Your role will involve outreach to help farmers access programs, assist those who have already secured funding, and provide real-world guidance on a wide range of agronomic and engineering practices. You'll help with cost-share assistance, coordinate with technical experts and stakeholders, and plan outreach and educational events to raise awareness of climate-smart practices. You will have the opportunity to contribute to implementing Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry practices and assist with an annual on-farm event showcasing high-priority practices like carbon sequestration, tillage reduction, and soil amendments. This is an exciting opportunity to work on climate solutions and support farmers in achieving economic viability and environmental sustainability.

Ideal candidates will live north of the New York Thruway (I-90) and east of Oswego. Candidates will also be selected based on their existing connections within the farm community and experience with various farm types and diverse populations. As part of a team of Implementation Specialists working across New York, you’ll facilitate and coordinate partnerships with a diverse network of agricultural and conservation professionals including AFT state and national staff, USDA NRCS, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Cornell University and Cooperative Extension, farmers, crop consultants and other stakeholders.

Specific Responsibilities Include:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with farmers, farmworkers, landowners, and conservation professionals, including NRCS, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and Cornell University and Cooperative Extension staff.
• Collaborate with NRCS District Conservationists to identify priority clients and provide targeted technical assistance.
• Support NRCS field staff with applicant outreach, data collection, and contract file maintenance.
• Assist in interpreting, implementing, and inspecting conservation practices while maintaining thorough farmer/landowner interaction records.
• Help organize outreach, training, and peer networking events with AFT, NRCS, and partner organizations.
• Develop farmer-focused materials on climate change, conservation practices, and NRCS programs.
• Represent AFT at public meetings, field days, and educational events, and participate in professional development to stay current in conservation agriculture.
• Advancing AFT’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) efforts both internally and externally.

Requirements

• The Associate must be a self-starter and a capable problem solver with a demonstrated commitment to meeting high expectations. S/he must be highly motivated with strong interpersonal skills and should have:
• BA or BS degree and a minimum of 3 years of related work experience in agriculture, environmental management, or natural resource planning. Additional work experience or an advanced degree in one or more of the disciplines noted may substitute for these requirements.
• A valid US driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.   
• Independent and reliable worker; willingness to conduct field-based work in all weather conditions and work effectively from a home-based office location.
• Ability to make frequent trips across northern New York, visiting diverse farms and farmers to execute the job functions.  
• A working knowledge of Northeast agriculture or conservation and an understanding of the culture of farmers and farming.  
• Experience and working knowledge of NRCS and SWCD funded conservation practices is especially valuable but not required. 
• Ability to foster effective partnerships with Extension educators, soil and water conservation districts, USDA and state agency personnel and other professionals as well as training and supporting farmers and landowners – particularly historically underserved producers and landowners - is highly valuable.
• A proven track record of implementing or assisting with implementation of conservation practices.  
• An intellectual curiosity, understanding, and enthusiasm for AFT’s mission.  
• Demonstrated commitment to or understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice and how these play a role in agriculture and food systems.

Work Conditions/Travel

Candidates must reside in northern New York (north of Thruway I-90).  Frequent travel within northern New York and the eastern Lake Ontario Watershed is required, with occasional trips to AFT’s Saratoga Springs office and other locations, which may require overnight stays. Applicants must have reliable access to a personal vehicle (mileage reimbursed) or local car rentals.

This job will be a hybrid with part of the time working from home and part of the time working in an assigned Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) office.   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. Employees are expected to have suitable workstations to conduct their job at home or an alternative self-selected office space.  

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. The higher end of the range is for those who meet most or all of the requirements for the job.

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

• 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 fixed eleven holidays during the year (all offices closed): plus, the week off between Christmas and New Years and a choice of 3 other floating holidays depending on hiring date. 

Timeline  

While applications will be accepted and reviewed until the position is filled, applicants who apply by January 17 will be reviewed first.  A complete application requires both a cover letter and a resume for consideration.

Data shows that women, gender nonbinary or nonconforming, immigrant, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other historically resilient job seekers are less likely to apply for jobs when they do not meet all criteria. The AFT NY & NJ team is dedicated to hiring the right fit for this role and committed to a diverse, inclusive work environment. Applicants are not required to meet 100% of the qualifications listed to be considered for this position. If you meet at least half of the qualifications and have a passion for local agriculture and food systems, we encourage you to apply.

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.