NY Agricultural Stewardship Associate

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. AFT launched the conservation agriculture movement and continues to raise public awareness through our No Farms, No Food message. Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect nearly 8 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally sound farming practices on millions of additional acres and supported thousands of farm families. Long a pioneering leader, AFT continues to evolve to meet the needs of farmers and ranchers nationwide, adapting its approach to ensure the continued strength and resilience of agriculture and rural communities nationwide.

Job purpose

New York Agricultural Stewardship Associate (Associate) supports and grows programs in New York state that assist farmland owners and farmers transitioning to or increasing adoption of regenerative farming practices on owned or rented land.

Position Summary
The New York Agricultural Stewardship Associate (Associate) is primarily responsible for assisting the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) New York Assistant Conservationist for Field Operations in Cooperstown, NY for providing targeted technical assistance and support.  In addition, the Associate is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with farmers and non-operating farmland owners as well as state and federal agencies, universities, agricultural service providers, conservation leaders, and others to promote and implement strategies that engage farmers in adopting sound practices to protect water quality, respond to the growing impact of extreme weather events, and achieve other environmental benefits from well-managed farmland, while maintaining farm viability.

Duties and responsibilities 

• Build relationships with farmers and farmland owners, including historically underserved producers, to promote conservation practices and connect them with NRCS financial assistance programs.
• Conduct outreach through phone, email, and farm visits to assess resource concerns and recommend conservation strategies that align with landowner goals.
• Assist NRCS field office staff guiding farmers through NRCS program participation, including conservation planning, contract development and management, and implementation support.
• Provide technical assistance in the design, layout, and installation of conservation practices; identify barriers to implementation and connect producers with additional resources as needed.
• Track and maintain accurate records of farmer engagement, program files, contracts, and follow-up actions.
• Support coordination with NRCS staff and partner planners to streamline service delivery and ensure effective program execution.
• Participate in internal team meetings, professional trainings, and NRCS field leadership sessions as appropriate.
• Communicate the benefits of soil health and conservation practices, highlighting impacts on water quality, resilience, and climate mitigation.
• Collect field data (e.g., soil health, biomass, mapping) and supporting the organized management of results.
• Contribute to project implementation, goal setting, reporting, and funding proposals as part of a collaborative team.
• Represent the organization at public events, field days, and educational programs to promote conservation goals and share success stories.

This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities. Management reserves the right to revise the job or to request other or different duties be performed as assigned.
 

Qualifications

• The Associate must be a self-starter and capable problem solver with a demonstrated commitment to meeting high expectations. They must be highly motivated with strong interpersonal skills and should have:
• A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in farming, land stewardship, or land management, or a college degree in a related field can substitute for up to 4 years of work experience.   
• A valid US driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.   
• Ability to travel across the central region of New York state, mostly around Otsego County, visiting diverse farms and farmers to execute the job functions.  
• A deep working knowledge of Northeast agriculture or conservation and an understanding of the culture of farmers and farming.  
• Independent and reliable worker; willingness to conduct field-based work in all weather conditions and work effectively. 
• A track record of developing and maintaining strong working relationships with and among a diverse group of stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Proven 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 is highly valuable. 
• An intellectual curiosity, understanding, and enthusiasm for AFT’s mission.  
• Experience with public outreach, community engagement, and communications (digital and/or traditional).
• Facility with the Microsoft Office Suite is required – additional experience with ESRI or other mapping software is preferred.

Education & Experience 
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 noted disciplines may substitute for these requirements.

Working Conditions

• Based on the location of the work in Cooperstown, NY, candidates must be in central New York, and willing to drive long distances using their own vehicle (with mileage reimbursement).
• The Associate will require frequent travel in Otsego County and nearby counties in New York state. Occasional trips to AFT’s New York office in Saratoga Springs, and other trips across New York state and elsewhere are possible.  

 
Travel

• Frequent travel within service area is required. Travel will be with personal vehicle with mileage reimbursement or with NRCS vehicle leaving from the Cooperstown, NY NRCS office.
• Rare, occasional overnight travel is possible.

Direct reports

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Compensation

This position offers an annual salary of $65,000 - $70,000. 

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)
• 401k Plan
• Sick Leave: Regular full-time employees accrue 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 twelve fixed holidays and a week between Christmas and New Years off 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
• Flexible scheduling

Timeline

To be considered, applicants must submit a resume, a cover letter explaining why they are the right fit for both AFT and this role and complete all screener questions. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until the position is filled.

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.