Soil Health & Biochar Specialist - Maine

Maine (Remote)
 
Who We Are
American Farmland Trust is a 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 growing on-the-ground technical programs for farmers 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
As an integral part of our New England Climate and Agriculture team, the Soil Health & Biochar Specialist will work primarily to implement farmer-focused education, outreach and research collaborations across New England. This position will work both within AFT’s regional portfolio of soil health, climate and regenerative agriculture related activities, and primarily as a regional lead on, and liaison to, a project of the national Climate and Soil Health program. This position will lead in developing, coordinating and implementing a network of on-farm biochar demonstration trials with farmers and partners in Maine, collaborating with national biochar networks, and supporting other initiatives within the New England and national Climate and Soil Health   program portfolios.

This position is a good fit for someone who is as passionate about soil science as they are about getting their boots dirty and crafting practical resources with and for farmers. The scope of work for this position includes everything from soil sampling, event planning, and communications to on-farm experimental trial design, soil health data analysis, and facilitating farmer-to-farmer exchanges.  The Soil Health & Biochar Specialist will leverage their knowledge of soil science and on-farm research design to study how biochar, soil amendments, and management influence soil health, soil carbon and the fate of emerging contaminants of concern such as PFAS and PFOA.  The Specialist will connect with a national network of on-farm biochar research trials, serve as a resource to aligned research efforts in Maine, and support the development of new biochar on-farm trials  in collaboration with farmers.

Reporting to New England's Deputy Director, the successful candidate will be a team player who can successfully work closely with other staff on the New England Climate & Agriculture Team and the National Climate and Soil Health Team to ensure the success of direct technical assistance to producers, assist with the cultivation of farmer-to-farmer learning opportunities, help to develop and implement strategies to facilitate adoption of regenerative agriculture approaches on farmland, and assess conservation practice impacts through in-field data collection and analysis. AFT collaborates with farmers and other organizations in New England to advance solutions, and this position will be integrally involved in cultivating and sustaining relationships with partners in Maine that have shared goals and visions for sustainable agriculture and viable farms.  

The New England Soil Health & Biochar Specialist will be integrated into current AFT efforts to enhance farms’ resilience to climate change and to address emerging challenges. Efforts include a suite of initiatives that increase adoption of practices that mitigate greenhouse gases, enhance farm adaptation to climate impacts, and build the capacity of the agricultural community to remain viable in the context of change. The Soil Health & Biochar Specialist will work on projects designed within the NRCS conservation agriculture framework, as well as projects that utilize innovative approaches informed by agroecology, regenerative agriculture and ecosystem services. The Soil Health & Biochar Specialist will leverage soil health as a foundational starting point for addressing climate change on farms by working directly with farmers, assessing soil health, providing outreach and education on soil health, and identifying opportunities for advancing adoption of soil health and agroecological practices.

Specific Responsibilities 

• Gather and effectively manage on-farm trial data, including farmer management data, soil samples and in-field soil health assessments, and forage or biomass samples; 
• Lead outreach and communication with farmers and research partners to design, implement and support on-farm soil health research trials in Maine;
• Build collaborative relationships and connect partners in Maine with AFT’s regional and national resources, programs and opportunities;
• Advance communication among farmers, academics and other stakeholders about the emerging science of biochar, soil carbon and emerging contaminants of concern  such as PFAS and PFOA;
• Plan, develop, and deliver, multi-stakeholder farmer-focused outreach and educational events that identify, address, and develop solutions to challenges related to climate adaptation and healthy soils practices adoption;
• Connect local farmers and landowners with soil health and climate adaptation opportunities available from AFT and its partner organizations;
• Connect partners, programs and emerging science in New England to national networks;
• Interpret research and data to create summaries, reports, fact sheets, and other materials that will inform farmers and the agricultural service provider community on challenges, needs and opportunities related to soil health and climate adaptation practice adoption; 
• Provide expertise in New England, within and outside of AFT, regarding soil health, carbon sequestration, soil contaminants and opportunities for farmers to grow solutions to the climate challenge; 
• Represent AFT at public meetings, field days, and educational events in the region; and 
• Support a strong team culture among AFT staff and with partners. 

While this reflects the current job responsibilities, the final scope of work may shift to reflect the skills of the new hire and future funded projects.  

Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate
Technical qualifications

• The ideal candidate has a degree   in plant or soil sciences, agronomy, environmental science, or related field and 4+ years’ of experience in applied research or direct professional outreach relating to soil health, sustainable agriculture, conservation, agroecology, regenerative agriculture, climate change, ecology, water quality, or environmental analysis. A Master’s degree may be substituted for up to 3 years of experience.
• Proven skills and experience in on-farm sampling, methods development, data collection and analysis, and writing for both scientific and lay audience s. Particularly experience in soil sampling and soil health assessment. 
• Direct professional experience working with farmers and landowners on management practices for soil health or regenerative agriculture is strongly preferred.  
• Working knowledge of soil health practices and their impacts on climate change mitigation, adaptation, water quality and environmental co-benefits.
• Experience analyzing and communicating research on soil carbon, soil chemistry and/or soil ecology.
• Experience planning events for agricultural audiences and knowledge of farmer networks and their preferred communication channels.
• Skilled in translating complex scientific information to broad audiences; writing reports and presenting at scientific meetings, participating in farmer focused workshops or conservation planner training events, and communicating with policy makers
• Familiarity with USDA NRCS conservation practices and a basic understanding of NRCS programs preferred.

Project management and collaboration qualifications

• Demonstrated project management skills, organizational skills, and experience working in diverse teams of individuals, peers, and partners.
• 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 effectively build professional relationships and represent organization at in person events and meetings.
• Ability to work independently, deliver high quality work in a dynamic organization under time pressure, and bring a collaborative, outgoing, professional, and innovative approach to tackling these issues. 
• Experience with the Microsoft Office Suite is required – additional experience with statistical analysis software such as R, SAS, or SPSS is preferred.   
• Ability to help foster effective partnerships with diverse stakeholders including farmers, farm workers, University, Extension, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, USDA, state agency personnel, and landowners is highly valuable. 
• Ability to work effectively across a team remotely. This position is part of AFT’s New England team, which is fully remote. 
• Valid driver’s license and willingness and ability to travel and engage in-person. Frequent travel to Maine farms and partner offices is required. A willingness to travel across the New England region to meet other AFT staff in-person, visit farms and attend events is a must, including occasional overnight trips.

While not required, experience working in diverse agricultural systems; multi-lingual skills and cross-cultural experiences; working knowledge of key climate models and tools relevant to agriculture; experience working with carbon or other environmental service-based markets; and knowledge of current policies and programs supported at state and national levels as related to agriculture, soil health, and climate mitigation will be relevant and highly beneficial in this role.

Working Conditions

This position involves travel to events, as well as to conduct field work (soil sampling and field assessments) on farms of various types and sizes and therefore has physical requirements that are specific to the performance of the job. When not in the field, this job operates primarily in a teleworking environment. 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 and/or participate in events. 

Physical Requirements

•    Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards. 
•    Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state, and local standards.
•    Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time. 
•    Must be able to perform soil sampling, use relevant sampling equipment, and carry at least 30 lbs to and from farm field sites and lift samples into and out of a vehicle. 
•    Must be able to perform fieldwork in inclement weather and move across the uneven terrain frequently found on New England farms. The person in this position frequently communicates with partners, stakeholders and staff who have inquiries and must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. 

Compensation
American Farmland Trust offers excellent vacation, medical, retirement and other benefits. The salary range for this position is from $65,000 to $80,000 based upon experience.

American Farmland Trust offers a complete benefits package:
•    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
•    Holidays: The Company observes eleven holidays during the year (all offices closed): plus, choice of 3 other floating holidays depending on hiring date

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
Applications must include a resume AND cover letter to be considered. Applications will be accepted until the role is filled.

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.