Illinois Farmland Protection Specialist

Who We Are

American Farmland Trust (AFT) takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land, 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. 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 values 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, where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work daily. Please see AFT’s statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice.

Job Purpose

The Farmland Protection Specialist will be essential in accelerating the pace of permanent agricultural land protection in Illinois, emphasizing the Chicago metro region. This role is an exciting opportunity to work with innovative agricultural and conservation groups across the state to facilitate key programming to protect working lands, strengthen farm businesses, and support a new generation of farmers accessing land. The position is initially funded through a cooperative agreement with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). The Specialist will be based in Illinois within a 75-mile radius of Chicago and will work closely with AFT’s Midwest Farmland Protection Manager and Illinois NRCS to support the promotion and administration of NRCS easement programs, specifically the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Agricultural Land Easements (ACEP-ALE).

Position Summary

The Specialist will also support AFT’s outreach and programmatic efforts to protect agricultural land.  The Specialist will become familiar with NRCS policies and guidance related to conservation easement program implementation and will provide guidance, feedback, and support to entities (such as land trusts and public PACE programs) and NRCS staff on projects.

The Farmland Protection Specialist will work within AFT while working closely and learning from the Natural Resources Conservation Service. This position provides an excellent opportunity to grow expertise in land protection and work closely with many state and national partners.

What You’ll Be Working On

• Provide support to NRCS in promoting, delivering, and implementing entity-held easement programs across the state, with a special emphasis on the greater Chicago region in Illinois.  
• Support AFT and NRCS with Farm Bill conservation program and easement program outreach.
• Identify support needs from eligible entities such as local land trusts and assist with capacity building to efficiently develop and complete agricultural conservation easement projects. This will include providing direct application and program assistance.
• Work with AFT’s National Agricultural Land Network (NALN) to provide content and assist with programs that support agricultural land protection professionals.
• Develop and maintain systems for tracking and coordinating land protection projects and regularly communicate the status of each task associated with a project to NRCS and the appropriate entity.
• Ensure that agricultural conservation easement projects awarded NRCS funds stay on track with the expected timeline for completion.
• Work with entities to promote conservation practice adoption on eased lands.
• Coordinate communications between NRCS, entity, and any necessary contractors working on a project if needed (such as facilitating a discussion between a land surveyor and NRCS technical reviewer to resolve an issue).

This person will also be required to complete other duties as assigned that contribute to the successful outreach, administration, and acquisition of agricultural conservation easement programs and projects.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; experience and comfort interacting with diverse stakeholders, including farmers, agricultural landowners, agency staff, land trusts, elected officials, and professional service providers.
• Direct experience with agriculture, natural resources, and land protection is desirable.
• Understanding of the land trust landscape in Illinois and agricultural conservation easements.
• Dedication to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice within AFT, agriculture, and the food system.
• Highly motivated with strong interpersonal skills and willingness to grow professionally.
• Well-organized and disciplined.
• Ability to understand and communicate complex issues quickly.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and ability to maintain confidentiality. 
• Excellent project management skills and experience working in diverse teams of colleagues, peers, and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and with cross-functional teams and success in a position that worked across traditional reporting lines.
• Demonstrated ability to work remotely.
• Obtain and maintain a federal security clearance from USDA-NRCS.

Education & Experience

A master’s degree in a relevant field or a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and a minimum of 4 years of related work experience in natural resources, conservation, land protection, agriculture, and project management.

Working Conditions

The Illinois Farmland Protection Specialist will report to the Midwest Farmland Protection Manager while working closely with the NRCS staff. This is a full-time remote position based in Northeast Illinois, with occasional day visits to the Illinois NRCS state office in Champaign, IL.

Travel

This position requires travel throughout Illinois to visit land protection sites and meet with partners. Occasional out-of-state travel may also be required for events such as all-staff meetings. Expected travel is 30% of the time, with most travel happening as day trips.

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 opportunity   

Timeline

Please answer the screener questions and be sure to include a resume AND cover letter to be considered. While applications will be accepted until the position is filled, applicants who apply with a resume or CV and cover letter will be reviewed first. Apply Here.

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.