Idaho Urban Conservationist

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.

Job purpose

Reporting to the Idaho Program Manager, the Idaho Urban Conservationist works directly with urban and small-scale producers and landowners to understand Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs and procedures for the planning and implementation conservation practices on urban and small-scale farms in northern Idaho. 

Position summary

The Idaho Urban Conservationist works closely with Idaho NRCS staff to ensure successful implementation of conservation practices in northern Idaho and carry out coordinated soil and water conservation planning and outreach to assist with the delivery of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Bill programs on urban and small-scale farms.

Duties and responsibilities:

Conservation Planning

• Assist urban and small-scale producers and landowners in the identification of specific USDA Farm Bill programs designed to assist in the viability, conservation, and management of land use for food and fiber production or the preservation of natural resources.
• Work with urban and small-scale producers and landowners in the selection and application of suitable soil and water conservation practices as needed to address individual resource concerns.
• Receive referrals, contact producers, and make field conservation planning visits.
• Furnish necessary planning assistance resulting in conservation plans that document producer/landowner decisions.
• Aid in the layout and installation of practices and in checking on completed practices.
• Develop and compile conservation planning maps for applicants and contracts.
• Establish and maintain program data, files, and documents for program delivery and planning documentation.

Outreach

• Strengthen relationships between urban and small-scale agriculture producers and NRCS technical and financial assistance programs in Idaho. 
• Serve as a primary, community-based point of contact between NRCS and urban and small-scale producers (groups and individuals) and the organizations that support them.
• Learn and communicate the details of USDA Farm Bill conservation programs available through NRCS and assist urban and small-scale producers in understanding them.
• Conduct outreach activities such as writing stories and news articles, giving talks at meetings, participating in conservation demonstrations, conducting conservation field tours, and staffing NRCS displays at community events.
• Support the development and management of documents and materials that clarify pathways for urban and small-scale producers to access specific farm bill programs and support long-term engagement.
• Collaborate with NRCS and partner staff as needed to deepen, expand and sustain benefits for urban producers, and to support wider and improved urban agriculture activity in NRCS across all disciplines.
   

Qualifications 

• Direct experience working with farmers, ranchers, agricultural landowners, rural communities, and agricultural and conservation organizations. Experience working with small farms, community gardens, and other producers in an urban setting is preferred. 
• Familiarity with federal and state policies and programs to assist in the viability of food and fiber production and natural resources conservation. 
• Experience designing and facilitating peer-to-peer education or training, specifically with farmers, ranchers, landowners, and related stakeholders. 
• A track record of developing and maintaining strong working relationships with and among a diverse group of partners, including Extension educators, soil and water conservation districts, USDA and state agency personnel and other agricultural service providers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, specifically an aptitude for public speaking, meeting facilitation, and developing effective public education materials. 
• Experience creating engaging public outreach campaigns and polished communication tools. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and social media platforms.  
• An intellectual curiosity, understanding, and enthusiasm for the mission of American Farmland Trust (AFT).   
• Support for a strong team culture of shared learning, innovation and problem solving. 
• Willingness to travel in northern Idaho up to 25% of one’s time.  
• Possessing a valid driver's license and a working motor vehicle for use during performance of duties (where necessary, mileage reimbursement will be provided).
• The ability to meet the qualifications necessary to obtain a federal security clearance for working in close alignment with NRCS, including, but not limited to, fingerprinting and a background check.
• Must be based in northern Idaho (Kootenai, Bonner, Latah, Boundary, and Benewah Counties) and/or within 30 miles of the NRCS service center in Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint, Coeur d’Alene, Plummer, Moscow, or Lewiston. 
• Must possess a strong working knowledge of agricultural landscapes and issues in the Pacific Northwest.

Education & Experience 

• Strong background in agriculture, conservation, soil science, or environmental science and at least three years’ experience that includes the application of techniques, principles, and methods from a variety of agricultural and natural resource fields, OR
• A BA or BS degree in soil conservation, agronomy, soil science, agriculture, agricultural education, agricultural engineering, or a similar degree that has had a significant focus on agricultural production. 

Working Conditions

• This job primarily operates in a teleworking or professional office environment when not traveling to engage with agricultural producerRegular travel throughout northern Idaho (up to 25%)
• Occasional travel throughout the Pacific Northwest