Women for the Land Associate, New York

Description

Who We Are

American Farmland Trust 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 (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. 

Job purpose

Reporting to the Women for the Land Program Manager, the New York Program Associate supports and grows programs across New York state that assist women and historically underserved producers to identify and reduce barriers to improve the economic and environmental management of their land.

Position Summary
The New York Program Associate is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with women and historically underserved farmers and landowners as well as partner service providers to promote and implement strategies that engage producers in adopting sound environmental practices and reduces barriers to their success in agriculture.

Duties and responsibilities 

• Develop and support relationships with farmland owners and farmers, focusing on women and historically underserved populations, to accelerate the adoption of conservation practices on farmland in targeted areas of New York. 
• Facilitate and coordinate partnerships with a diverse network of agricultural and conservation professionals including AFT state and national staff, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and Farm Service Agency (FSA), New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs), Cooperative Extension, and others.
• Support women and historically underserved farmers in identifying opportunities for financial and technical assistance and assist in addressing on-farm challenges by consulting experts and facilitating communication between NRCS, SWCDs, FSA, and other stakeholders. When additional assistance is needed, connect farmers with appropriate external resources.
• Design and execute a series of experiential, facilitated small-group discussions (Learning Circles) about regenerative agriculture, land transition/preservation, farm viability, and technical resources for women and underserved producers to be successful.
• Participate in policy advocacy opportunities relevant to women and historically underserved populations in agriculture. This may entail grassroots efforts to recruit women farmers or landowners from the Women for the Land network to support AFT advocacy activities, as well as supporting the advancement of a policy position with implications for women in agriculture.  
• Coordinate with AFT’s communications team to actively promote work and build community support, identifying and assisting with storytelling opportunities through social media, blog posts, farmer profiles, newsletters, fact sheets, videos, and other mediums.
• Represent AFT at public meetings, field days, and educational events, and engaging with the community.
• Work with New York Program Managers to develop annual program and budget goals and provide input on funding proposals and reporting. 
• Participate in professional development and trainings as needed to stay current on the latest advancements in equity/inclusion, facilitation, and regenerative agriculture.
   

Qualifications

Education & Experience 

• BA or BS degree and a minimum of 3 years of related work experience in agriculture, environmental management, social science, policy, or natural resource planning. Additional work experience or an advanced degree in one or more of the disciplines noted may substitute for these requirements.
• Experience designing and facilitating professional development or other educational trainings, specifically with farmers, landowners and related stakeholders.
• 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 women landowners - is highly valuable. 
• An intellectual curiosity, understanding, and enthusiasm for AFT’s mission.  

Working Conditions/Travel

• This job operates primarily in a teleworking environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers and phones.
• This position visits farmers on their farm and interacts with partners at offices and meeting spaces.
• Occasional work in the evenings or on weekends may be required to meet deadlines. Preference is given to candidates located in eastern New York.
• Willingness to travel throughout New York up to 25% of one’s time.

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 opportunities 

 
Please answer the screener questions and be sure to include a resume AND cover letter to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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.