Southeast Implementation Specialist - Tennessee

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

Through a Pilot Umbrella Agreement (PUA) partnership with the Tennessee Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Tennessee based Southeast Implementation Specialist helps farmers, landowners, and other program participants with technical assistance, implementation of conservation practices and participation in Farm Bill and other conservation programs. 

Position Summary

The Tennessee based Southeast Implementation Specialist will provide technical assistance to farmers, landowners, and partners. This technical assistance includes a wide range of programmatic, agronomic, and engineering practices and may vary by farm or operation. Work may also include farmer engagement and supporting farmers with identifying and overcoming impediments to practice adoption and implementation.

Duties and responsibilities 

• Provide technical and administrative support, recommendations, and implementation assistance on Farm Bill and other conservation programs and projects to farmers, landowners, and partners. 
  • Conduct conservation planning, application and eligibility support, status reviews, case file management, and general administrative activities. 
  • Practice adoption and implementation: field investigations, topographic site surveying, practice analysis and design, layout, construction inspection, and development of as built plans.
  • Develop and compile extensive notes on all interactions with farmers to properly document support and progress towards contract completion and contribute to the maintenance of program contract file folders. 
• Work with farmers to compile necessary data for contract completion and assist field and area office staff with contacting program applicants for data collection. 
• Assist NRCS in identifying clients who may need additional support to implement practices, for targeted intervention and assistance.
  • Establish direct contact with farmers with existing financial assistance contracts with NRCS and work with the farmers to identify impediments to project completion. 
  • Deliver technical assistance and practice implementation guidance based upon NRCS specifications to ensure final conservation practices meet the appropriate practice standards. When unable to provide the necessary assistance, identify and connect the farmer with appropriate resources.
  • Identify areas where practice implementation within an existing contract is not feasible and communicate the situation and need for contract modifications to NRCS.
• As needed work with AFT and NRCS staff to create opportunities to engage farmers and increase farmer preparedness for conservation planning, program participation, practice adoption and or land protection. 
• Work with AFT’s National Agricultural Land Network (NALN) to provide content and assist with programs that support agricultural land protection professionals.
• Work with AFT staff to identify support needs from eligible entities and assist with capacity building to efficiently develop and complete agricultural conservation easement projects. 
• Attend meetings and training with AFT, NRCS and other partners for professional development and to learn, gather data, and record information. 
• Maintain records of work accomplishments for reports related to all agricultural programs and assistance. 

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.

• At least 7 years of professional experience, working on farms or in land stewardship or land management positions. 
• A college degree in a directly related field may be substituted for up to 4 years of work experience.
• Excellent customer service, communication (meeting facilitation, phone, writing, partner relations), and interpersonal, record keeping, and task management skills.
• A deep working knowledge of agriculture, conservation, and an understanding of the culture of farmers and farming. 
• A proven track record of implementing or assisting with the implementation of conservation practices. 
• Experience with NRCS funded conservation practices is especially valuable but not required. 
• The ability to develop relationships with diverse groups and support them in achieving their goals, ideally in a farming or land management context. 
• Ability to see the big picture while being incredibly detail oriented.
• Success in roles requiring simultaneous management of multiple priorities and processes under tight timelines is important. 
• Proven ability to work with efficiency, flexibility, and good humor. 
• A valid US driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
• Passion and belief in American Farmland Trust’s mission and impact.

Working Conditions

• This position is hybrid, meaning your AFT office will be home-based, but you will have an assigned NRCS duty location. The position involves regular field work and site visits with farmers and landowners as well as weekly meetings and work sessions with NRCS staff. This may involve local and regional day travel on a frequent basis to execute the job functions. 
• Continued employment is contingent upon meeting the following requirements:
  • Successful completion of a federal background check during the initial months of employment. 
  • Achieve NRCS Engineering and Ecological Sciences Job Approval Authority (EJAA/ESJAA) for practice certification and checkout of conservation activities within twelve months of employment.
  • Earn at least 80% of the Tennessee NRCS Level 1 Conservation Planner certification within twelve months of employment.
• Occasional work in the evenings or on weekends may be required to meet deadlines.
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers and phones. 

Degree of Supervision Given

This position has no supervisory responsibility.

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.