Senior Civil Engineer

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 

As an integral part of AFT’s Prosperity Partners consulting team, the Senior Civil Engineer (SCE) provides technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, landowners and others that advances conservation in agriculture and/or improves farm and ranch viability.  While significantly focused on delivery of services supported by NRCS, including its Technical Service Provider system, the SCE will also provide fee-for-service support outside of the NRCS framework to private clients.  This position, as AFT’s first engineering hire, will play a key internal leadership role in building out AFT’s engineering offerings, training and supporting colleagues, and designing the future of this work at AFT.  Additionally, this position has a key role in generating revenue in support of AFT’s programs. 

Duties and responsibilities 

The SCE performs a full range of project planning, design, contracting, and construction management functions on agricultural lands and associated projects across multiple states. While this position is deeply grounded in technical expertise and service, it also involves program management responsibilities. A collaborative working relationship with AFT technical field staff, other AFT staff, local, state, and federal agency personnel, private landowners, and other conservation partners will be an important aspect of the job.  They play a key role, with other senior members of the Farm & Ranch Services Division at AFT, in leading AFT’s fee-for-service consulting work. Specific duties include: 

Program management: 

• Engage prospective clients to help establish AFT’s portfolio of engineering products 

• Create standard operating procedures for all engineering products or services. 

• Build product descriptions and templates 

• Train other AFT field staff to conduct engineering field work, as appropriate. 

• Assist other program divisions in integrating engineering work into existing projects and programs at AFT. 

Engineering: 

• Prepare project scopes of work and budgets for engineering projects. 

• Develop topographic surveys, including collection of field survey data for design. 

• Develop, design, and prepare project plans, technical specifications, and cost estimates. 

• Help clients prepare bid documents, conduct pre-bid site conferences, and finalize contractor selection. 

• Conduct field inspections and perform construction management oversight. 

• Ensure that consultants and contractors adhere to project plans, specifications, and schedules. 

Fundraising & revenue generation: 

• Support the refinement of a business plan for AFT’s engineering work 

• Engage prospective clients to help establish AFT’s portfolio of engineering products 

• Both lead and support potential funding relationship development & management with NRCS, EPA, state agencies of agriculture, and producer groups 

• Help training and support other AFT staff to support the marketing, promotion, and scoping of engineering services 

• Proactively promote AFT’s engineering services with the goal of securing $200,000-in-fee for service contracts in FY 26 (ending September 30th, 2026) and $500,000 in-fee-for service contracts in FY27 (October 1, 2026-September 30, 2027). 

• Candidates must have at minimum, a B.S in Civil Engineering or an equivalent degree from an EAC/ABET accredited engineering program, be a registered/licensed professional engineer, have a minimum of 10 years of experience in civil engineering design, at least 5 of which must have been specifically engaged in engineering for projects focused on agricultural conservation or farm and ranch viability.  
• Candidates with a strong background in varied types of US agricultural settings, ecological restoration, and water resources will be viewed favorably. Experience with Autodesk Civil3D (or similar program), land surveying, and construction management and inspection is desired. Demonstrated oral & written communication skills are required, and multilingual skills are highly desired. Candidates must be self-motivated, goal-oriented, and able to solve problems while working in close team-based relationships.  

Working conditions, Travel & Physical Requirements 

While this role will be based remotely, and may perform work across the US, the initial focus in the northeast will require someone who is located in the northeast, preferably in southern New England (MA, CT, RI, or southern NH or southern VT).  While much of the work is computer-based from a home office location, on-site fieldwork is required.  The ability to travel to, and navigate around rough terrain (such as farmyards, plowed fields, or forested lands) in all kinds of weather is a necessity.  When required by a specific project, occasional (less than 25%) overnight, evening, or weekend work may be required. 

The SCE must have the ability to:  

• Perform the essential job functions consistently safely and successfully within the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.  

• Maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state, and local standards. 

• Communicate effectively with partners, stakeholders, and staff who have inquiries and must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. 

Degree of Supervision Received 

 The SCE operates under general supervision. They will have significant independence to perform their duties relative to specific projects. 

Degree of Supervision Given 

  The SCE will not supervise any staff, but will need to work with, and provide directions to colleagues working on engineering projects. 

Compensation

This position offers an annual salary of $105,000 - $120,000. 

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. Apply Directly here: Senior Civil Engineer

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.