- 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.