Southeast Regional Intern

Summer 2024

Flexible/Remote (North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky, or Tennessee)

Description

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 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.

The Southeast Regional Program is a growing region for AFT with priorities in equitable land protection, land transfer support, conservation implementation, and resource development with a focus on Historically Underserved and small farm farmers and landowners. Learn more about our programs here: https://farmland.org/about/how-we-work/southeast/

What You’ll Be Working On

• Work with Southeast Regional Staff and Women for the Land Staff to support Learning Circle event logistics and preparation in the Southeast.
• Shadow Southeast Implementation Specialists in the field.
• Conduct interviews with farmers and landowners supported by Southeast staff to understand progress and impacts.
• Draft farmer/ landowner success stories and blog posts based on interviews conducted.
• Participate in in-person conferences and workshops in the Southeast as needed.
• Connect weekly with AFT staff to learn about their role and key projects.
• Connect bi-weekly with BIPOC led organizations in the Southeast to understand priorities and partnerships and advance equitable land protection and conservation.
• Attend regular Southeast Team meetings.
• Support programmatic evaluation and survey efforts as necessary.

• Assist with communications material development. 

Requirements

The Southeast Regional Intern should be highly motivated and able to manage multiple tasks with independence.  They should be personable and eager to work with diverse audiences and other clientele. The potential candidate should have knowledge skills and abilities in the following areas:

• Have some agriculture experience or education with understanding of agricultural conservation practices and programs  
• Strong compassion and empathy – Diversity Equity Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) training and/or experience and desire to drive positive DEIJ impact
• Both an independent and proactive worker and team member who will complete deliverables in both individual deliverable and broadly collaborative deliverable settings on time
• Flexible and willing to grow and contribute skills as needed to a growing and changing team 
• Experience with writing communications materials
• Ability to communicate in an engaging and clear manner to a variety of audiences 
• Highly organized with excellent communication skills and the ability to juggle, navigate, and deliver on time

Expectations 

• Experience working with diverse clientele. 
• Live within the region
• Interstate travel (up to 20%)

• Remote work environment 

Education & Experience

This internship is suited for an Undergraduate Student in a agriculture, natural resources, or related field.

AFT believes that diversity strengthens our community. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and strongly encourage applications from individuals:

• from racial and ethnic groups that have been underrepresented.
• with disabilities.
• who are/were Pell Grant-eligible in college.
• who are/were enrolled in Tribal Colleges and Universities, community colleges, Hispanic-serving institutions, or Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
• who identify as LGBTQ+.
• disadvantaged by life circumstances that have negatively impacted their educational opportunities.

Why Intern with Us?

As an intern with us, you'll be part of a dynamic team dedicated to advancing sustainable farming practices, addressing climate change, and more. Through mentorship, and engaging projects, we aim to empower interns to become leaders in the sustainable agriculture movement.

As an AFT intern you will:

• Gain hands-on experience and practical skills that will serve you well in your future career.
• Work closely with our team of experienced professionals who are dedicated to helping you succeed.
• Receive mentorship, designed to enhance your skills and knowledge.
• Play a vital role in projects that promote sustainability, environmental stewardship, and make a difference in the lives of farmers, consumers, and the planet.

Schedule & Compensation

AFT generally begins the recruiting process for an intern based on the following schedule:

• Summer internship positions are posted by February, for a start date after Memorial Day.
• Fall internships by April, for a start date after Labor Day.
• Spring internships by October, for a start date between New Year’s Day/ February 1^st. 

Each internship cycle is approximately 8-10 weeks in duration. Schedules will vary and are flexible around students’ schedules with an average weekly commitment of 20-37.5 hours, depending on project needs.

AFT interns are compensated based on academic program level (undergraduate/graduate) the nature of the internship, required duties, and/or complexity of a designated project’s scope and outcomes. 

Who can Apply?

To be eligible for an AFT internship, students must be:

• Legally authorized to work in the US.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Enrolled in a degree-seeking program at an accredited college or university and possess at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

How to Apply for an Internship at AFT

If you're eager to make a difference in supporting farmers, communities and the environment while gaining valuable experience, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your interest in AFT’s mission to protect the land that sustains us, and how your skills and experiences align with the internship.

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.