Senior Land Use and Protection Research Scientist (Fully Remote)
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 7 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, where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work every day.
The Position
The Senior Land Use and Protection Research Scientist will be part of the AFT National Land Use and Protection Research (LUPR) initiative. This position reports directly to the National LUPR Director. The successful candidate will lead new projects, contribute to ongoing LUPR activities, help pursue research funding, publish reports and articles, and participate in the development of LUPR personnel. Primarily, this position will serve as an agricultural data expert proficient in geographic information systems (GIS), land use and land cover change, and statistical methods that can best advance integrated agroecology. This position works at all spatial scales spanning individual parcels through nationwide landscapes. This work directly informs local and federal policymakers and stakeholders dedicated to agricultural conservation and protection.
Duties & Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
-
Pursue funding opportunities with academic, non-profit, government, and private partners
-
Conduct novel research focused on land use and the protection of agricultural lands
-
Develop and maintain supporting relationships
-
Publish and present research results as expected of a senior scientist
-
Coordinate data exchange with national, state, and local land protection and monitoring organizations
-
Provide support and staff training in the uses and limitations of GIS analyses
-
Utilize programming languages such as Python or R
-
Other duties as needed, such as strategic planning for short and long-term projects
-
Support a strong team culture of shared learning, innovation and problem solving among AFT staff.
Requirements:
- MS degree with 5+ years of documented research experience
- Competent using ESRI products (ArcPro, ArcGIS online)
- Expertise with querying data and integrating data flows using Python and ArcGIS
- Comprehensive knowledge of statistical methods used in land cover research
- Experience conducting spatial analyses with both raster and vector data
- Able to analyze and manage large tabular datasets and join to spatial data
- Experience coordinating personnel
- Documented relationships conducting research in coordination with federal, state, or local government
- Knowledge of and experience using datasets relating to agriculture and natural resources
Preferred Qualifications:
- PhD degree in land use-related discipline
- 3+ years of post-PhD research experience
- Prior experience using ArcGIS Online web tools such as StoryMaps
- A working knowledge of Google Earth Engine
- Evidence of successful fundraising
- Basic skills in graphic design
Timeline:
Applications must include a resume AND cover letter to be considered. This position will remain open until filled. Evaluations of applications will begin 5/1/24.
Compensation:
The salary range for this position is $85,000-90,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications. American Farmland Trust offers a full benefits package, including excellent vacation, medical, dental, retirement, and other benefits.
American Farmland Trust offers a complete benefits package:
-
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
-
Holidays: The Company observes eleven holidays during the year (all offices closed): plus, choice of 3 other floating holidays depending on hiring date
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
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.
