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 agricultures most pressing needs and opportunities.

AFT is a bridge-builder, collaborating with farmers and conservation groups to develop practical solutions to protect farmland and the environment. We work from the kitchen table to the Congress tailoring solutions that benefit farmers and communities and include a network of field offices across America where farmland is at risk. In 1998, AFT established its Pacific Northwest Regional Office, a region covering Washington, Oregon, and Idaho that is home to some of the most productive and threatened farming regions in the country.

The Pacific Northwest Agricultural Stewardship Program Manager (Manager) position offers an exciting opportunity to lead and manage expansion of the conservation stewardship program in the Pacific Northwest for a growing, forward-looking conservation organization. This mid-level professional will work with Pacific Northwest Regional Director, along with a growing team of professionals across America focused on emerging strategies that engage farmers in adopting sound farming practices to protect water quality, respond to the growing impact of climate change, and achieve other environmental benefits from well-managed farmland.

The Manager will build and maintain relationships with farmers as well as state and federal agencies, agricultural service providers, conservation leaders, and others to develop and implement strategies to facilitate adoption of conservation practices on farmland. Specific activities will include developing engaging educational programs for farmers and landowners, facilitating and promoting on-farm demonstration projects, fostering partnerships and collaborations, developing public education materials, and supporting media outreach to highlight key activities and stories of impact. The Manager is a full time (37.5 hours/week) position. The position can either be based out of AFTs Seattle office or telework. It requires frequent travel throughout the Puget Sound region of Washington and occasional travel to other regions of Washington State, Oregon, and Idaho.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Working directly with farmers and farmland owners to improve natural resource conservation management and its practical application to farmland;
• Build, facilitate, motivate, and coordinate partnerships with a diverse network of agricultural and conservation professionals including farmers, farmland owners, agricultural leaders, partner organizations, public agencies in the region and federal, state and local governments;
• Engage with stakeholders to identify barriers, create common ground solutions, and develop, fund, and implement projects that further the adoption of best management practices and projects including, but not limited to, soil health, water quality, soil conservation, climate change resiliency, nutrient management, and conservation planning.
• Assist in the development of programmatic logic models and natural resource conservation planning, and provides project management;
• Represent AFT at public meetings, field days, and natural resource educational events;
• Assist with the development of compelling proposals to secure funds for priority projects and provides input on reporting to funders and AFT leadership
• The Manager will work with the Pacific Northwest Director to develop annual program and budget goals. Annual evaluations will be based on achievement of specific performance benchmarks.
• Lastly, have fun in your job!

The Manager must be entrepreneurial and a capable problem solver. They must be highly motivated with strong interpersonal skills. Excellent communication skills (phone, public presentation, writing, partner relations) and creativity are essential. Direct professional experience working with farmers, farmland owners, state and federal agencies, conservation districts, conservation organizations and others is strongly preferred.

Previous on-farm experience or related agricultural sectors is also preferred. Previous experience or willingness to learn agricultural conservation planning and implementation issues and techniques is required.

A BA or BS degree and a minimum of 5 years of related work experience in agriculture, environmental management, or natural resource planning. An advanced degree in one or more of the disciplines noted may substitute for two years of work experience.

• Project and budget management experience a must.
• Fundraising experience necessary.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to foster effective partnerships with Extension educators, conservation districts, USDA and state agency personnel, farmers, landowners and others is highly valuable.
• Experience with public outreach, community engagement, and communications are preferred.
• Facility with the Microsoft Office Suite is required additional experience with social media is preferred.

Please submit a cover letter with resume for consideration.

American Farmland Trust provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, 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 the organization has 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.