Job Description

Level: Experienced
Job Location: Remote in New Hampshire - Keene, NH 03435
Position Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $66,000.00 - $68,000.00 Salary/yearJob Purpose
The Conservation Implementation Specialist (Specialist) provide technical assistance to farmers, ranchers and other landowners through implementation of conservation practices, acting in partnership and support of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Position Summary
The Conservation Implementation Specialist provides technical assistance to support a wide range of agronomic and engineering practices, including but not limited to assistance with finding additional funding, referring farmers to and/or consulting other technical experts, researching and providing recommendations for appropriate contractors, finding supplies or specialized equipment, coordinating with other government entities ,certifying practices and facilitating communication between contractors, farmers and NRCS staff.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Communications: using a variety of methods (e-mail, phone, or traveling to the farm) establish direct contact with farmers with existing financial assistance contracts with NRCS.
- - Collaborate with the farmers to identify barriers to project completion, including ensuring producers understand their contract requirements.
- - Where possible, furnish technical assistance directly. 
- - Identify any additional sources of assistance and connect the farmer with those external sources.
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- - - Curate the contact list of service providers and contractors across the state for reference in aiding farmers with contract completion.
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- Identify areas where practice implementation within the existing contract requirements is not possible and communicate the situation and need for contract modifications to NRCS.
- - Aid in the interpretation and layout of practices, assisting with and checking on projects in progress and certification assistance of completed practices (as needed and directed by NRCS staff).
- NRCS records management: Maintain extensive notes on all interactions with farmers to properly document support and progress towards contract completion.
- - Work with farmers to compile necessary data (records required for practice certification) to move towards contract completion.
- Precontract Consultation and Planning assistance: Support NRCS staff and farmers with assessments,  planning, data collection, and communications.
- - Including but not limited to initial site visits and producer interviews, resource concerns assessments, mapping, photo documentation, and other surveys.
- - Planning assistance such as Environmental Compliance, contract reviews and CART- as directed by NRCS
- - Recommendations as needed for conservation practices, systems design et al.
- AFT deliverables: Assist in maintaining workload metrics with information from contracts for needed follow-up, and in conducting some basic functions of the follow-up schedule.
- - Maintain records of work accomplishments for reports related to all agricultural programs.
- - Establish and maintain program and contract files and documents for program delivery and documentation.
- Attend relevant AFT and NRCS meetings and training courses to learn, gather data and share information where appropriate.
This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities. Management reserves the right to revise the job or to request other or different duties be performed as assigned.

Qualifications
- At least 7 years of professional experience, working on farms or in land stewardship or land management positions.
- - A college degree in a directly related field may be substituted for up to 4 years of work experience.
- A proven track record of implementing or assisting with implementation of conservation practices.
- Experience with NRCS funded conservation practices is especially valuable, but not required.
- Proven track record in developing relationships with others and supporting them in achieving their goals, ideally in a farming or land management context.
- Ability to see the big picture while being incredibly detail oriented. 
- Success in roles requiring simultaneous management of multiple priorities and processes under tight timelines is important. 
- Ability to work with efficiency, flexibility, and good humor.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide array of people – junior and senior, for-profit, and nonprofit, and from diverse backgrounds.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
- A deep working knowledge of agriculture or conservation and an understanding of the culture of farmers and farming.
- A valid US driver’s license and access to reliable transportation. 
- Passionate about American Farmland Trust’s mission and impact. 
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Working Conditions
- This is a fully remote position based in MA working out of a home office, with some regular to occasional time expected working in an NRCS District Office.  
- Occasional work in the evenings or on weekends may be required to meet deadlines.  
- Completion of a federal background check during the initial months of employment is required for this role and continued employment is contingent on successful completion of this background check.
Travel
- Travel includes visiting diverse farms and farmers to execute the job functions.
- Travel to NRCS Field offices and the State Office
- Travel to training field sites and office locations, meeting and event venues
Field-Based Work: Environment, Risks, and Safety Expectations
This position requires regular fieldwork outside of a traditional office setting, often in agricultural, rural, or public locations such as farms, ranches, worksites, and other remote or community environments. Fieldwork may include a mix of planned and unplanned tasks, often requiring flexibility and adaptability based on weather, schedules, and site conditions, which can vary widely by location, season, and activity. Staff may be expected to carry or use basic field equipment, follow site-specific protocols, and work in close coordination with partners and stakeholders.
Fieldwork may also involve collecting and documenting observations, engaging with community members, and supporting project activities in diverse settings. This work may require travel between sites, extended time outdoors, and working independently or with small teams, sometimes with limited access to immediate support or resources. In the field, staff may be exposed to hazards such as extreme weather, uneven terrain, wildlife, limited cell service, livestock or heavy equipment, chemicals, and travel between remote sites. Additionally, this role may include occasional interactions with landowners or members of the public where beliefs or viewpoints may differ, requiring clear, respectful communication and professional judgment.
American Farmland Trust is committed to supporting staff safety and well-being, particularly for roles that include field-based work. AFT provides training, clear expectations, and resources to help staff navigate these conditions safely and effectively and encourages open communication about any needs or concerns, so appropriate support or accommodation can be provided.
Degree of Supervision Received 
General Direction: The incumbent exercises wide latitude in determining objectives and approaches to critical assignments.
Supervisory Responsibility
This position has no supervisory responsibility.
Compensation
American Farmland Trust offers excellent vacation, medical, retirement and other benefits. The salary range for this position is from $66,000 to $68,000 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)
- 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.
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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
To be considered applicants must submit a resume, a cover letter explaining what they are a right fit for both AFT and this role. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Directly Apply Here: Conservation Implementation Specialist