Career Opportunities from American Farmland Trust
Midwest Program Manager
The Midwest Program Manager position offers an exciting opportunity to help carry out the strategic agenda of a growing, forward-looking conservation organization. S/he will have the opportunity to work across teams within AFT’s Midwest Region, as well as with external partners including farmers, landowners, and agricultural professionals.
The Midwest Program Manager takes an active role in defining the regional program strategy and developing related work plans to increase on-farm adoption of conservation cropping systems. This includes providing leadership for AFT’s role in the Illinois Cover Crop Initiative and Saving Tomorrow’s Agriculture Resources, and identifying additional opportunities in the Upper Midwest. The Program Manager reports to the Midwest Deputy Director. While this is a remote-based position, the selected candidate must reside in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, or Wisconsin, or relocate to one of the listed states within 4 months of starting the position.
American Farmland Trust pays salaries that are competitive with nonprofits of our budget size, and offers meaningful vacation, medical, retirement and other benefits. Salary range is from $70,000 to $75,000. Salary is negotiable based upon experience.
Midwest Conservation Technician – Vermillion Headwaters Watershed
The Conservation Technician position offers an exciting opportunity to increase adoption of conservation cropping systems to achieve water quality improvements. This position is being funded through a three-year grant received from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), though AFT can offer extended employment for “commendable and outstanding” work.
Under the supervision of the Midwest Program Manager, the selected professional will work collaboratively with staff of the Livingston and Ford Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service to engage farmers in adopting sound farming practices that reduce nitrogen loss. Activities include direct outreach to farmers and landowners within the Vermilion Headwaters Watershed; developing conservation plans to address soil and water resource concerns; and assisting with application, contracting, and implementation of Farm Bill Programs. Travel will be required from the Pontiac office to areas within the project area. Additional travel within the state may be required. Annual mileage is estimated at 5,000 miles. Mileage and related expenses are reimbursable.
American Farmland Trust pays salaries that are competitive with nonprofits of our budget size, and offers meaningful vacation, medical, retirement and other benefits. Salary range is from $45,000 to $50,000. Salary is negotiable based upon experience. This job is a result of the NFWF grant and the grant will be the sole compensation for this position.