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California Conservation Technician

Employer
American Farmland Trust
Location
Sacramento County, California, US
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Oct 29, 2021

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Sector
Consultancy/Private Sector
Field
Conservation science, Informatics / GIS
Discipline
Genetics
Salary Type
Salary
Employment Type
Full time
About Us

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.

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.

Reporting to the California Climate and Agriculture Program Manager, the California Conservation Technician works to engage farmers in adopting sound farming practices capable of protecting environmental quality and responding to the growing impacts of climate change. This role contributes through conservation planning, technical assistance, outreach, and resource development supporting farmland conservation and stewardship projects in the agricultural regions in California.

This position is preferably based out of the Sacramento office. A remote teleworking environment may be accommodated if based in the San Joaquin Valley where a significant portion of the work will take place. Travel required for this position is approximately 20%; primarily local depending on location of residence.

What You'll Be Working On

As an integral member of the AFT Regional Programs team, the California Conservation Technician builds and maintains relationships with farmers and non-operating farmland owners 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, and:
  • Performs outreach to farmers, landowners, agencies, and community organizations to alert and enroll them in free conservation planning services.
  • Engages in one-on-one outreach and assistance to 30 farmers each year, resulting in signed conservation activity plans.
  • Works closely with individual landowners to evaluate the on-farm economic and environmental impact of prioritized soil and water conservation practices
  • Collects and analyzes on-farm data and publish agricultural education and extension materials
  • Works with AFT communications staff and others to create high-quality and compelling written products.
  • Organizes and hosts on-farm tailgates and demonstration events highlighting key practices and lessons learned from project participants.
  • Supports AFT California Regional staff efforts to identify potential projects for agricultural conservation easements and support applications.
  • Engages farmers, landowners, and other stakeholders in identifying barriers to conservation adoption and develop common sense, economically viable solutions to overcome such barriers.
  • Represents AFT at public meetings, field days, and educational events.
  • Performs administrative tasks such as budget monitoring, work planning and scheduling/minor office operations support and coordination.


The ideal candidate is passionate about the mission of AFT, entrepreneurial, highly motivated, relational, collaborative, a capable problem solver. is highly responsible with a strong sense of ethics and possesses:
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent communication skills (phone, public presentation, writing, partner relations) and creativity.
  • Strong people- and time-management skills with ability to be flexible and responsive to changing priorities.?
  • Direct professional experience working with farmers, farmland owners, state and federal agencies, resource conservation districts, agricultural and environmental organizations, and others.
  • Familiarity with central California watersheds and agricultural stewardship politics.
  • Practical experience in water resource management, soil health, 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.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Positive attitude in a challenging, dynamic work environment.
  • Ability to think creatively and strategically.
  • Ability to foster effective partnerships with Extension Educators, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, USDA and state agency personnel, farmers, landowners and others is highly valuable.
  • Experience with public outreach, community engagement, and communications are preferred.
  • Basic computer skills including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and remote meeting/presentation software.
  • Additional experience with ArcGIS is beneficial, though not required.

Education & Experience
  • Undergraduate degree in agriculture, natural sciences, environmental resource management, water resources, natural resource or related fields, preferred.
  • Professional experience working directly with farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural and environmental organizations and stakeholders is strongly preferred.
  • 3+ years of practical experience in agriculture-related natural resource management.
  • Working knowledge of production agriculture in California, natural resource conservation principles, agricultural best management practices, water management, conservation planning, and related issues.

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


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