Job DetailsLevel: ExperiencedJob Location: AFT Headquarters - WASHINGTON, DC 20006Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $70,000.00 - $75,000.00 Salary/yearWho 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 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.
Job purpose
Reporting to the Mid-Atlantic Deputy Director, the Mid-Atlantic Agricultural Resilience Associate works at the intersection of production, conservation, and farm viability on cropland across the region and actively collaborates and coordinates with AFT staff to help ensure that AFT’s programming is strategic, synergistic, efficiently-delivered, well-received, and impactful. This position is currently funded for a two-year term based on available funding. However, AFT is committed to the long-term success of this work and will actively pursue additional funding opportunities to support continued employment whenever possible.
Position Summary
As an integral part of the AFT Program team, the Mid-Atlantic Agricultural Resilience Associate implements existing AFT production, conservation, and farm viability projects on cropland in the three Mid-Atlantic states; help develop new programing that furthers AFT’s broader mission as it relates to agricultural resilience; and provides partnership and support to other organizations and efforts in the region related to agricultural resilience.
Duties and responsibilities
Core Program Implementation
Design, develop, and implement projects related to agricultural resilience that align with AFT’s mission, including soil health, water quality, farm viability, climate resilience, nutrient management, and conservation planning.
Implement multi‑state, funder‑supported projects that advance advanced soil health management systems, including cover cropping, reduced tillage, and whole‑farm soil health planning, with a focus on cropland systems across the Mid‑Atlantic region.
Coordinate and support delivery of in‑person and/or hybrid Advanced Soil Health Trainings for farmers and technical assistance providers, including logistics, partner coordination, curriculum support, and participant engagement.
Support the establishment, coordination, and ongoing functioning of farmer‑led mentor networks, including onboarding participants, supporting peer engagement, and tracking participation and progress.
Planning, Technical Assistance & Practice Adoption
Support farmers and mentor network participants in the development and implementation of Soil Health Management Plans (SHMPs), including coordination with partners providing technical assistance and soil health assessments.
Assist farmers in identifying and accessing cost‑share, incentive, or other funding programs to support implementation of soil health and conservation practices.
Provide expertise on climate resilience and risk mitigation strategies available to farmers through production, conservation, and business practices.
Partnership & Network Development
Build and maintain strong working relationships with farmers, farmer‑advisors, conservation organizations, universities, and state and federal agencies across Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
Coordinate project activities with a diverse group of partners, including technical assistance providers, farmer organizations, and research partners, ensuring roles, timelines, and deliverables are aligned.
Represent AFT at regional meetings, trainings, conferences, and learning exchanges related to soil health, agricultural resilience, and conservation practice implementation.
Data Collection, Reporting & Learning
Support data collection associated with project deliverables, including tracking training participation, mentor network engagement, soil health planning completion, and practice implementation progress, in coordination with project partners.
Contribute to interim and final project reporting by synthesizing participation, outputs, and qualitative outcomes for internal learning and external funder requirements.
Work collaboratively with Communications staff to share project impacts, lessons learned, and farmer stories internally and externally.
Organizational & Strategic Contributions
Bring a creative, solutions‑oriented lens to project design and implementation, translating funded proposals into effective work plans, timelines, and budgets.
Assist the Mid‑Atlantic Director and Deputy Director with fundraising and proposal development by contributing to concept development, budgets, work plans, and partner coordination.
Support a strong, collaborative team culture and ensure regional work is integrated with AFT’s national strategies and initiatives.
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
Must be outgoing and energetic and have direct professional experience working on or with farms and agricultural issues in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Must have significant knowledge of and experience with one or more of the following: agriculture, climate, soil health, conservation, or farm viability. Must be able to work closely with farmers and agriculture organizations as well as environmental organizations, universities and other research institutions, and state/federal government agencies.
Be comfortable interacting with farmers, advocates and partner organizations.
Work history of developing and implementing effective programs and projects.
Demonstrated project implementation skills and experience working in diverse teams of individuals, peers, and partners.
Demonstrated experience and success in fundraising a plus.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Must be highly motivated with strong interpersonal skills.
Must bring a collaborative, outgoing, professional, and innovative approach to tackling these issues.
Ability to deliver high quality work in a dynamic organization under time pressure.
Ability to travel throughout the Mid-Atlantic region including occasional overnight trips.
Education & Experience
BA or BS degree and a minimum of 5 years of related work experience in agriculture, climate, soil health, conservation, farm viability, or corporate sustainability. An advanced degree in one or more of the disciplines noted may be substituted for up to 2 years of experience.
Working Conditions/Travel
Occasional travel throughout the region, with modest travel outside the region for organizational meetings and programs.
This position is remote and based in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania or the District of Columbia.
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.
Direct reports
This position has no management responsibility.
Compensation
American Farmland Trust offers excellent vacation, medical, retirement and other benefits. The salary range for this position is from $70,000 to $75,000 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.
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
To be considered, applicants must submit a resume, a cover letter explaining why they are the right fit for both AFT and this role and complete all screener questions. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Apply Directly Here: Agricultural Resilience Associate
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. Please see AFT’s statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice.
