Part Time Climate & Energy Solutions Implementation Specialist in MA
Job Description
Who We Are
American Farmland Trust (AFT) 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. Please see AFT’s statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice.
What You Will Do
As a Climate Solutions Implementation Specialist you will help farmers access and utilize the unprecedented new US government funding to implement conservation practices that have climate resilience and emissions mitigation benefits. You will bring your farming experience and understandings of climate solutions to support farmers in navigating USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs that provide financial incentives like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). In addition to doing outreach to support farmers in accessing programs, you also support farmers and other landowners who have already secured financial assistance in overcoming any barriers to implementing these practices. You will assist farmers with a wide range of agronomic and engineering practices by helping to find more funding, consulting other technical experts, finding supplies or specialized equipment, and coordinating with stakeholders. Climate Solutions Implementation Specialists also contribute to outreach and educational event planning to promote awareness and interest among the farming community in practices that have climate benefits. The ideal candidate will have existing connections within the farm community and will have experience working with a wide variety of farm types and with diverse populations. You will use your real-world experience on farms to provide actionable assistance to farmers seeking to implement conservation practices on their land.
You will work in a unique role, as an AFT employee on a team of Implementation Specialists working across Massachusetts in deep cooperation and frequent coordination with the funder, NRCS MA. The Climate & Energy Solutions Implementation Specialist will provide implementation assistance for energy management practices on farms, communicate with and attend meetings with NRCS and AFT staff in Massachusetts, and coordinate one on-farm event each year that demonstrates high-priority practices and provides advanced training opportunities related to energy systems implementation, siting consideration, anaerobic digesters and energy efficiency on farms. We are currently hiring three Climate Solutions Implementation Specialists who will work together as a team in Massachusetts, but also specialize and focus on specific topics. The other two positions are a Climate & Carbon Specialist, and a Climate & Water Specialist.
• Holidays: AFT observes eleven fixed holidays during the year (all offices closed) plus, a choice of up to three (depending on hiring month) floating holidays.
Timeline
While applications will be accepted and reviewed until the position is filled, applicants who apply by November 26th will be reviewed first.
Additional Related Positions in New England
This posting is one of several similar positions that will be filled within the next six months. Explore more opportunities with us as partners of NRCS to hire more Climate Solutions Implementation Specialists in New England. We are also currently recruiting for another Implementation Specialist position based in Western Massachusetts which will support implementation more broadly, without a specific focus on climate-related practices. We encourage you to review the related Implementation Specialist position and consider applying concurrently.
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.
How to Apply
This job has expired and cannot be applied to - try looking for more under 'Latest Jobs'