Farmland Conservation Associate

Connecticut Farmland Trust Published: January 27, 2020
Location
Hartford, Connecticut
Skill Level
Entry Level
Job Type
Part-time
Categories
Farm / Organics / Natural Resources/ Restoration / Planning / Land Use

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Description

~ Connecticut Farmland Trust (CFT) is a nationally accredited farmland conservation organization. CFT is the only nonprofit land trust in Connecticut dedicated to the protection of family farms. ~

Since its founding in 2002, the land trust has protected more than 3,900 acres of farmland and has helped its partners protect over 1,100 additional acres.

CFT is partnering with the Connecticut Department of Agriculture to implement two exciting programs to help farmers across the state: the Farmland Preservation Program (FPP) and Connecticut Farmlink. FPP helps farmers permanently protect their land from non-agricultural development with agricultural conservation easements. CT FarmLink connects people who own farmland with beginning farmers seeking land to lease or buy.

Position Overview

Connecticut Farmland Trust (CFT) is seeking a detail-oriented, self-motivated team player with a passion for food and farming to join our team. The Farmland Conservation Associate will assist with two of CFT’s core programs: the Farmland Conservation Program and the Connecticut Farmlink program.

The Farmland Conservation Associate will work with the Executive Director and Conservation Coordinator. The position is located in Hartford, Connecticut. The position is approximately 20 hours a week; however, it may increase to 40 hours a week in the next several months. his position will run from January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020, with the potential of a one-year extension starting in July 2020 for exceptional candidates.

Note: This is an entry-level position with room for growth. Candidates of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Farmland Preservation Program Responsibilities:

  • Work closely with CFT’s state and federal partner agencies to assist in implementing the Farmland Preservation Program.
  • Assist farmers in completing applications for state and federal farmland conservation programs.
  • Communicate with farmers about the state and federal conservation programs.
  • Prepare and revise GIS maps for farmland conservation projects.
  • Coordinate due diligence for conservation projects, including contracting surveys and appraisals; preparing Baseline Documentation Reports; requesting Conservation Plans, Forest Management Plans, and other required land management plans; coordinating any other requirements of state or federal programs or other funding partners.
  • Collaborate with state and federal agencies, towns, local land trusts, and other funding partners.

Farmlink Responsibilities:

  • Post current educational materials on farmland access, farmland restoration, and farmland transfer on the CT FarmLink website.
  • Respond to and conduct outreach to farmland owner and farm seeker inquiries through CT Farmlink.
  • Manage the CT Farmlink website and orchestrate connections between farmland owners and farm seekers through the website.
  • In coordination with CT Department of Agriculture, conduct outreach and site visits to farmland owners and farm seekers.
  • Organize and present outreach events with towns, community groups, and farm owners to promote Farmlink program.
  • Coordinate joint efforts with other Farmlink programs in New England.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

  • A passion for working with farmers and preserving farmland in Connecticut.
  • Strong written and verbal abilities and experience with professional communications (phone, email, letters, etc.).
  • Familiarity with topics such as land use, land conservation, farmland access, real estate law, regional land use planning, conservation planning, farming, food systems, and related issues.
  • Public speaking skills, including giving presentations to a variety of audiences and one-on-one interactions with farmers and members of the public.
  • Ability to work independently with little supervision.
  • Fastidious attention to detail; strong organizational skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple project timelines at once.
  • Ability to conduct outdoor field assessments in a variety of weather conditions and comfort in remote outdoor settings.
  • Frequent travel to farms and events requires the possession of car and a valid driver’s license. Employees are reimbursed for mileage.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in planning, agriculture and natural resources, environmental studies, or a related conservation field.
  • Familiarity with Connecticut and US agricultural policy.
  • Experience with GIS mapping software.
  • Experience with database software.
  • Experience working with land trusts or other conservation organizations.
  • Field skills including map reading, orienteering, using a GPS, etc.

Compensation

  • The pay is $18-$20/hour, depending on qualifications.
  • Part-time benefits include vacation and personal time.
  • Full-time benefits include health insurance, vacation and personal time, and a 5% retirement match.

To Apply

  • Please click "Apply" below to email a resume and cover letter.  
  • You must submit a professional cover letter with your resume to be considered.
  • No phone inquiries, please.

Note: Applications will be accepted until December 9, 2019, or until the position is filled.

CFT provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination against all employees and applicants for employment based upon race, color, sex, gender, religion, creed, national origin and ethnic origin, age, citizenship, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

When you apply for this position, please say you saw this job on Green Dream Jobs!!

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