Horticulturist

This Horticulturist is responsible for the installation, care, and maintenance of plants, landscape features, and irrigation systems. Provides interpretation of botanical and horticultural subjects to the general public. May assist with landscape design and installation, and may be assigned propagation duties. Must be able to work one weekend day.

Duties and Responsibilities

Planting, watering, weeding, pruning, and fertilizing in areas of responsibility.
Working with Irrigation Tech on design, installation, and maintenance of irrigation systems.
Ensuring accurate accession records of the botanical collection within assigned areas of responsibility.
Interpretation of botanical and horticultural subjects to the general public.
Apply pesticides as needed, guided by Integrated Pest Management concepts.
Use and maintain hand and power tools.
May do landscape design and installation, and may be assigned propagation duties.
Participate in periodic plant sales, field trips, and off-grounds work.
Other duties may be assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Associate degree or Bachelor’s degree; four or more years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
Ability to read, understand, follow and enforce safety procedures
Ability to interpret and complete landscape plans
Basic computer software knowledge to include word processing, data base, and spreadsheet applications.
Knowledge of plant taxonomy and Sonoran desert region flora desirable
Must have access to mobile phone and familiarity with email

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Valid Arizona Driver’s License or ability to obtain
Satisfactory 39-month DMV report
ACLP certification required if one does not hold a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field
Holds or is willing to obtain an Arizona Pesticide Applicators License and become a Certified Arborist.

Working Conditions

Outdoor work environment including exposure to extreme temperatures, rain, dust, allergens, insects, wild animals, and sun
Must be able to move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move more than 60 pounds.

Program Manager, San Francisco Bay

The Program Manager, San Francisco (SF) Bay will support the SF Bay Program Director to sustainably grow the SF Bay Program in alignment with Audubon’s strategic plan and the Richardson Bay Audubon Center and Sanctuary’s (RBACS) engagement goals. The Program Manager will play a leading role in habitat restoration projects throughout the SF Bay Area, and will lead waterbird surveys and eelgrass mapping projects, most often with the use of a drone. Associated project work will include data analyses, reporting, and collaboration with partners in the field. This position will work closely with the California Director of Conservation and other conservation and policy staff to align SF Bay Program work with California and National priorities.

The Program Manager will also assist with RBACS operations, including but not limited to trail and gear maintenance, data entry and analysis, volunteer coordination support, and sanctuary management. This position will supervise staff, fellows and interns on fieldwork, bird identification, and native plant propagation.

Compensation:

$75,000– $85,000 / year
Essential Functions

Partner with the Program Director to grow the SF Bay Program strategically and sustainably.
Supervise Senior Coordinator, Community Science, overseeing the development of science -based engagement programming. Manage the Community Conservation Fellow and provide support on development of capstone project.
Lead drone-based surveys for waterbirds and eelgrass, analyzing project data and communicating results to local community, funders, and partners.
Lead the growth and development of on-the-ground habitat restoration projects in San Francisco Bay.
Work with Director, San Francisco Bay Program to drive funding opportunities that support conservation programing.
Seek new funding opportunities as well as write, manage, and track grants to support the Program.
Manage the annual closure of Richardson Bay for wintering waterbirds and facilitate community outreach.
Conduct academic, agency, and phone-based research to compile and analyze the best available information to support science-based advocacy.
Participate in public and coalition hearings and meetings.
Manage and grow the on-site native plant nursery to provide training for staff and volunteers, an earned revenue stream, and youth development.
Develop a comprehensive plant species guide to enable the creation of native plant demonstration garden.
Provide drone expertise to projects throughout the SF Bay Area as additional revenue for the SF Bay program.
Lead habitat monitoring for shorebirds, waterbirds, and endangered species as needed.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

5+ years’ experience and a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
Experience with ecological monitoring and restoration, specifically with birds, eelgrass, and California native lants.
Strong desire to lead & manage programs, staff and mentor fellows and interns in a complex suite of ongoing conservation programs.
Ability to work across projects to achieve programmatic goals and be attentive to detail with strong follow through.
Capacity to work both as part of a team and independently.
Flexible approach to scheduling and ability to anticipate upcoming needs, careful time management and punctuality.
Experience, organizational skills, and initiative working with volunteers and/or children (ages 4-18) to increase their ecological knowledge.
Comfortable working long hours in the field in adverse weather and on varying terrain.
Experience with Microsoft office suite including Excel.

Staff Research Scientist, Field Biologist and STEAM Education Specialist

The Division of Earth and Ecosystem Sciences (DEES) of the Desert Research Institute (DRI) is seeking a full-time Staff Research Scientist, Field Biologist and STEAM Education Specialist to assist with ecological research, STEAM education and communications based out of its Las Vegas, NV campus. The successful applicant will work with DRI research personnel within the Pereira Conservation Ecology Lab to support field work and data collection in natural resource management and planning, rare plant ecology, and conservation ecology. The applicant will be directly involved in all aspects of scientific research including greenhouse/lab experimental design, field project design, data collection and analysis, and report writing. Additionally, the applicant will assist in coordinating and overseeing seasonal technicians as needed. The Pereira Conservation Ecology Lab is also interested in science communication, bridging the gap between STEM and the arts to provide outreach and education for a broader audience. As a unique opportunity, this successful applicant will also work with the DRI STEM Education Program researchers and DRI Communications staff on community outreach, education projects, and social media support (approximately 20-30%). The goal of this hybrid position is to foster new partnerships and opportunities while providing expertise to multiple DRI programs.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited institution in biology, botany, or related STEM field

Demonstrated field experience including working in remote locations

Demonstrated skills in the implementation of field experiments and data collection

Ability to maintain data integrity, lab safety, and field safety standards

Strong oral and written communication skills; experience writing and/or contributing to reports

Experience in community outreach and/or education

Experience with social media development (i.e., video editing, photography, or graphic design)

Team player with diverse interests and abilities to adapt and learn new skills

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience working in the Mojave Desert/Desert Southwest

Previous experience in a greenhouse setting and/or an ecological laboratory

Previous experience with ecological experimental design

Previous experience in networking with community leaders and officials

Experience in community building (external and internal) / events

Familiar and comfortable with collaborating with individuals from range of disciplines and external partners from non-academic sectors.

Ability to disseminate scientific knowledge in simplified and easily comprehensible manner

Demonstrated leadership skills

Shoreline Scientist

The San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI) provides scientific support to communities, local government, and agencies to plan and implement resilient, ecologically-functional shorelines. We make scientific information accessible for decision-makers by bringing wetlands and estuarine ecology, geomorphology, sediment science, and landscape design to discussions on Bay shore planning. We write influential regional documents that inform stakeholders, such as the Adaptation Atlas and Sediment for Survival. We partner with local governments, community organizations, resource agencies, flood control districts, NGOs, wastewater districts, transportation agencies, land trusts, and others to develop strategies for shoreline adaptation with multiple benefits.

SFEI seeks a talented entry- or mid-level physical or natural scientist to join our team in the Resilient Landscapes Program.

The position offers an opportunity to work with an outstanding multidisciplinary team of scientists on innovative nature-based projects that help improve the resiliency of communities and wildlife to land use change and various aspects of climate change. We are looking for someone who can start immediately.
Position Description

The position consists of working on applied science projects in shoreline and bayland environments around San Francisco Bay including tidal ecosystem restoration, integrated planning with wastewater and transportation agencies, shoreline resilience mapping, regional monitoring, and climate-change adaptation planning in the Bay Area.

Bay Area location preferred, but will consider remote location.

Primary position responsibilities will include:

Investigating historical, contemporary, and future fluvial and tidal hydraulic and sediment processes.

Advancing landscape-scale conservation and adaptation planning using a quantitative approach.

Collaborating to synthesize information from interdisciplinary teams, including community-based organizations, technical advisors, and agency partners.

If you are excited about this role, but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this, or one of our other roles.
Qualifications

We seek highly creative and technically-strong candidates with expertise in the ecology of tidal wetland ecosystems (or related fields) and knowledge of San Francisco Bay.
Required Experience:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a related field (e.g., geomorphology, ecology, hydrology, environmental science, environmental planning, landscape architecture, geology, geography, etc.).

For candidates with a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience is required.

Required Skills:

Strong scientific and technical background, quantitative skills, a background in GIS, and the ability to synthesize information for diverse audiences.

Excellent communication skills, including the ability to convey findings clearly in writing and presentations.

Demonstrated experience in concurrently managing multiple projects and tasks, maintaining organizational efficiency, and balancing priorities and deadlines.

Preferred Skills:

Knowledge of San Francisco Bay tidal ecosystems or dynamics.

Project management experience, including the ability to lead projects and manage budgets, schedules, and deliverables.

Experience in community-based planning and facilitating discussions with diverse stakeholder groups.

In addition, the candidate should have expertise or experience in some of the following areas:

Sea-level rise vulnerability and adaptation

Geomorphic and hydrologic/hydraulic processes

Relationships between hydrogeomorphic and ecological dynamics in riverine and tidal ecosystems

Groundwater processes

Numerical modeling (e.g., hydrologic, hydraulic, water quality, groundwater flow)

Geospatial or geostatistical analyses

Wastewater management

Landscape change and historical ecology

Wetland monitoring and assessment

Ecosystem services (e.g., flood protection, heat island effect reduction, or human health benefits)

Landscape-scale conservation and restoration

Graphic design using Adobe tools or similar desktop publishing software

Data visualization using Adobe tools (Illustrator, Indesign, Photoshop), AutoCAD, Rhino, or similar software

Research Senior Technician

The Research Senior Technician will conduct and assist with Lake Erie fisheries research and assessment at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources – Division of Wildlife’s Sandusky Fisheries Research Station. Duties will include completing field surveys (e.g., trawling, gillnetting, electrofishing), collecting and processing of biological and physical/chemical samples, writing technical summaries of work, and database management. The Research Technician will supervise the collection and processing of lower trophic level samples from April through September; this will include providing assistance and training to less experienced colleagues, and independently anticipating, recognizing, and solving routine issues, in addition to unusual or infrequent issues or questions. The Research Technician will also be responsible for coordinating with research partners at the Ohio State University and the Lake Erie Committee’s Forage Task Group to maintain the lower trophic database. The Research Technician will be responsible for designing and implementing a fisheries research project on a relevant Lake Erie management topic as determined by DOW staff, to include data collection and/or management, statistical analyses, presentations to professional and stakeholder audiences, preparation of final reports and scientific manuscripts, and publication in peer-reviewed journal/s. The Research Technician will assist with other duties as assigned that may include: collaboration and field assistance with partner agencies and NGOs; maintenance and repairs to laboratory, office, research vessels, sampling equipment, trailers, buildings, and grounds; data entry, review, and editing completed forms and electronic files; responding to public information requests.

The Research Technician will report directly to ODNR-Wildlife staff at the Sandusky Fisheries Research Station, as well as provide field support to researchers with the Ohio State University’s Aquatic Ecology Laboratory. Employment is for a period of one year, with a one-time extension of up to one additional year, pending the results of an annual employee review.

Please note that this employee will be working in Sandusky, OH. No housing is provided.

Required: Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries, Aquatic Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field. Two years of fisheries sampling and vessel operating experience is required. Experience using and maintaining fisheries sampling equipment, such as gill nets, trawls, electrofishing, and water quality sampling equipment; experience operating and working on boats; basic statistical and data management skills; demonstrable written and verbal skills; demonstrable ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Desired: Master’s degree in a Natural Resources-related field. Ohio’s Boater Education Certificate. Experience operating or maintaining boats; experience using software like R, R Studio, Arc GIS, Survey 123, Access, and the Microsoft Office Suite; experience presenting scientific research to general and professional audiences in verbal and written forms.

Conservation Specialist

Want to join a great team? Love to work outdoors? Excel at problem solving with limited supervision? If so, the Planning & Conservation Department has an opening for one (1) Full Time Employee. This full time, 40 hour per week position has a starting salary range of approximately $54,768-$72,591, C42.

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY

Position provides technical and professional assistance in the field of soil and water conservation.
Though not all inclusive, responsibilities include the planning, design, installation, documentation, and the tracking necessary for the implementation of a variety of local, state, and federal conservation programs.
Plans, organizes, and performs tasks for the Planning & Conservation Department of a technical nature which involve the development, implementation and monitoring of non-point pollution sources within Sheboygan County. Works with landowners to assess non-point pollution problems and make appropriate recommendations for water quality improvements. Develop county and state cost share agreements with eligible landowners in accordance with the objectives of the Sheboygan County Land and Water Resource Management Plan. Prepare conservation BMP designs. Assist with the annual Sheboygan County tree sale.
Helps select and order species from nurseries and helps set up and organize the event.
Assists with the County’s Aquatic Invasive Species efforts.
Some significant work experience in conservation, preferably relating to natural resources, and an associates’ degree or better in natural resources, planning, or a related field; or some other combination of work experience and education which demonstrates to a similar degree the ability to perform the essential requirements of the position at a high level.
The ability to lift 50 pounds, use powered hand-tools, and working in weather is required. Experience in working with computer and data management systems. Proficiency with GIS and/or AutoCad Civil 3D or equivalent. Experience with SNAP+, RUSLE2, WIN-HUSLE and BARNY (or other related modeling software) software platforms/models is highly desirable. Experience and working knowledge of current farm operations and ag management practices and a thorough understanding of soil science, agronomic, wetland and other environmental interactions is necessary.
Valid Driver’s License Required.

Sea Turtle Conservation Program-Associate Biologist

The Sea Turtle Conservation Program-Associate Biologist will support the completion of all activities as listed in the Marine Turtle Permit held by Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The incumbent will adhere to all policies outlined in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Marine Turtle Conservation Handbook, Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) Employee Handbook, CMA Sea Turtle Conservation Program Manual, and all city, state and federal regulations in a collaborative effort to complete FWC-authorized activities each sea turtle nesting season. The primary responsibility of this position is to contribute to the completion and documentation of sea turtle nesting surveys, including, but not limited to, locating evidence of all nocturnal and daytime nesting activity, nest marking, monitoring and evaluations within the survey area, and for regulatory projects, as they may apply, during the seasonal nesting season (April-October). The incumbent will also contribute to regular data entry and maintenance. The incumbent will be responsible for maintenance and storage of equipment, maintaining supply inventories, and communicating needs to the Supervisor. They will also be responsible for regular vehicle maintenance and cleanliness. Regular tasks may also include educating internal and external customers, public speaking, and participating in PR promotions. These job responsibilities will require the Biologist to maintain flexible working hours, be amenable to shifting priorities and other changes, and be able to adjust accordingly.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Assist with the daily completion of sea turtle nesting surveys within the survey area in compliance with FWC Marine Turtle Conservation Handbook, city, state and federal laws, and CMA policies (April-October)
Work with authorized personnel to complete all aspects of nesting surveys, including, but not limited to:
Identify and document all sea turtle nesting activities within the survey area
Mark all nest sites
Document all evidence of predation, human disturbance and nest hatching
Enter all data into Excel database
Once surveys are complete, communicate with municipal entities in a professional manner to allow mechanical beach cleaning to occur
Conduct nest evaluations
Assess and document all obstructed nesting attempts, and submit appropriate forms to FWC
Assess and document all disorientation events, and submit appropriate forms to FWC
Ensure the safe release of, or transport of hatchlings found within the survey area, as instructed by Supervisor, Senior Biologist and FWC
Assist with proper night monitoring of nests outfitted with restraining cages, silt screens, or any additional protection measures, as approved by FWC
Assisting with response to and documentation of sea turtle stranding events within the survey area
Assist with accurate data collection and database management
Assist with the completion of weekly escarpment surveys
Assist with the completion of all required reports by deadlines identified in the FWC Marine Turtle Permit, FWC Marine Turtle Conservation Handbook, and any contracts with Pinellas County or for regulatory projects
Assist with the training of volunteers and interns to locate, identify and document all sea turtle nesting activity within the survey area, to include pre-season and during-season training
Assist with the preparation of, and participate in, various educational outreach opportunities
Assist with the inventory and storage of all equipment and supplies needed for the Sea Turtle Conservation Program
Responsible for the safe operation of CMA vehicles while on the beach, and traveling to and from CMA
Assist with vehicle cleaning, maintenance, service transport and completion of vehicle inspections
Understand, enforce, and assist with the improvement of all standard operating procedures (SOPs) in the Sea Turtle Conservation Program
Assist with research projects as needed
Assist with the implementation of money generating programs involving the Sea Turtle Conservation Program
Assist various CMA departments by providing information for various media outlets, both in-house (CMA Facebook, blogposts, etc.) and for external outlets (TV, print, radio, etc.)
Must pass basic swim test annually
Perform other duties as needed

ADDITIONAL PREFERRED SKILLS:

Strong communication skills, both oral and written, and an ability to comfortably interact with the public on a regular basis
Be able to maintain positive working relationships with all internal and external entities, including, but not limited to, staff, volunteers, interns, and municipal, county, state and federal employees at all times
Capable of working in a high stress work environment
Experience with data entry and maintenance
Basic knowledge of MS Office, including Word, Excel, Power point and Outlook
Ability to work flexible schedule, including nights, weekends and holidays
Experience with the safe operation of four-wheel drive vehicles and all-terrain vehicles
Strong time management skills, with an ability to plan, organize, and prioritize multiple tasks at once
Be adaptable in a fast-paced environment
Self-motivated, confident and disciplined with excellent work ethic

Be able to work independently, as well as in a group setting

EDUCATION/PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possess, or be in the process of earning, a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Zoology, or related field
Must have a minimum of one season of experience, paid or unpaid, performing sea turtle nesting surveys in Florida
Preference may be given to candidates who have paid sea turtle nesting survey experience
Preference may be given to candidates who have documented multiple species of sea turtles
Must know and understand the FWC Marine Turtle Conservation Handbook
Must possess a valid driver’s license

Conservation and Outreach Assistant

The Conservation and Outreach Assistant at the Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter in Park City, Utah assists the Director of Conservation with a wide range of land management activities and projects on the 1,200 acre nature preserve. This person will assist with conservation and restoration efforts on the Preserve, lead volunteers, and communicate scientific and conservation focused topics to a wide audience.

This position is part-time (16-29 hrs per week), and will take place primarily during the week with occasional evening and weekend work.
This position will require increased hours during the summer field season with reduced hours from November-March.
Candidates with limited availability for winter hours are still encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Land Management and Habitat Restoration:

Implement and research diverse projects, including nest box monitoring, restoration plantings, trail camera deployment, fencing, signage, and noxious weed removal.
Lead volunteer groups in conservation projects, communicate with volunteers, and track volunteer impacts.

Communication:

Effectively communicate scientific topics to various audiences, including volunteers, project partners, trail users, youth program participants, and the general public.

Organizational Support:

Maintain tools, organize project supplies, and assist with the setup, tear-down, and hosting of special events at the EcoCenter.

Educational Activities:

Assist with guided Preserve tours, lectures, and Swaner’s Utah Master Naturalist: Watersheds course.
Lead seasonal interns and engage guests at community events.

Collaboration and Flexibility:

Assist Swaner’s staff and volunteers as needed, undertaking additional tasks and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field (environmental studies, biology, land management, ecology, geography, etc.).
Ability to communicate effectively in English
Valid Utah driver’s license to perform essential job responsibilities, such as driving university vehicles and transporting materials.
Must have access to reliable transportation to and from the work site.
Job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with volunteer management.
Experience in conservation, restoration, or land management.
Naturalist knowledge of Utah: birds, wildlife, geology, etc.
Knowledge of regional native plants and invasive weeds.
Experience with non-profit organizations or Universities.
Experience or familiarity with mapping software (Google Earth Pro, ArcGIS, etc.).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Land management, ecological restoration, volunteer management, or other related experience.
Works well in a team and comfortable with a flexible list of assignments.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to pleasantly interact with a wide variety of individuals.
Basic computer and math skills.
Ability to work occasional weekends and evenings.

Deputy Director of Policy and Management

We seek an individual with wildfire policy or management experience to serve as Deputy Director of Policy and Management for the Western Fire and Forest Resilience Collaborative. With generous support from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the Collaborative is working to address the western US fire crisis by bringing together scientists and decision makers to co-create and implement a long-term research program that advances the predictive science of fire ecology and forest resilience. The Collaborative is led by the Forest Futures Lab at Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies.

The Deputy Director will be responsible for developing and leading a stakeholder engagement and knowledge-transfer strategy. This strategy will successfully build a national community of practice with relevant stakeholders to understand their needs and to ensure the best science informs stewardship of western forests and fire. Stakeholders include: state and federal policy makers, state and federal agency employees, environmental advocacy groups, and boundary spanning organizations. The Deputy Director will also support the Director and lead scientists in setting the vision and strategy for the Collaborative’s administration and operations.

This position will report to the Collaborative Director Dr. Winslow Hansen and will supervise staff. Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is the world’s premier think tank on ecosystem science. It is a uniquely collaborative and welcoming institution. For additional information on the Western Fire and Forest Resilience Collaborative, visit westernfireforest.org. For additional information about Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, visit https://www.caryinstitute.org/.

Duration: This is a full time, exempt, fully benefited position. Salary is commensurate with experience ranging from $80,000 to $110,000 per year, plus a highly competitive benefits package. A start date in March, 2024 is preferred.

Location: The successful candidate could choose to work at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY, the lead institution of the Collaborative. They could also choose to be based at one of the Collaborative’s hubs, including UC Santa Barbara, UC Berkeley, UCLA, University of Colorado Boulder, or University of Washington. Remote work will be considered for exceptional candidates.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead the development of a stakeholder engagement and knowledge transfer implementation strategy to guide:

a. how the Collaborative identifies, cultivates, and nurtures relationships with key stakeholders in fire management and policy at state and federal levels.

b. how scientific insights from the research program are shared with management and policy partners.

c. how we measure success of the stakeholder engagement strategy.

2. Lead the execution of the plan in collaboration with Collaborative scientists producing the insights.

3. Work with the Director, Cary Institute administration, and Collaborative scientists to develop the vision and strategy for the operations and administration of the Collaborative.

4. Regularly interface with decision makers to represent the Collaborative. This will include when decision makers ask for input from the Collaborative and by organizing conveningings that engage decision makers around topics relevant to research activities.

5. Lead the interactions with key boundary spanning organizations to coordinate stakeholder engagement activities in ways that maximize the impact of our research on decision making.

6. Contribute to building foundation and federal support for Collaborative efforts, specifically representing policy and stakeholder engagement.

7. Oversee day-to-day operations of staff.

Qualifications: Did you know most successful candidates do not meet all qualifications? If you have some of these skills, please consider applying. Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree (master’s degree or Ph.D. preferred). Successful candidates must have proven experience in wildfire policy and/or management. Exceptional candidates will have 3 or more years of experience in nonprofit administration, policy, environmental advocacy, facilitation, environmental mediation, communications, and/or project management. The successful candidate will have excellent oral communication skills, including in one-on-one settings and meeting facilitation. They will also have demonstrated success in grant writing. We are looking for an entrepreneurial leader with the organizational skills to follow through and execute. Past experience leading teams is a plus. A background in environmental science or experience working with scientists is a plus.

To Apply: Please complete an online application at http://www.caryinstitute.org/who-we-are/jobs. As a single PDF, please also upload a cover letter that describes why you are qualified for this position, your CV/resume, and the names and contact information of three references using the upload resume link on the application website. We will begin to review applications by February 18th, but will remain open until filled. All candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Cary Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action (AA) employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, familial status, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Apply at: https://www.caryinstitute.org/about/careers-cary?bzid=4b4bff3e2ead

Mid-Atlantic Crops Specialist

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.

The Position
AFT is seeking an experienced, collaborative team member to help advance soil health and regenerative agriculture on cropland in the Mid-Atlantic region. This position will play a key role in a major USDA climate-smart partnership project aimed at engaging crop farmers, landowners and their trusted advisors in learning about and implementing soil health management systems. This position will also support AFT’s Regenerate Virginia programs and other initiatives and provide direct technical assistance to crop producers as they transition to regenerative and organic production systems.

What You’ll Be Working On

Support AFT’s co-leadership of the Truterra Climate SMART project focused on promoting soil health practice adoption among corn, wheat, soy and dairy farmers in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Help plan, facilitate and take part in regional Advanced Soil Health Trainings for farmers, service providers, and trusted advisors
Build and maintain connections with training participants in developing and delivering soil health implementation plans in their own communities through the creation of peer-to-peer networks, and in reporting on soil health practice adoption progress.
Become an expert user of Truterra grower journey onboarding and sustainability insights tool
Work with participants to ensure enrolling producers meet eligibility requirements and relevant metrics are being recorded per USDA requirements
Collaborate with local/regional marketing partnerships, non-profits, and organizations representing historically underserved producers to leverage resources and expand collaborative project impact
Conduct one-on-one technical assistance for crop producers interested in transitioning to climate-smart, soil health promoting, regenerative and organic production
Provide crops-specific support for regional farmer listening sessions, field days, and learning circles on climate resilience and regenerative agriculture
Promote this work at workshops, meetings, and farm field days and contribute relevant metrics to project reporting
Support fundraising efforts as needed

Requirements

The Crops Specialist must be a highly motivated and entrepreneurial problem solver. They should be personable and eager to work with diverse audiences. Excellent communication skills (meeting facilitation, phone, writing, partner relations), organizational skills, task management, and record keeping are essential to the position. The potential candidate must have knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:

Strong understanding of soil health promoting, climate-smart, regenerative crop production systems
Experience working with and supporting commodity and/or specialty crop producers, including historically underserved (limited resource, beginning, socially disadvantaged, or veteran) producers.
Experience building networks and managing networks, people, and groups
Strong compassion and empathy, Diversity Equity Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) training and/or experience and desire to drive positive DEIJ impact
Both an independent and proactive worker and team member who will complete deliverables in both individual and collaborative settings on time
Flexible and willing to grow and contribute skills as needed to a growing team
Team-oriented leadership and management
Experience with designing and implementing curriculum and training with adult learners, preferably in an agricultural setting
Experience with NRCS conservation planning and contracting is highly desirable
Highly organized with excellent communication skills and the ability to juggle, navigate, and deliver on time
Located in Pennsylvania, Maryland, or Virginia

Expectations

Minimal travel required, anticipate:
6 overnights per year
40 total travel days in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania
25 producer visits and 5 regional workshops per year
Remote work from home environment

Education & Experience

At least 6 years of professional experience, working on or with farms or in land stewardship or land management positions. A college degree in a directly related field may be substituted for up to 4 years of work experience.

Compensation

American Farmland Trust offers excellent vacation, medical, retirement and other benefits. The salary range for this position is from $55,000 to $70,000 based upon experience.