Kansas Grazing Specialist

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. AFT launched the conservation agriculture movement and continues to raise public awareness through our No Farms, No Food message. Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect nearly 8 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally sound farming practices on millions of additional acres and supported thousands of farm families. Long a pioneering leader, AFT continues to evolve to meet the needs of farmers and ranchers nationwide, adapting its approach to ensure the continued strength and resilience of agriculture and rural communities nationwide.

Job purpose

The Kansas Grazing Specialist position offers an exciting opportunity to serve Kansas livestock producers and landowners in meeting their ecological, economic and management goals for their operation. In this role, you will work closely with AFT staff, including the Agricultural Conservation Innovations team and other grazing specialists, to coordinate and conduct producer outreach and education events, provide technical assistance, including writing grazing management plans and providing one on one support, and coordinate grazing mentors throughout the state of Kansas.

This position is currently funded for a three-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. The position will require work from a home office and travel throughout the state of Kansas.

Duties and responsibilities

Technical Assistance

  • Provide technical support to livestock producers, land managers and landowners
  • Write grazing management plans
  • Collect, analyze and interpret soil health and other data needed for livestock and grassland management and research
  • Collaborate with local partners, NRCS staff and others to solve problems and find solutions for producers and landowners

Outreach & Education

  • Attend regional field days and events to outreach for project
  • Work with program manager and external partners to coordinate events for producers and landowners in the region
  • Lead and train grazing mentors

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.

  • Strong background in agriculture and farming communities
  • Knowledge of writing grazing management or conservation plans preferred
  • Experience working with NRCS a plus
  • Be able to collaborate across teams and comfortable adapting to different technology

Education & Experience

  • Minimum of 5 years' experience grazing management and/or working on farms or in land stewardship or land management positions is required.
  • A college degree in a relevant field may be substituted for up to 4 years of experience.

Working conditions/Travel

  • This position is to be performed remotely within a home office in Kansas. Outdoor work, including regular field visits, will be required, approximately 25% of the time. Occasional work in the evenings or on weekends may be required to meet deadlines.
  • Frequent travel may be required within the region, including possible overnight travel. Travel will be with a personal vehicle with mileage reimbursement.

Degree of Supervision Received

General supervision will be received.

Degree of Supervision Given

No supervision is required.

Compensation

This position offers an annual salary of $60,000 - $65,000. Depending on 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 opportunities
  • Flexible scheduling

Timeline

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. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until the position is filled. Please Apply Directly Here: Kansas Grazing Specialist

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.

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