Maine (Remote)
Who We Are
American Farmland Trust is a 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 growing on-the-ground technical programs for farmers 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 an integral part of our New England Climate and Agriculture team, the Soil Health & Biochar Specialist will work primarily to implement farmer-focused education, outreach and research collaborations across New England. This position will work both within AFT’s regional portfolio of soil health, climate and regenerative agriculture related activities, and primarily as a regional lead on, and liaison to, a project of the national Climate and Soil Health program. This position will lead in developing, coordinating and implementing a network of on-farm biochar demonstration trials with farmers and partners in Maine, collaborating with national biochar networks, and supporting other initiatives within the New England and national Climate and Soil Health program portfolios.
This position is a good fit for someone who is as passionate about soil science as they are about getting their boots dirty and crafting practical resources with and for farmers. The scope of work for this position includes everything from soil sampling, event planning, and communications to on-farm experimental trial design, soil health data analysis, and facilitating farmer-to-farmer exchanges. The Soil Health & Biochar Specialist will leverage their knowledge of soil science and on-farm research design to study how biochar, soil amendments, and management influence soil health, soil carbon and the fate of emerging contaminants of concern such as PFAS and PFOA. The Specialist will connect with a national network of on-farm biochar research trials, serve as a resource to aligned research efforts in Maine, and support the development of new biochar on-farm trials in collaboration with farmers.
Reporting to New England's Deputy Director, the successful candidate will be a team player who can successfully work closely with other staff on the New England Climate & Agriculture Team and the National Climate and Soil Health Team to ensure the success of direct technical assistance to producers, assist with the cultivation of farmer-to-farmer learning opportunities, help to develop and implement strategies to facilitate adoption of regenerative agriculture approaches on farmland, and assess conservation practice impacts through in-field data collection and analysis. AFT collaborates with farmers and other organizations in New England to advance solutions, and this position will be integrally involved in cultivating and sustaining relationships with partners in Maine that have shared goals and visions for sustainable agriculture and viable farms.
The New England Soil Health & Biochar Specialist will be integrated into current AFT efforts to enhance farms’ resilience to climate change and to address emerging challenges. Efforts include a suite of initiatives that increase adoption of practices that mitigate greenhouse gases, enhance farm adaptation to climate impacts, and build the capacity of the agricultural community to remain viable in the context of change. The Soil Health & Biochar Specialist will work on projects designed within the NRCS conservation agriculture framework, as well as projects that utilize innovative approaches informed by agroecology, regenerative agriculture and ecosystem services. The Soil Health & Biochar Specialist will leverage soil health as a foundational starting point for addressing climate change on farms by working directly with farmers, assessing soil health, providing outreach and education on soil health, and identifying opportunities for advancing adoption of soil health and agroecological practices.
Specific Responsibilities
- Gather and effectively manage on-farm trial data, including farmer management data, soil samples and in-field soil health assessments, and forage or biomass samples;
- Lead outreach and communication with farmers and research partners to design, implement and support on-farm soil health research trials in Maine;
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Build collaborative relationships and connect partners in Maine with AFT’s regional and national resources, programs and opportunities;
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Advance communication among farmers, academics and other stakeholders about the emerging science of biochar, soil carbon and emerging contaminants of concern such as PFAS and PFOA;
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Plan, develop, and deliver, multi-stakeholder farmer-focused outreach and educational events that identify, address, and develop solutions to challenges related to climate adaptation and healthy soils practices adoption;
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Connect local farmers and landowners with soil health and climate adaptation opportunities available from AFT and its partner organizations;
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Connect partners, programs and emerging science in New England to national networks;
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Interpret research and data to create summaries, reports, fact sheets, and other materials that will inform farmers and the agricultural service provider community on challenges, needs and opportunities related to soil health and climate adaptation practice adoption;
- Provide expertise in New England, within and outside of AFT, regarding soil health, carbon sequestration, soil contaminants and opportunities for farmers to grow solutions to the climate challenge;
- Represent AFT at public meetings, field days, and educational events in the region; and
- Support a strong team culture among AFT staff and with partners.
While this reflects the current job responsibilities, the final scope of work may shift to reflect the skills of the new hire and future funded projects.