Livestock & Grazing Specialist

Job DetailsLevel: ExperiencedJob Location: New River Valley, Virginia - New River Valley, VA 24129Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $65,000.00 - $70,000.00 Salary/yearWho We Are 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. The Position The Grazing Specialist position offers an exciting opportunity to help livestock producers accomplish their ecological, economic, and management goals for their operations. In this role you will work closely with AFT Mid-Atlantic staff and Virginia Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) state and field office staff to improve and create planning templates, develop prescribed grazing plans, provide follow-up technical assistance and guidance to livestock graziers. You will also collect grazing records, complete annual monitoring as needed, coordinate and conduct producer outreach and education events, promote farm bill programs, and support producers in the area through implementation of Farm Bill programs. You will also connect producers in the area with ‘wraparound’ services to help meet production or business goals. 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. This position will be based in the New River Valley. You will work in a unique role, as an AFT employee, but in deep cooperation and frequent coordination with the position funder, NRCS. The Livestock and Grazing Specialist will work with AFT’s Mid-Atlantic Director and NRCS State Grazing Specialist to guide your workflow to assure it is integrated with NRCS needs and utilizes the full depth of both AFT and NRCS resources and expertise. What You’ll Be Working On This position will write and support grazing plans and conduct education and outreach activities in the New River Valley, and work closely with state and field office NRCS staff to: Work with Virginia NRCS State Grazing Specialist to improve or create planning templates that can be used by AFT and other NRCS partners to collect key information about producers and their operations to inform the conservation planning process. Receive referrals from the NRCS State Technical Contact or other designated staff, contact farmers, and make field conservation planning visits. Work with the planner to compile necessary information for planning and implementation of some activities including grazing plan maps. Provide farmers with information on financial assistance opportunities Assist with outreach for the project by participating in on-farm events, connecting with local agriculture groups, contacting interested farmers, etc. Participate in virtual and in-person training. Develop prescribed grazing plans that meet NRCS standards and specifications. Provide follow-up technical assistance and guidance to livestock grazing producers who are currently implementing prescribed grazing practices. Coordinate and conduct producer outreach and education events (i.e., pasture walks, field days, etc.) Perform informational duties such as writing news articles, giving talks at meetings, and staffing displays at various outreach events. Keep the NRCS program and technical liaisons, and NRCS District Conservationist’s and other applicable NRCS staff regularly appraised of work schedule and project tasks being performed. Provide detailed quarterly report of completed work for NRCS data entry into performance tracking software. Promote farm bill programs and support producers in the area through implementation of Farm Bill program contracts as needed by connecting them to technical assistance, following up on questions, and serving as a go-to resource, helping to identify and forestall potential roadblocks and challenges to ensure success. Connect producers in area with ‘wraparound’ services to help meet production or business goals not within the scope of the conservation planning process with the support of AFT’s grazing and crops specialists and other partner organizations. Demonstrate an awareness of USDA Civil Rights policies and responsibilities and performs all duties in a manner which consistently demonstrates fairness, cooperation and respect to coworkers, office visitors and all others in the performance of official business. Complete the following performance measures and annual target completion quantities: New Prescribed Grazing Plans: 5 in year one; 20 in year two On Farm Visits/Consultations: 10 in year one; 40 in year two Outreach events: 4 in year two Qualifications Must live in the New River Valley and be comfortable working remotely. Demonstrated experience providing technical assistance to farmers/landowners or direct experience in production agriculture. Knowledge of Virginia agriculture and soil health principles Experience with field-based conservation practices and federal and state policies and programs to support agricultural conservation. Experience working collaboratively with diverse partners and audiences. Excellent organizational skills and the ability to independently manage and prioritize work. Experience developing grazing plans. Highly motivated, entrepreneurial and collaborative problem solver who is 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. Strong compassion and empathy, Diversity Equity Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) training and/or experience and desire to drive positive DEIJ impact. Ability to communicate in an engaging and clear manner to diverse audiences. Highly organized with excellent communication skills, time management skills, and the ability to juggle, navigate, and deliver on time. A passion for and understanding of regenerative grazing systems and/or farming operations. Experience working with and supporting livestock producers, including historically underserved (limited resource, beginning, socially disadvantaged, or veteran) producers. Expectations Minimal travel required, anticipate: 5 overnights per year 40 total travel days in Virginia Remote work environment from a home office in the New River Valley Field-Based Work: Environment, Risks, and Safety Expectations This position requires regular fieldwork outside of a traditional office setting, often in agricultural, rural, or public locations such as farms, ranches, worksites, and other remote or community environments. Fieldwork may include a mix of planned and unplanned tasks, often requiring flexibility and adaptability based on weather, schedules, and site conditions, which can vary widely by location, season, and activity. Staff may be expected to carry or use basic field equipment, follow site-specific protocols, and work in close coordination with partners and stakeholders. Fieldwork may also involve collecting and documenting observations, engaging with community members, and supporting project activities in diverse settings. This work may require travel between sites, extended time outdoors, and working independently or with small teams, sometimes with limited access to immediate support or resources. In the field, staff may be exposed to hazards such as extreme weather, uneven terrain, wildlife, limited cell service, livestock or heavy equipment, chemicals, and travel between remote sites. Additionally, this role may include occasional interactions with landowners or members of the public where beliefs or viewpoints may differ, requiring clear, respectful communication and professional judgment. American Farmland Trust is committed to supporting staff safety and well-being, particularly for roles that include field-based work. AFT provides training, clear expectations, and resources to help staff navigate these conditions safely and effectively and encourages open communication about any needs or concerns, so appropriate support or accommodation can be provided. Education & Experience At least 5 years of professional experience writing grazing plans and/or working on or with farms or in land stewardship or land management positions. NRCS certified technical service provider status is a plus. A two-year associates or four-year 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 $65,000 to $70,000 based upon 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 opportunity 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. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Apply Directly Here: Livestock & 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. Apply tot his job