Job Posting: Farmland Specialist for Genesee Valley Conservancy Inc
/Genesee Valley Conservancy, Inc. is seeking an individual to oversee and implement our successful and expanding agricultural conservation activities as part of our work across the Genesee River watershed.
The successful candidate will be a self‐starter, able to work independently and in collaboration as part of a small staff – specifically with the Director of Land Conservation – and able to lead multiple agricultural programs.
Duties:
Farmland Protection (50%)
Coordinate all aspects of the Conservancy’s implementation of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Market’s Farmland Protection Implementation Grant work to protect farmland with conservation easements, including:
Coordinating county held informational workshops and pre‐applications, including consolidation of pre‐selection process and refining programs in Genesee, Livingston and Wyoming counties.
Writing grant applications to Ag & Markets for land protection projects for county selected projects (creating budget, GIS site planning, farm narratives)
Attend relevant town board, planning board, and county meetings when necessary for specific project approvals and for general program continuation
Manage awarded projects to successful completion, coordinating with contractors (title companies, surveyors, appraisers, attorneys), Conservancy staff, and landowners
Attend Conservancy Board and committee meetings
Farmer Outreach (20%)
Provide proactive outreach on behalf of the Conservancy to the agricultural community, landowners and support agencies, to develop relationships and drive farmland protection work locally, including:
Respond to farmer inquiries on services offered
Updating and creating an inventory of priority parcels for protection within the Genesee River watershed.
Developing and implement screening processes in all counties where Farmland Protection work is occurring, including using inventory to screen for best fit/ priority projects.
Develop, implement and assist with outreach for farmland projects in coordination with staff that increases organizational effectiveness, diversify Conservancy constituents, and raise community awareness about farmland protection and organizational values.
Great Lakes Farm Navigator (15%)
Represent the Conservancy as a Regional Navigator to implement service delivery within American Farmland Trust’s regional umbrella, including
Serve as a connector, not an expert, in assisting farms with farm transition, access to land, and soil and water conservation practices.
Develop and maintain good communications and relationships with farmers and landowners.
Attend workshops and trainings as required by Great Lakes Farm Navigator grant program
Community Events (10%)
Support public facing events and represent the Conservancy at events that bring awareness to the organization and our farmland protection work:
Genesee Valley Agricultural Tour
Farmer neighbor dinners
Administrative (5%)
This position will assist other areas of the organization, including:
Preparing for and attending Board and committee meetings
Fundraising and community events (Genesee Valley Landowner Workshops)
Office assistance
Other
All work will be completed in accordance with organizational policies and procedures and up to standards of the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. Position requires independent and collaborative work.
Required Qualifications
Good interpersonal skills including writing, email, phone, and in‐person communication, including public speaking
Knowledge of computers
Basic understanding of GIS
Organized with attention to detail
Ability to have a flexible schedule and willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends
Must have valid NYS driver’s license and reliable transportation to be used during work
Preferred Qualifications
Previous hands‐on farming experience or providing technical service to farmers
Experience with Office365 (Outlook/Word/Excell) and collaboration software like Monday.com
Bachelor’s degree or higher in agricultural or conservation related field
Experience with non‐profits, land conservancies, and Genesee Valley Conservancy, Inc.
Living within the Genesee River watershed
Supervisor: Director of Land Conservation
Location: This position is based out of Geneseo and will require travel throughout the Genesee Valley region (primarily: Livingston, Wyoming, Genesee counties). Remote work option possible for a portion of this position after introductory period. In office vs on‐site work split is ~70/30.
Hours: Full‐time, 40 hours/week (exempt position)
Starting Benefits
Salary: $45‐55k based on related experience and qualifications
Paid vacation (1hr per 26 worked), nine paid holidays
$4,600 towards a company health plan
NYS Sick Time: 40 hours provided upon hire
3% match to a self‐directed Simple IRA
Mileage reimbursed at Federal rate
Training opportunities via webinars and in‐person State and national conferences
Conditions of Employment: The Employee Handbook1 lists all policies, procedures, benefits, and working conditions to be followed as a condition of employment.
Start Date: Position is open until filled. Ideal start: week of July 1
Application Review: Begins June 1. Applications received before June 1 are assured full consideration.
Send a cover letter and resume to:
Genesee Valley Conservancy
Attn: Hiring
PO Box 73
Geneseo, NY 14454
or
hiring@geneseevalleyconservancy.org
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL/QUOTE (RFP/RFQ) TO PREPARE AN AGRICULTURAL & FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN FOR THE TOWN OF NEWSTEAD