Oregon Farm Planner

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
Reporting to the PNW Senior Program Manager, the Oregon Farm Planner ("the Planner") works directly with producers and landowners to understand United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs and procedures for the planning and implementation conservation practices in the central and lower Willamette Valley of Oregon, including, but not limited to, Linn, Benton, and Polk counties. This position is based in the Tangent, Oregon NRCS office.

Position Summary
As an integral part of the PNW regional team, the Planner will work in collaboration with AFT's regional program and national initiative staff, as well as external partners, to advance understanding and adoption of conservation practices. The Planner will work closely with NRCS to carry out conservation planning and outreach to assist with the delivery of USDA NRCS farm assistance programs. This role is currently funded through September 30, 2027, but AFT is committed to the long-term success of this work and will actively pursue additional funding opportunities to support continued employment whenever possible.

Duties and responsibilities

Conservation Planning

• Provide technical assistance to central and lower Willamette Valley Oregon producers and landowners for conservation practice adoption, encourage their participation in NRCS programs, develop conservation plans, and write contracts for program participation
• Host workshops, field days, in-person and virtual gatherings, and other means to ensure central and lower Willamette Valley farming communities have access to knowledge and support about conservation practices and NRCS program
• Work with producers and landowners in the selection and application of suitable soil and water conservation practices as needed to address individual resource concerns.
• Receive referrals, contact producers, and make field conservation planning visits.
• Furnish necessary planning assistance resulting in conservation plans that document producer/landowner decisions.
• Aid in the layout and installation of practices and in checking completed practices.
• Develop and compile conservation planning maps for applicants and contracts.
• Establish and maintain program data, files, and documents for program delivery and planning documentation.

Outreach:

• Strengthen relationships between agriculture producers and NRCS technical and financial assistance programs in Oregon.
• Serve as a primary, community-based point of contact between NRCS, producers (groups and individuals), and the organizations that support them.
• Learn and communicate the details of USDA Farm Bill conservation programs available through NRCS and assist producers in understanding them.
• Conduct outreach activities such as writing stories and news articles, giving talks at meetings, participating in conservation demonstrations, conducting conservation field tours, and staffing NRCS displays at community events.
• Support the development and management of documents and materials that clarify pathways for producers to access specific farm bill programs and support long-term engagement.

This is not an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.

• Familiarity with federal and state policies and programs to assist in the viability of food and fiber production and implementation of conservation for the management of natural resources.
• Direct experience working with farmers, ranchers, agricultural landowners, rural communities, and agricultural and conservation organizations.
• Demonstrated understanding of environmental, social, and economic issues facing different populations of farmers, ranchers, and agricultural communities.
• A track record of developing and maintaining strong working relationships with and among a diverse group of partners, including Extension educators, soil and water conservation districts, USDA and state agency personnel and other agricultural service providers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, specifically an aptitude for public speaking, meeting facilitation, and developing effective public education materials.
• Experience creating engaging public outreach campaigns and polished communication tools.
• Facility with Microsoft Office Suite and social media.
• An intellectual curiosity, understanding, and enthusiasm for AFT's mission.
• Support for a strong team culture of shared learning, innovation and problem solving.
• A valid U.S. driver's license and access to reliable transportation.
• Must be based within commuting distance of Tangent, Oregon, and possess a strong working knowledge of agricultural landscapes and issues in the Pacific Northwest.

Education & Experience

• Strong background in agriculture, conservation, soil science, or environmental science and at least three years' experience that includes the application of techniques, principles, and methods from a variety of agricultural and natural resource fields, OR
• A BA or BS degree in soil conservation, agronomy, soil science, agriculture, agricultural education, agricultural engineering, soil science, environmental biology or a similar degree that has had a significant focus on agricultural production.

Working Conditions

• This position works Monday-Friday at the NRCS office in Tangent, Oregon.
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, and phones.
• This position requires regular travel to, and activities on, farms and ranches in rural communities.

Travel
Regular travel throughout the central and lower Willamette Valley (up to 25%)

Direct reports
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Compensation

This position offers an annual salary of $60,000 - $64,000. 

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