Guidance Associate Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Who 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. 

Job purpose

New York Agricultural Stewardship Associate (Associate) supports and grows programs in New York state that assist farmland owners and farmers transitioning to or increasing adoption of conservation practices across agroecosystems.

Position Summary
American Farmland Trust is seeking a full-time Agricultural Stewardship Associate to support farmers across New York, with a primary focus on supporting AFT’s long-standing Demonstration Farm Network in Western New York. The Associate will work closely with demonstration farm partners to design, implement, and evaluate on-farm conservation trials, while strengthening engagement and collaboration across the network. This role will emphasize building a highly connected community of farmers and agricultural service providers through regular communication, peer learning opportunities, and coordinated activities.

The Associate will primarily support outreach and education efforts across Western New York, including organizing field days, workshops, and other events that reflect farmer interests and ongoing research. In addition, the Associate is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with farmers and non-operating farmland owners as well as state and federal agencies, universities, agricultural service providers, conservation leaders, and others. In collaboration with these partners, the Associate will promote and implement strategies that engage farmers in adopting practices that support a well-functioning agroecosystem while maintaining farm viability.

While the position is rooted in the greater Western New York region, the Associate may also contribute to or help expand Demonstration Farm Network efforts in other regions of the state over time.

Duties and responsibilities

• Support existing Demonstration Farm Network activities in NY by working directly with farm partners to design, implement, and maintain trials of innovative conservation practices.
• Actively engage with Demonstration Farm Network partners through regular, structured communication, such as one-on-one check-ins and farm visits, to support ongoing collaboration and strengthen connections among participating farmers.
• Provide agronomic support to partner farms, including guidance on crop production, soil health practices, nutrient management, conservation of natural resources, and more.
• Assist with trial-related data collection, management, and interpretation, including economic data, soil health assessments, soil sampling, forage or biomass sampling, etc. 
• Provide technical assistance to farmers across the region that are interested in adopting conservation practices, including helping them access state, federal, and other financial or technical assistance programs.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and provide technical expertise for internal and external audiences, including delivering presentations, developing educational and technical resources, case studies, fact sheets, and other materials to communicate the benefits of soil health and conservation practices.
• Coordinate and support outreach activities that facilitate peer-to-peer learning and engagement such as field days, field walks, workshops, and webinars. 
• Facilitate and coordinate partnerships with a diverse network of agricultural and conservation professionals including AFT state and national staff, USDA NRCS, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Cornell University and Cooperative Extension, farmers, crop consultants and others.
• Represent the organization at public events, field days, and educational programs to promote conservation goals and share success stories. 
• Coordinate with AFT’s Communications team to actively promote work and identify and assist with storytelling opportunities such as social media posts, blog posts, fact sheets, videos, and other mediums.
• Work with Ag Stewardship Program Manager to develop annual program and budget goals, provide input on funding proposals and reporting, and develop strategies for expanding Demonstration Farm Network activities. 

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.
 

The Associate must be a self-starter and capable problem solver with a demonstrated commitment to meeting high expectations. They must be highly motivated with strong interpersonal skills and should have:

• A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in agriculture, conservation planning, or applied research relating to soil health, sustainable agriculture, conservation, agroecology. A college degree in a related field can substitute for up to 4 years of work experience.    
• A deep working knowledge of Northeast agriculture or conservation in agroecosystems and an understanding of the culture of farmers and farming.   
• Independent and reliable worker; willingness and ability to conduct field-based work in all weather conditions and work effectively.  
• Direct professional experience working with farmers and landowners on soil health or conservation is strongly preferred. 
• A track record of developing and maintaining strong working relationships with and among a diverse group of stakeholders, both internal and external. 
• Proven ability to foster effective partnerships with Extension educators, soil and water conservation districts, USDA and state agency personnel and other professionals as well as training and supporting farmers and landowners is highly valuable.  
• Experience designing and facilitating professional development or other educational trainings, specifically with farmers, landowners and related stakeholders.
• An intellectual curiosity, understanding, and enthusiasm for AFT’s mission.   
• A valid US driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.    
• Ability to travel across New York, visiting diverse farms and farmers to execute the job functions.    
• Facility with the Microsoft Office Suite is required – additional experience with ESRI or other mapping software is preferred. 

Education & Experience 
A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in agriculture, conservation planning, or applied research relating to soil health, sustainable agriculture, conservation, or agroecology. A BA or BS degree in a related field can substitute for up to 4 years of work experience.  

Working Conditions/Travel

• The Associate must be located within Western New York or the Finger Lakes region – defined as counties west of Seneca County and should be comfortable working remotely out of a home office. 
• The Associate will require frequent travel across Western New York and the Finger Lakes regions, with occasional trips to AFT’s New York office in Saratoga Springs, among other possible travel. 
• The candidate should be comfortable and wiling to drive long distances across their service region using their own vehicle (with mileage reimbursement).
• Occasional overnight travel is possible.  

Direct reports

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Compensation
AFT offers a competitive compensation package, including excellent vacation, medical, retirement, and other benefits. This position offers an annual salary of $70,000 - $75,000. 
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 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. Apply Directly Here: New York Agricultural Stewardship Associate