PNW Policy and Planning Specialist

Based in Washington, Oregon, or Idaho, with a preference for candidates based in Olympia, Salem, or Boise.  

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. 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.

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.

Job purpose 

Reporting to the Pacific Northwest Regional Director, the Pacific Northwest Policy and Planning Specialist develops and delivers research, education, technical assistance, and communications to support AFT’s policy priorities in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.  

Position summary 

The Pacific Northwest Policy and Planning Specialist (“Specialist”) will play a key role in advancing AFT’s mission to protect farmland, promote sound farming practices, and keep farmers on the land. The Specialist will manage complex applied research projects, the products of which are supportive of AFT’s policy priorities. Working closely with the Pacific Northwest Regional Director and other staff, the position will build relationships with key policy partners, conduct and compile background research on existing and proposed policies and programs, track pertinent legislation and planning processes, and identify strategic opportunities for AFT engagement. The Specialist will develop and deliver training and technical assistance to drive engagement in farmland protection and planning for agriculture. The Specialist will work closely with AFT’s other policy staff to advance AFT’s mission through resource sharing, coordinated messaging, and advising on federal policy to provide the Pacific Northwest perspective.  

Duties and responsibilities  

• Lead applied research projects related to farmland protection, planning for agriculture, and solar siting, the products of which can be used to advance AFT’s policy priorities.  
• Conduct and compile background research to inform AFT’s policy priorities and positions in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. 
• Monitor and analyze relevant state legislation, budgets and administrative rules; draft testimony and written comments when appropriate. 
• Monitor local and regional land use planning processes, identifying strategic areas for AFT to provide comments and support local communities. 
• Develop and deliver educational trainings to drive engagement in planning for agriculture and farmland protection.  
• Provide technical assistance to local governments and community partners on farmland protection, planning for agriculture, and smart solar siting.  
• Develop events and other activities to engage key state leaders and lawmakers.   
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with state, local, and tribal agencies, agricultural and conservation organizations, community groups, and other key partners. 
• Represent AFT to policy coalitions, public agencies, policymakers, community stakeholders, and the general public in meetings, conferences, and other forums as appropriate.  
• Communicate regularly with the AFT staff throughout the country on policy strategy and priorities.  
• Support AFT’s federal policy team to develop federal policy positions; help disseminate information about AFT’s federal policy positions and research to partners in the Pacific Northwest.   
• In collaboration with the Regional Director and other AFT staff, produce communications materials, reports, blog posts, opinion editorials, and policy briefs to support the Pacific Northwest policy agenda.   
• Work with AFT staff and partners to develop proposals and secure funds for policy-related initiatives and projects, including providing input on fundraising materials and attending key funder meetings  
• Develop workplans and budgets in partnership with the Regional Director.

Qualifications 

• Familiarity with state policy making and local planning processes in Washington, Oregon, and/or Idaho.  
• Experience with policy development and analysis; experience with agricultural, conservation, and/or land use policy strongly preferred. 
• Experience conducting applied qualitative research, including conducting literature reviews, developing surveys, conducting focus groups and interviews, and completing data analysis. 
• Experience coordinating and engaging with advisory committees.  
• Impeccable writing and public speaking skills, including the ability to succinctly summarize and clearly explain difficult concepts. 
• Comfort regularly interacting with a diverse audience, including farmers and ranchers, organizations in the agricultural, environmental, and renewable energy sectors; agency staff, elected leaders, and others to advance policy goals.  
• Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to track and prioritize multiple projects, stay organized, and work independently.  
• Must be collaborative, resourceful, flexible, and adaptable.  
• Sound judgment, discretion, and ability to maintain confidentiality.  
• Lived experience and/or training exploring principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.   
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Teams and SharePoint. 
• Must be located in Washington, Oregon, or Idaho, with a preference for candidates based in Olympia, Salem, or Boise.  
• The ability to travel up to 10% of the time.  

Education & Experience  

• 5+ years of related work experience in political science, public policy, agriculture, environment, land conservation, or natural resource planning.  
• Prior knowledge of land use policy, agriculture, and conservation issues in the Pacific Northwest. 

Working Conditions 

• This is a remote position.  
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, and phones. 
• Occasional work in the evenings or on weekends may be required.  

Travel 

• Occasional travel throughout the region (up to 10%). 
• Access to a personal vehicle is required for regional travel. 
• Travel throughout the country as needed (up to 2x per year). 

Compensation

The salary ranges from $70,000 to $75,000 for full-time employees, commensurate with experience and qualifications.  

American Farmland Trust offers a complete benefits package:

• 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) 
• 401(k) with 10% match after six months of employment 
• Sick Leave: Regular full-time employees accrue 3.5 hours per pay period (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
• Holidays: The Company observes eleven holidays during the year (all offices closed): plus, choice of 3 other floating holidays depending on hiring date

Timeline

Applications must include a resume AND cover letter to be considered. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

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

We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, expression or identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Farmland Trust complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which we have facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.