Minimum Qualifications
- Strong knowledge of agricultural systems in the Southern Great Plains, including grazing, cropping, and water resource challenges
- Demonstrated ability to build trust and relationships with farmers, ranchers, and rural communities
- Experience delivering technical assistance, outreach, or education programs related to regenerative agriculture, grazing systems, and/ or soil health
- Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences and translate technical concepts into practical applications
- Ability to work independently while coordinating across remote teams and partners
- Willingness to travel frequently within the Panhandle and occasionally beyond
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of regenerative grazing, soil health principles, dryland and water-limited cropping systems, and conservation practices that support drought resilience, water-use efficiency, and long-term farm or ranch viability
- Familiarity with agricultural systems, producer networks, and conservation partners in the Texas Panhandle, Southern Great Plains, or similar agricultural regions
- Experience working directly with ranchers and agricultural producers to adopt conservation practices, including organizing producer education events such as workshops, field days, learning circles, or peer-to-peer training opportunities
- Experience developing conservation plans, grazing plans, or related implementation plans in collaboration with producers, technical assistance providers, universities, conservation districts, nonprofit organizations, agencies, or other partners
- Familiarity with state and federal government programs that provide financial or technical assistance to agricultural producers, including conservation, soil health, drought resilience, and water conservation programs
- Experience working with mentors or providing mentorship, peer learning, coaching, or producer-to-producer support in an agricultural, conservation, extension, or community-based setting
- Familiarity with United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) conservation programs, such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and regional agricultural networks preferred
Education & Experience
- Minimum of five years of experience in grazing management, ranch management, livestock production, range science, conservation planning, agricultural technical assistance, or closely related fields; OR
- A bachelor's degree in range science, animal science, agronomy, soil science, agriculture, natural resources, environmental science, or a related discipline and at least three years of relevant professional experience.
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 requiringflexibility 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 orconcerns,so appropriate support or accommodation can be provided.
Why you should apply:
Be part of a purpose-driven, high-performing team working at the forefront of agricultural resilience. This role offers the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with producers, shape a growing regional program, and contribute to long-term solutions that strengthen farms, ranches, and rural communities.
Compensation
American Farmland Trust offers excellent vacation, medical, retirement and other benefits. The salary range for this position is from $70,000 to $75,000 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
Ready to apply?
For your application to be considered, please submit a resume AND cover letter, answer all screener questions and you must apply directly here: Texas Agriculture Specialist only complete applications received by August 23, 2026 will be considered.
