Shirley Heinze Land Trust
Farmland Coordinator (Term Position)
About Shirley Heinze Land Trust:
Shirley Heinze Land Trust (SHLT) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve and restore the natural lands and waters in northwestern Indiana, and to engage people in nature and conservation. Shirley Heinze Land Trust manages more than 4,000 acres, and the organization also focuses on educational programming, community conservation, as well as agricultural land protection and water quality monitoring across its geography.Position Summary:
The Farmland Coordinator will collaborate with the Indiana Coastal Program to identify and develop regional farmland conservation goals to include in the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP) Plan. Additionally, the Farmland Coordinator will support the implementation of SHLT’s agricultural land program to further realize those goals across the region. This position reports directly to the Conservation Director and collaborates with the Stewardship and Engagement programs staff, landowners, farmers, and community partners. This is a full-time term position lasting through the end of 2026 with the possibility of extension, to be paid out as hourly with a range of $19-$21/hr based in accordance with candidate experience and expertise. This position includes a competitive benefits package.Duties and Responsibilities:
• Engage partners, landowners, and farmers to build a wider network for input and implementation of the CELCP plan priorities across the entirety of the coastal counties• Work with consultants on GIS mapping and data analysis to inform the CELCP plan process
• Attend monthly planning meetings and other meetings as needed to advance CELCP plan process
• Manage implementation of the agricultural land program including farmland preservation and conservation practice projects to realize on-the-ground goals
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with farmers, landowners, and agricultural partners including participation in partner meetings and collaborative networks
• Provide direct one-on-one assistance to farmers and landowners on navigating options available for farmland preservation, conservation practices, and participation in technical and financial programs
• Plan and deliver programming to farmers and landowners to promote agricultural land preservation and adoption of conservation practices
• Manage SHLT-0wned agricultural land parcels by coordinating with tenant farmers, administering lease and contract agreements, and developing and implementing land management plans
• Document program activities through photographs and videos, and support communications and outreach about the agricultural land program
• Support broader efforts to advance farmland conservation in northwestern Indiana and integrate SHLT’s program into regional GIS analysis and regional planning efforts
• Support efforts to identify and apply for additional funding opportunities for farmland preservation projects
• Keep organized records to track funds, expenses, staff hours, and other metrics associated with reporting on active and completed projects and grants
• Additional tasks as assigned by manager
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent specialized training in agriculture, natural resources, agronomy, soil science, or a related field• Prior experience with farming and agricultural land management, land conservation, regional planning
• Familiarity with USDA Farm Bill programs, agricultural practices, conservation practices such as cover crops and no-till/reduced tillage, and land use planning in Indiana
• Valid driver’s license
• Willingness and ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and in rough terrain
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple ongoing tasks
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment
• Experience with Microsoft Office programs
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, especially for a public audience
• Experience with ArcGIS desktop and field applications
Work Location and Environment:
SHLT offices are located at Meadowbrook Nature Preserve (109 W 700 North, Valparaiso, IN 46385). This position is in-person and will require both office and field work, as well as occasional travel.Equal Opportunity Employer:
Shirley Heinze Land Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All decisions to recruit, hire, promote, and release from employment are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, physical or mental disabilities, or veteran status.To Apply:
Please email (1) cover letter, (2) resume, and (3) 3-4 references to SHLT Conservation Director, Alicia Pellegrino, at [email protected]. Applications made through other platforms will not be considered. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, interested applicants are encouraged to submit materials as soon as possible.
