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The Conservation Fund · 2 hours ago

Chicago Metro Farms Fund Specialist

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Hybrid

Mid Level

$55K/yr - $70K/yr

3+ years exp

The Conservation Fund is dedicated to protecting natural land and promoting sustainable economies. They are seeking a Specialist to support the Midwest Farms Fund program, focusing on property management, business development, and outreach for farmers gaining access to larger farm properties.

Environmental ConsultingForestryWaterWildlife Conservation

Responsibilities

Oversee and manage the farms in the program that are leased to Farms Fund farmers in a property management capacity, including baseline documentation and managing records of property changes and improvements, infrastructure needs assessments and development, regular farm visits, contractor management, farm, and home maintenance

Aid farmers to take advantage of technical assistance in business and financial development by making recommendations within farmers’ capacity for deeper business and entrepreneurship skills; connect farmers with partners such as USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and other to secure resources and services to ensure successful business operations

Assist producers with documentation and systems for reporting farm business metrics. Support farmers in their market readiness and access with production and safety certifications and grant opportunities

Act as in-the-field technician and support for farm operations, troubleshooting production issues, especially those interfacing with property management needs, adjustments, improvements, and changes to land base and its infrastructure

Connect to local communities, farmer organizations, landowners, and landowner service providers to identify potential farmland acquisition opportunities in the Midwest in partnership with TCF’s Midwest team; help screen new farm purchase opportunities

In collaboration with the Farms Fund team, share the program and provide outreach to potential farmer applicants; participate in application material review, paying particular attention to farm operations and production techniques

Support the coordination of the Farms Fund farmer network; meet regularly with partners to increase training, collaboration opportunities and peer-to-peer resources available within the Farms Fund network

Attend local and national conferences and events to expand outreach for Farms Fund and grow networks within the agricultural community

Support with updating Midwest focused marketing and communications materials no less than once a quarter to reflect current number of farms, farmers, locations, etc

Coordinate logistics and provide on-site event support, including organizing or taking photos, for community open houses, farmer fellowship gatherings, donor tours and workdays and media

Coordinate with Farm Services Specialists in other states to share learning and improve program support for farmers across the Farms Fund

Qualification

Farm asset managementTechnical assistanceProperty managementBilingual proficiencyGrant writingBasic carpentry skillsLocal food systemsInterpersonal skillsTeamworkSelf-motivated

Required

Candidates will have 3-5 years of experience with farm asset management with a focus on how production, equipment, land, and infrastructure decisions affect farm business operations and growth

Ability to track multiple farms and farm businesses, technical assistance partners, and resource needs simultaneously

Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to work effectively with a diverse mix of individuals and groups as well as comfortably coordinate and communicate with those individuals and groups

Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Demonstrated ability to work as a team player with other staff members in a small office environment

Highly self-motivated and entrepreneurial

Willingness to travel as necessary to carry out duties, often with short notice and in inclement weather over long distances

A commitment to conservation and the goals of The Conservation Fund