GoodWork Environmental Jobs · 5 hours ago
Farmland Access Program Manager
Indiana, United States
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level
$62K/yr - $73K/yr
5+ years expOntario Farmland Trust (OFT) is a province-wide charitable land trust dedicated to protecting Ontario’s farmland for future generations. The Farmland Access Program Manager will lead the implementation and growth of the Farmland Access Program, ensuring sustainable farming practices and managing relationships with farmers and landowners.
Environmental Services
Responsibilities
Lead delivery of OFT’s Farmland Access Program in alignment with the Board-approved Farmland Access Program Plan
Translate program objectives into annual work plans, timelines, and performance indicators
Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and templates for assessing property for the program, land securement agreements, and closing checklists
Track program performance against key measures
Evaluate participant experiences and program outcomes to support continuous improvement
Prepare program updates (including program budgets), briefing notes, risk management assessments, community engagement opportunities, and other recommendations for senior staff and the Board of Directors
Manage the securement pathway for fee-simple donations and purchases (including relationship management with prospective donors), gathering relevant information on properties’ characteristics such as soil capability, infrastructure, and environmental features to assess suitability for the program’s various farmland access models
Work collaboratively with the Land Protection and Stewardship Program Manager to develop comprehensive Property Management Plans (PMPs) for each site, embedding soil health targets, water quality protection, and biodiversity monitoring in line with Canadian Land Trust Standards and Practices
Coordinate basic property readiness tasks, including debris removal, fencing repairs, and water access, within one year of property closing
Oversee the coordination of ongoing property management needs for both residential and agricultural infrastructure
Coordinate interim agricultural use (e.g., cover cropping, haying) when full operations are delayed
Lead transparent and equitable farmer intake processes, including Expressions of Interest (EOIs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and the evaluation and selection process to ensure a fair and transparent application journey for prospective FAP participants
Manage long-term agricultural leases, including two-stage tenure (test period followed by long-term lease), performance reviews, and renewals
Support the development and implementation of equity-building pathways such as rent-to-own or other ownership transitions models where feasible
Support implementation of OFT’s acquire–protect–sell model and Revolving Farmland Conservation Fund as it moves from design to pilot phase
Establish and document lease rates within OFT’s Fair Market Value (FMV) framework to balance between affordability, charitable compliance, and revenue-generation for OFT
Ensure lease arrangements align with CRA requirements, insurance, farm tax class eligibility, and organizational risk management
Oversee annual operator compliance reviews and corrective action processes when required
The Program Manager serves as a key point of contact for farmers in the program, providing responsive support to their needs/requests/concerns and helping connect them to the resources they need to succeed
Build and manage partnerships with sector partners that would support FAP’s participant farmers with training, mentorship, business planning, and financing navigation
Assist program participants with access to various supports offered through partner organizations
Consult with farmers on implementing best management practices (BMPs) and provide practical guidance or referrals to support farmer implementation of BMPs, aligned with stewardship plans and property goals
Establish and maintain relationships with neighbours and groups in proximity or associated with the property
Provide functional leadership to the Farmland Access Coordinator, including work planning and mentorship
Work closely with Land Protection & Stewardship, Operations, Fund Development, and Education & Community Engagement staff for various program activities such as demonstration plots, community gardens, and farm tours
Contribute to the development of internal policies, templates, and standard operating procedures related to farmland access
Qualification
Required
5+ years of experience in program management, farmland access, agricultural land management, land trusts, conservation, or a related field
Deep understanding of Ontario's agricultural sector, land securement processes, and sustainable farming Best Management Practices (BMPs)
Proven ability to build trust and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including landowners, new, young and underrepresented farmers, Indigenous communities, and government agencies
Experience managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, timelines, and compliance considerations
Familiarity with agricultural leasing, land tenure, property management, and financial modeling is a strong asset
Strong program management and organizational skills
Ability to balance mission, farmer needs, financial sustainability, and regulatory requirements
Ability to build and manage relationships with landowners and donors who can help advance resource availability for the program
Strong understanding of the challenges facing new farmers and Ontario's agricultural sector
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including comfort preparing materials for senior leadership and boards
Strong judgment, problem-solving skills, and ability to work in evolving and complex environments
Ability to travel frequently to farms, particularly during the summer, and traverse fields and forested areas
A valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle are required
Benefits
Comprehensive group benefits package
Professional development support
Flexibility: Remote, in-person or hybrid work model with travel required across Ontario
Culture: A collaborative, high-trust environment with significant autonomy to shape the organization's future
Company
GoodWork Environmental Jobs
GoodWork is Canada's largest community of environmental changemakers, sustainability professionals, job seekers and volunteers, since 2001.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase