AGRICULTURAL SPECIALIST

The Agricultural Specialist is responsible for communications, planning and project management pertaining to agriculture on Land Bank property and to ensure responsible stewardship of property interests protected by the Land Bank. While collaborating with all Land Bank staff, the Agricultural Specialist is a position within the Environmental Department responsible for interacting with stakeholders to advance the Agricultural component of the Land Bank Act. This position reports to the Research Ecologist and communicates regularly with the Interim Executive Director. Approximately 50% of duties are performed in an office setting and 50% of duties are performed in the field. Schedule will be 35 hours per week, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Salary commensurate with education and experience; includes full benefits. Must have a valid driver's license. CORI check required. Cover letter, resume and references must be received by the Nantucket Land Bank no later than Friday, September 27, 2024. Please email applications to scampese@nantucketlandbank.org.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:

• Establish positive relationships with farmers, resulting in increased interactions and greater awareness of Land Bank goals, regulatory compliance and implementation of conservation practices.
• Develop, execute and enforce licenses and policies for farms and community gardens on Land Bank property.
• Assist with operations of Land Bank farms and community gardens as needed.
• Further soil and water conservation practices, organic and regenerative growing methods, environmental stewardship and water quality policies and practices on Land Bank farms by providing technical assistance to farmers or connecting farmers with resources to acquire the necessary technical assistance.
• Seek new opportunities for the Land Bank to acquire or license agricultural property.
• Working with the Land Bank’s Outreach Coordinator, design and implement agricultural outreach programming for farmers and the public.
• Form partnerships with farmers, funders, municipal officials and not-for-profits which result in the advancement of agricultural opportunities on Nantucket.
• Participate in the Nantucket Agricultural Commission.
• Collaborate with the Department of Property Management, Department of Natural Resources and Executive Director on strategic planning efforts related to the Land Bank’s role in agriculture on Nantucket.
• Provide assistance to other departments with projects and events as necessary as well as any other duties as assigned by the Property Foreman, Research Ecologist and/or Executive Director.

REQUIREMENTS

This position requires being philosophically committed to the mission of the Nantucket Land Bank, possessing a working knowledge of the agricultural industry in New England, having excellent organizational and communication skills, and being a self-starter. This is a new position and therefore being self-directed, capable of both initiating new ideas and seeing projects through to completion, is imperative.

Education and Experience

• College degree or equivalent work experience.
• Agricultural work experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Knowledge Skills, and Abilities

• High level of confidentiality, judgment, personal responsibility, and dependability.
• Exhibit excellent communications skills and a willingness to speak with the public and deliver intended messages effectively.
• Maintain a positive attitude and optimistic approach to solving problems or challenges.
• Ability to manage a variety of concurrent responsibilities and activities efficiently.
• Capacity to work independently in the field.
• Ability to navigate in rural settings using a map/plan, compass, and/or GPS.
• Ability to understand and interpret construction plans, property deeds, property surveys, and related documents.
• Possess initiative, be a self-starter and independently follow tasks through to completion.

PREFERENCES:

• Preference for a degree in regenerative agriculture, sustainable food systems, sustainable horticulture, environmental planning, land management, landscape architecture, environmental or agricultural engineering or environmental sciences.