Conservation Careers & Job Opportunities

Reporting to the New England Policy Manager, AFT is seeking a Policy Associate in the region to increase our capacity to advance policies that save farmland, promote sound farming practices, and keep farmers on the land. This position is remote, but the candidate must be located within New England, and will, preferably be based in Maine.

This is an exciting opportunity to help carry out the policy agenda of a growing, forward-thinking, agricultural conservation organization. This exceptionally organized and highly motivated individual will have two primary roles: 1. Advocating for and advancing policies that save the land that sustains us and 2. Supporting the New England Policy Manager and other regional staff with coordination, outreach, regular communications, and providing research to key stakeholders. Under the guidance of the New England Policy Manager, the Policy Associate will create a detailed advocacy strategy for AFT New England’s policy work in Maine; coordinate and elevate the Working Lands Alliance project in Connecticut; and play a supportive role in advancing policy work that is being led by key regional partners whose mission aligns with AFT.

The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about agriculture, energy, and farmland protection policy in New England and will be an experienced collaborator. This supportive role will aid the New England policy team in expanding and diversifying AFT’s reputation and relationships with allied organizations, policymakers, State Department of Agriculture officials, farmers, and thought leaders. They will also work closely with other AFT team members on both the New England team and the Federal Policy Team. This role will communicate key policy initiatives related but not limited to farmland protection, farmland access, climate-smart agriculture and soil health, smart solar siting, and PFAS contamination in farmland to stakeholders, policymakers, and the public.