Chicago Metro Farms Fund Specialist

TITLE:
Chicago Metro Farms Fund Specialist

LINE OF BUSINESS/DIVISION:
Working Lands, Working Farms Fund

FLSA STATUS:
Exempt

REPORTS TO: Chicago Metro Farms Fund Manager

NUMBER OF POSITIONS REPORTING TO THIS POSITION: None

LOCATION:
Chicago, IL (hybrid in person, field and remote)

THE CONSERVATION FUND

The Conservation Fund protects the land that sustains us all. We are in the business of conservation, creating innovative solutions that drive nature-based action in all 50 states for climate protection, vibrant communities and sustainable economies. We apply effective strategies, efficient financing approaches, and enduring government, community and private partnerships to protect millions of acres of Americas natural land, cultural sites, recreation areas and working forests and farms.

To learn more, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

JOB HIGHLIGHTS

The Farms Fund is a first-of-its-kind national conservation program designed to buy and permanently protect threatened farmland around metropolitan areas while creating a patient path to affordable farmland ownership for next generation farmers. The program seeks to significantly increase the supply of healthy, locally grown food by supporting farmers with expanded land access. Farms Fund is an initiative of The Conservation Fund and continues a multi-decade long commitment to protecting working lands that generate conservation and economic value for local communities.

We are seeking to hire a Specialist to join a growing and innovative program which launched in Chicago in 2022. The Specialist will serve an essential role in providing critical support for farmers in the Midwest Farms Fund program as they successfully scale up their farm businesses after gaining access to larger farm properties through the program. The Specialist will work closely with multiple dynamic teams across TCF both locally and nationally.

The position will be based in the eight-county metro Chicago region, with occasional travel to other Midwest States to support program growth.is is a flexible hybrid position with significant time expected in the field and office. This position supports the transition of farmers onto newly acquired farms, providing farm lease oversight; connecting the farmers with resources and technical assistance; and property management functions to ensure the on-farm infrastructure is serving the farmers production and growth goals.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Property Management:

oOversee 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.

Farm Business Development:

oAid 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.

oAssist 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.

oAct 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

Farm and Farmer Outreach:

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

oIn 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.

oSupport 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.

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

Operational and Programmatic:

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

oCoordinate logistics and provide on-site event support, including organizing or taking photos, for community open…