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FARMLAND PRESERVATION PROJECT MANAGER

Organizational Description

The New York Agricultural Land Trust (NYALT) is a non-profit organization, founded in 2006, with the mission to conserve working farmland and promote a greater appreciation for the agricultural and forested lands and their associated natural resources that enrich our communities and connect future generations to the land, locally and statewide.

NYALT works with landowners, at their request, to protect the working landscapes important to Upstate New York’s rural agricultural economy and quality of life. NYALT’s conservation projects conserve high-quality farmland and supporting woodlands, with projects ranging from dairy farms to diversified farming operations. In all cases, the farmers and landowners want to conserve their land for the next generation. They know that once good land is lost to development, it will never come back into agriculture. These farmers are creating a legacy, ensuring that their land will be available for agriculture in the future.

Brief Job Description

The position of Farmland Preservation Project Manager consists of managing and tracking up to 5-7 conservation projects per year. This includes, but is not limited to, creating and maintaining project records, drafting baseline documents, communicating with land owners and interested parties, and monitoring up to 28 existing conservation easements. 

Job Duties

  • Manage and track conservation projects, including creating and maintaining records for each project.
  • Work directly with the Executive Director, conduct project due diligence, review and negotiate easements, and draft and review baseline documentation.
  • Draft correspondence, memoranda and reports for landowners, partners, committees, board, and follow up from site and monitoring visits.
  • Support annual monitoring of NYALT conservation easements to ensure compliance of the stewardship program with Land Trust Standards and Practices and Accreditation requirements.
  • Participate in the communications efforts and community engagement related to conservation protection projects.
  • Assist with social media posts that are current and relevant as many times per day/week as needed and appropriate.
  • Write and edit articles to promote NYALT events and projects, including contributing to the monthly newsletter and website content.
  • Attend local outreach events as needed
  • Complete any tasks assigned by the Executive Director

Preferred Qualifications

  • A bachelor’s degree preferred in natural resources, agriculture, real-estate law, land management, other fields related to conservation, or relevant work experience
  • Scientific knowledge of, and field experience with, the landscapes and agriculture of the State of New York
  • Demonstrated experience in record keeping and data management
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to work with a wide variety of individuals, including landowners, partners, staff, board members, and volunteers
  • Well organized and self-directed, with attention to detail
  • Proficiency with PC computer systems, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Adobe, and knowledge of GIS programs
  • A demonstrated passion for agriculture and/or conservation

Part-time Position: The successful applicant will be a part-time employee of NYALT. The position is temporary (1 year) with the possibility of becoming permanent.   The position entails 20-30 hours a week at an hourly rate of $23/hr.

Location: This is a remote position with some travel within the Central New York area.

To Apply: Please send a current resume and cover letter to Brandy Colebrook, bcolebrook@nyalt.org by August 25, 2023.

We need the help of community members and businesses who care about the future of our farmland to continue doing our work. Your contributions support programs that help ensure a future for local food and farming in Central New York.

New York Agricultural Land Trust is a 501(c)3 tax exempt non-profit organization and your contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowable by the IRS.

Other Ways to Give

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Donation of Stocks/Mutual Funds

Contributing long-term appreciated stock and/or mutual funds are an easy way to help avoid capital gains tax and make a lasting contribution to NYALT and farmland protection.
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Memorial Gifts and Bequests

We are honored to accept gifts in memory of, or in recognition of, someone you know. An Honorary or Memorial Gift is a thoughtful way to pay tribute to someone and help conserve the local farms, local food production and our beautiful rural character. When you make an honorary or memorial gift, NYALT will send you a donation acknowledgement. We will also send a letter conveying your thoughts and gift (but not the specific amount) to your honoree (or in the case of a memorial gift, to the family).
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Gifts of Land

Landowners who wish to help NYALT step up the pace of farmland conservation can give their land (or a portion of their land) directly to NYALT. Our land trust can accept gifts of forestland, houses, or other property to help further its farmland protection efforts.  Unlike the donation of an agricultural easement (where the landowner still owns his/her land), a gift of land would transfer full ownership of the property to NYALT.
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Including NYALT in your Will

Landowners can donate their land or a conservation easement through a bequest in their Will. Farmers are depending on NYALT to help them conserve their family lands, and you can assist by a contribution via your will.

The following is a Sample Bequest language that may be helpful as you consider including NYALT in your will [you will want to consult your attorney to confirm the language]:

“I give and devise to the New York Agricultural Land Trust, Inc., located in Elbridge, New York, my entire residual estate (or ________percent of my estate, or _____ dollars from my estate, or my land located on [name of road(s)], in [name of town, state]) towards their farmland protection, outreach work, and developing a sustainable conservation organization.”

If you wish to donate an easement (protect your farm after your lifetime), you can use this language in your Will [again verify with your attorney, and contact NYALT]:

“I direct my executor to conserve my land, located on [name of road(s)], in the town of [name of town], in [state], prior to transferring it out of my estate, with the New York Agricultural Land Trust, Inc., located in the town of Elbridge, New York. I understand that NYALT will use its then current model conservation easement, and adapt it as necessary, to conserve my property. They will use their professional judgment to create a conservation plan for my property. I further direct my executor to convey the necessary stewardship and legal defense funds needed to oversee the protection of my property in perpetuity, as normally calculated by NYALT.”

Please notify NYALT if you plan on doing this so that we can provide you with updated language. NYALT will keep your bequest confidential if you would like. NYALT suggests that you consult with your family and estate planning team to discuss if a bequest will meet your goals. We are happy to meet with you to discuss possible options as well. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss this option.

Click above to donate using Paypal

Or mail checks to:

NYALT
PO Box 216
Elbridge, NY 13060