Pacific Northwest Grazing Specialist

Who We Are

American Farmland Trust is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 6.5 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally-sound farming practices on millions of additional acres and helped thousands of farm families make a go of it (primarily through programs that increase farm viability and/or enhance farmland access). Long a pioneering leader, AFT is now riding a new wave of growth, driven by agriculture’s most pressing needs and opportunities.

Job Purpose 

Reporting to the Idaho Senior Program Manager, the Pacific Northwest Grazing Specialist works directly with livestock producers, ranchers, grazing land managers, conservation partners, and agricultural service providers to improve the ecological and economic viability of grazing operations throughout Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. 

The position serves as the lead coordinator for the Pacific Northwest Grazing Network (“Grazing Network”), a producer-led peer-to-peer learning and mentorship network designed to accelerate the adoption of regenerative grazing management, improve soil health, strengthen drought resilience, enhance profitability, and support the long-term stewardship of working lands across the region. 

Position Summary 

The Pacific Northwest Grazing Specialist will lead the development, coordination, and expansion of a regional grazing network modeled after American Farmland Trust's Texas Grazing Network. The position combines producer outreach, mentor recruitment and support, educational programming, partnership development, and program evaluation. 

The successful candidate will work closely with livestock producers, grazing mentors, conservation districts, Cooperative Extension, Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), state agencies, tribal partners, universities, land trusts, and agricultural organizations to create a vibrant regional community of practice focused on regenerative grazing and grassland stewardship. 

The position will facilitate peer-to-peer learning opportunities, enlist and coordinate grazing mentors, develop educational resources in partnership with technical advisors, and support the implementation of grazing management strategies that improve environmental outcomes and ranch profitability. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Grazing Mentor Network Coordination 
• Recruit, train, support, and retain experienced grazing mentors throughout the Pacific Northwest and match producers with these grazing mentors based on geography, production systems, resource concerns, and learning objectives. 
• Collaborate with internal AFT staff and external technical advisors to address technical challenges and identify innovative grazing management solutions. 
• Coordinate regular mentor training events and professional development opportunities. 
• Producer Outreach and Education 
• Develop and implement outreach strategies in collaboration with partners to engage livestock producers across diverse production systems and geographies. 
• Organize and coordinate field days, pasture walks, ranch tours, workshops, webinars, grazing schools, and other educational events. 
• Work with producers, mentors, and partners to showcase successful grazing management practices and producer-led innovations. 
• Represent AFT at agricultural conferences, producer meetings, trade shows, and conservation events. 
• Partnership Development and Program Coordination 
• Build and maintain strong relationships with regenerative grazing partners to identify opportunities for collaboration and resource sharing. 
• Participate in regional and national grazing, soil health, and working lands initiatives. 
• Contribute to grant implementation, reporting, program evaluation, and fundraising activities as needed. 

This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities. Management reserves the right to revise the job or request other or different duties as assigned. 

Qualifications 

• Direct experience working with livestock producers, ranchers, grazing land managers, agricultural landowners, and rural communities. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of grazing management principles, forage ecology, pasture management, rangeland systems, livestock production, and soil health. 
• Familiarity with regenerative grazing systems and adaptive grazing management approaches to support the development of grazing management plans or conservation plans is strongly preferred. 
• Knowledge of USDA conservation programs, including NRCS technical and financial assistance programs, is required. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking, meeting facilitation, technical writing, and educational program development. 
• Experience organizing workshops, field days, conferences, and producer learning events. 
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a fully remote, collaborative team environment. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, virtual meeting platforms, and data management systems. 
• Possession of a valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation. 

Education & Experience 

• Minimum of five years of experience in grazing management, ranch management, livestock production, range science, conservation planning, agricultural technical assistance, or closely related fields; OR 
• A bachelor's degree in range science, animal science, agronomy, soil science, agriculture, natural resources, environmental science, or a related discipline and at least three years of relevant professional experience. 
• Certified Range Management Consultant (CRMC), Certified Professional in Rangeland Management (CPRM), NRCS conservation planning experience, or similar credentials are desirable but not required. 

Working Conditions 

• This position is primarily performed remotely from a home office located within Idaho, Oregon, or Washington. Preferred locations include the greater regions around: 
• Blackfoot and Twin Falls, Idaho 
• Baker City, Burns, La Grande and Ontario, Oregon 
• Ellensburg and Spokane, Washington 
• Regular fieldwork will be required, including visits to ranches, pastures, rangelands, and grazing operations throughout the Pacific Northwest. 
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support producer events, workshops, and meetings. 

Travel 

• Frequent travel throughout Idaho, Oregon, and Washington (approximately 10-20% ). 
• Occasional overnight travel throughout the Pacific Northwest and nationally. 
• Travel will typically be conducted using a personal vehicle with mileage reimbursement provided in accordance with organizational policies. 

Supervisory Responsibility 

This position has no direct supervisory responsibility but will provide leadership and coordination for grazing mentors, producer participants, contractors, and partner organizations engaged in the Grazing Network. 

Field-Based Work: Environment, Risks, and Safety Expectations 

This position requires regular fieldwork outside of a traditional office setting, often in agricultural, rural, or public locations such as farms, ranches, worksites, and other remote or community environments. Fieldwork may include a mix of planned and unplanned tasks, often requiring flexibility and adaptability based on weather, schedules, and site conditions, which can vary widely by location, season, and activity. Staff may be expected to carry or use basic field equipment, follow site-specific protocols, and work in close coordination with partners and stakeholders.  

Fieldwork may also involve collecting and documenting observations, engaging with community members, and supporting project activities in diverse settings. This work may require travel between sites, extended time outdoors, and working independently or with small teams, sometimes with limited access to immediate support or resources. In the field, staff may be exposed to hazards such as extreme weather, uneven terrain, wildlife, limited cell service, livestock or heavy equipment, chemicals, and travel between remote sites. Additionally, this role may include occasional interactions with landowners or members of the public where beliefs or viewpoints may differ, requiring clear, respectful communication and professional judgment. 

American Farmland Trust is committed to supporting staff safety and well-being, particularly for roles that include field-based work. AFT provides training, clear expectations, and resources to help staff navigate these conditions safely and effectively and encourages open communication about any needs or concerns, so appropriate support or accommodation can be provided. 

Why you should apply: 

Be part of a purpose-driven, high-performing team working at the forefront of agricultural resilience. This role offers the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with producers, shape a growing regional program, and contribute to long-term solutions that strengthen farms, ranches, and rural communities. 

Compensation
American Farmland Trust offers excellent vacation, medical, retirement and other benefits. The salary range for this position is from $70,000 to $75,000 based upon experience. 

American Farmland Trust offers a full benefits package for full time employees:

• Insurance coverage begins the 1st of the month following the date of hire. 
• Medical & Prescription Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Company Paid Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – Healthcare & Dependent Care
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• 401k Plan
• Sick Leave: Regular full-time employees accrue 13 “sick days” per year.
• Vacation Leave: Accrue 15 days during the first year increasing by one day per year to 20 days per year maximum.
• Holidays: AFT observes twelve fixed holidays and a week between Christmas and New Years off during the year (all offices closed) plus a choice of up to three (depending on hiring month) floating holidays.

Ready to apply? 

For your application to be considered, please submit a resume AND cover letter, answer all screener questions and you must apply directly here: Pacific Northwest Grazing Specialist only complete applications will be considered.