FIC Farmland Protection Research Intern

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 (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. 

We believe diversity drives innovation. We are inclusive. We embrace differences. We recognize and respect the fundamental value and dignity of all our employees. We celebrate the unique traditions, heritages, and experiences our employees bring to the workplace. We are committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive culture that promotes and values diversity, and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work every day. 

AFT’s Farmland Information Center (FIC) supports people working to save farmland for farming by providing an answer service and online collection of resources at www.farmlandinfo.org.

The Internship
The FIC Farmland Protection Research Intern will assist with tracking state and local farmland protection efforts and conducting relevant policy research. While the FIC is based out of American Farmland Trust’s Northampton, Massachusetts, office, this position is remote. The internship start date will be February 2025.

Interns are expected to attend regular check-in meetings with their supervisor (by phone or video call) to report on progress and ask questions. Typically, internships involve 10-15 hours of work per week for approximately 12 weeks. There may be an option to extend the internship through Summer 2025. This internship pays $20 per hour.

What You Will Be Working On
The FIC Farmland Protection Research Intern will collect information on state and local farmland protection efforts, under the supervision of FIC staff. Specific tasks include:  

• Surveying state-level programs that buy agricultural conservation easements to protect agricultural land; 
• Collecting information on local-level farmland protection efforts in specific regions;
• Tracking responses from farmland protection programs and compiling data in excel;
• Assisting with creating tables, dashboards, and other visuals to convey survey findings; and
• Completing policy research tasks as assigned.

Interns will have the opportunity to:

• Learn about policies and programs at all levels of government that protect farmland and ranchland;
• Gain an understanding of issues facing agricultural conservation professionals nationwide;
• Interact with farmland protection and conservation professionals at public entities; and
• Develop skills in presenting qualitative data in meaningful ways.
   

The ideal candidate possesses a relevant Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education and experience; graduate-level coursework in public policy or legal education is required. Interest in agricultural conservation and familiarity with land use issues is helpful. The ideal candidate will also have:

• Familiarity with Excel
• Familiarity with Office365 including Outlook, SharePoint & Teams
• Familiarity with SurveyMonkey
• Strong policy research experience and ability
• Strong communication skills
• High level of ethics, integrity, transparency, and trustworthiness
• Ability to keep commitments and maintain confidentiality
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with individuals and teams

Education & Experience

• Currently enrolled in a law or graduate-level program with a focus on public policy, land use planning, agriculture, conservation, and/or environmental policy. For law students, 2L, 2LE, 3L, 3LE, and 4LE candidates are preferred.
• Knowledge of agriculture and conservation practices and/or farmland protection is preferred.

Why You Should Apply

• Be a part of a purpose-driven, committed, knowledgeable, high-performing, experienced and fun team
• A diverse and inclusive work environment
• A cause and mission you can be proud of
• Competitive compensation
• Remote work opportunities
• Flexible scheduling

Ready to apply? If this internship sounds like a good fit for you, please complete the online application. Please include a resume and cover letter and answer all screener questions with the application.
 

We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, expression or identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Farmland Trust complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which we have facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.