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 Position
The Farmland Information Center Policy Research Intern will conduct policy research and assist with tracking state laws related to farmland protection. While the FIC is based out of American Farmland Trust’s Northampton, Massachusetts, office, this position will be remote. The internship start date will be the first week of June 2024.
Interns are expected to attend regular check-in meetings with the project team (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 opportunity to extend the internship into the fall. This internship pays $20 per hour.
What You Will Be Working On
The Farmland Information Center Policy Research Intern will conduct research and collect information on state farmland protection programs nationwide, under the supervision of FIC policy staff. Specific tasks include:
- Assisting with policy research on state-level farmland protection programs and policies by analyzing statutes, regulations, and program guidance; reviewing reports and policy briefs; and conducting informational interviews as needed.
- Updating relevant state and local laws and sample documents in the organization’s online resource collection—the Farmland Information Center website (www.farmlandinfo.org);
- Identifying and tracking state legislation related to farmland protection, land access, land use regulations, and more.
- Completing other policy research tasks as assigned.
Interns will have the opportunity to:
- Learn about existing policies and programs that protect farmland and ranchland.
- Develop policy research skills and gain an understanding of how policies impact program administration.
- Interact with farmland protection professionals at public entities and nonprofits; and
- Develop skills in presenting qualitative data in meaningful ways.
Required Qualifications
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 agriculture and familiarity with land use issues is helpful. The ideal candidate will also have:
- Strong policy research experience and ability
- Familiarity with Excel
- Familiarity with Office365 including Outlook, SharePoint & Teams
- 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 about farmland protection and land access 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, then visit Careers – American Farmland Trust and complete the online application. Please include a resume and cover letter 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.