Texas Agriculture Specialist in Lubbock, Texas at American Farmland Trust

Who We Are

American Farmland Trust (AFT) is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who steward it. Since 1980, AFT has supported the protection of millions of acres of farmland, advanced environmentally sound practices, and supported thousands of farm families.

This work is especially urgent in Texas, where farms and ranches face growing pressure from urban sprawl, population growth, climate change, water scarcity, and energy development. AFTs Farms Under Threat 2040 research identifies Texas as having the highest concentration of threatened agricultural land in the nation, with 2.2 million acres projected to be converted to real estate development by 2040. In the Texas Panhandle, where producers are already navigating drought, Ogallala Aquifer depletion, and changing market conditions, supporting improved soil health practices in grazing and cropping systems is needed to help keep working lands viable, productive, and in agriculture.

Position Summary

The Texas Agriculture Specialist will lead AFTs on-the-ground program development and relationship building in the Texas Panhandle, supporting farmers and ranchers as they adapt to changing environmental and economic conditions. Working in a region facing significant water scarcity, this position will help producers transition to practices that improve soil health, reduce reliance on irrigation, and strengthen long-term farm viability. The Specialist will serve as a trusted local presence, building relationships with producers, partners, and institutions to establish AFTs footprint and catalyze long-term program growth in the region.

This role will focus on increasing adoption of regenerative grazing and cropping systems through a variety of activities, such as peer-to-peer mentorship programs, technical assistance, and partnership development. The Specialist supports established mentor networks in the Resilient Grazing Network and the Texas Grazing Network statewide with particular emphasis on the Texas panhandle. They will also help to develop strategies for supporting farmers in adopting soil health practices within cropping systems.

Duties and responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with farmers, ranchers, and regional partners to support adoption of regenerative grazing and cropping systems
• Lead local implementation of mentor network models, including working closely with the Texas Grazing Network Sr Manager (Sr Manager) to recruit, onboard, and support mentors throughout the life of their mentorship
• Facilitate the delivery of tools, training, and ongoing coordination with mentors to support effective land steward engagement, including guidance on goal setting, practice implementation, troubleshooting barriers, documenting progress over time, and connecting participants to additional technical assistance as needed
• Work with the Texas Director, Sr Manager, and partner organizations to explore strategies that support the advancement of soil health practices in cropping systems within the Texas Panhandle, such as peer-to-peer networks, technical assistance, and other outreach activities
• Assist in the recruitment of land stewards to participate in mentorship opportunities, training, and peer-learning activities, with attention to producers interested in improving grazing practices, soil health, drought resilience, water-use efficiency, and whole-farm viability
• Assist with soil sampling and related data collection activities to help land stewards establish baseline conditions, monitor changes over time, and understand how regenerative grazing and cropping practices affect soil health
• Organize mentor training events in collaboration with AFT staff and external partners, including coordinating logistics, supporting facilitation, and working with partners to develop training materials that are practical, regionally relevant, and aligned with program goals
• Support mentors in the provision of direct technical assistance and resource navigation to producers transitioning to regenerative practices, including the development of conservation plans for grazing management, regenerative cropping systems and other soil health approaches
• Organize and execute workshops, field days, and learning circles that address regional challenges such as water scarcity, drought resilience, and farm viability in the Panhandle and beyond
• Collaborate with AFT staff and partners to adapt curriculum, outreach materials, and program strategies for the Texas Panhandle context
• Connect producers to financial and technical resources, including state and federal conservation programs and funding opportunities
• Contribute to storytelling and communications efforts by elevating producer experiences, identifying case studies, and supporting outreach materials in collaboration with communications staff
• Track program activities, producer engagement, and outcomes to inform continuous improvement and future funding opportunities
• Conduct site visits with mentor network participants to support mentor/ land steward relationships, assess progress, and data collection

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of agricultural systems in the Southern Great Plains, including grazing, cropping, and water resource challenges
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and relationships with farmers, ranchers, and rural communities
• Experience delivering technical assistance, outreach, or education programs related to regenerative agriculture, grazing systems, and/ or soil health
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences and translate technical concepts into practical applications
• Ability to work independently while coordinating across remote teams and partners
• Willingness to travel frequently within the Panhandle and occasionally beyond

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of regenerative grazing, soil health principles, dryland and water-limited cropping systems, and conservation practices that support drought resilience, water-use efficiency, and long-term farm or ranch viability
• Familiarity with agricultural systems, producer networks, and conservation partners in the Texas Panhandle, Southern Great Plains, or similar agricultural regions
• Experience working directly with ranchers and agricultural producers to adopt conservation practices, including organizing producer education events such as workshops, field days, learning circles, or peer-to-peer training opportunities
• Experience developing conservation plans, grazing plans, or related implementation plans in collaboration with producers, technical assistance providers, universities, conservation districts, nonprofit organizations, agencies, or other partners
• Familiarity with state and federal government programs that provide financial or technical assistance to agricultural producers, including conservation, soil health, drought resilience, and water conservation programs
• Experience working with mentors or providing mentorship, peer learning, coaching, or producer-to-producer support in an agricultural, conservation, extension, or community-based setting
• Familiarity with United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) conservation programs, such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and regional agricultural networks preferred

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.

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 requiringflexibility 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 orconcerns,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: Texas Agriculture Specialist only complete applications received by August 23, 2026 will be considered.