PROGRAM ASSISTANT The Alaska Farmland Trust is currently seekin

The Alaska Farmland Trust is currently seeking a Program Assistant. Alaska Farmland Trust (AFTC) is a statewide non-profit corporation with headquarters in Palmer, Alaska which works to preserve farmland of agricultural importance around the State.

The Program Assistant will work with a diverse group of partners, funding agencies, and land owners. Major work areas include farmland preservation, outreach, funding, and organizational management.

Farmland Preservation:
Coordinate with a diverse group of partners, government agencies, tribes, other non profits, and land owners to initiate farmland preservation statewide. Respond to inquiries from land owners and others to discuss farmland preservation options. Perform site visits, inventory land, and complete baseline and annual site visit documentation. Coordinate with the Manager to manage lands in stewardship program.

Outreach:
Present information about farmland preservation Statewide, at numerous venues, including the Alaska Legislature, the Alaska State Fair, Alaska Growers Conference, Farm Bureau and other conferences, meetings, and speaking engagements.

Funding:
Write grants for Alaska Farmland Trust to state and local governments as well as to private funding agencies. Assist with private fundraising with individuals, foundations and corporations. Manage, administer, and track grants, and complete grants reporting.

Organizational Management: Assist with coordination of volunteers, interns and shared staff from partner groups. Assist with calendar of events management, recruitment and scheduling of volunteers, including tracking volunteer hours for events and matching grants.

Preferred Qualifications:
1) Minimum of 2 years of experience or a BS/BA in Natural Resources/Sciences, Conservation, Planning, Land Title, or related field.
2) Minimum of 2 years of successful grant writing experience and management of grant resources.
3) Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to represent Alaska Farmland Trust to a wide range of individuals and organizations, including land owners, government officials, community organizations, media representatives, attorneys and appraisers.
4) Ability to work with minimal supervision, and maintain excellent organization.
5) Passionate about farmland preservation and Alaska food, and farm issues.
6) Proficient in standard computer operating programs such as Excel, Microsoft Office package, and internet search engines. Knowledge of State and Borough database and mapping, Google Map or other GIS mapping system, and Power Point helpful.
7) Willingness to work outdoors in the field, as well as evenings and weekends on occasion if necessary. Travel to out of town conferences and meetings will be required.

Other Desired Qualifications:
1) Willingness to study texts and compile information specific to farmland conservation projects and the documentation required for their completion.
2) Experience in lobbying at Legislative level.
Salary: DOE.
Benefits: Paid Vacation and Holidays.

Submit resume with contact information and 3 references to:
Steve Gallagher
248 E Dahlia AVE
Palmer, AK 99645
[Click Here to Email Your Resumé]


Source - Anchorage Daily News