Texas Smart Solar Specialist

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 7 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.

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.

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.

American Farmland Trust's Farms Under Threat research reveals that Texas has the highest concentration of threatened agricultural land in America – without stronger farmland protection and land use planning, over 2 million acres of agricultural land are projected to be converted to commercial and residential development by 2040. Eight of the 12 counties in the nation projected to lose the most agricultural land to real estate development are in Texas. AFT is building capacity to be a leader in protecting the working lands, farms, and ranches that are foundational to the Lone Star state’s agricultural economy and heritage.

Texas is the nation’s leader energy state, producing more oil, natural gas, and wind-powered electricity than any other state. Utility scale solar is rapidly expanding and Texas currently leads the nation in installed commercial solar capacity. (Texas installed nearly two times more utility-scale solar capacity in 2022 than California.) With real estate development and energy infrastructure increasing pressures on the region’s most productive, versatile, and resilient farmland, the need for a coordinated effort between renewable energy development and protecting agricultural lands in Texas is clear.

The Texas Solar Specialist will work across regional and national divisions to help develop and implement AFT’s Smart Solar principles and strategies at the intersection of solar energy generation and farmland conservation. The position will both advance national Smart Solar and Farm Viability initiatives, and lead program development in Texas. The Specialist will collaborate closely with AFT’s national Smart Solar Initiative Director, regional teams, AFT’s policy, climate, and communications experts and other staff to ensure that AFT’s programming is funded, strategic, synergistic, and impactful.

The Specialist will play a leadership role in developing and managing Smart Solar projects and technical support services for farmers and landowners, identifying key partners and collaborators, and leveraging funding to build AFT’s Smart Solar program in Texas. The Specialist will be a regional voice and trusted resource in strategies to integrate solar energy development with agricultural land protection, regenerative farming practices, farm viability, land access, and other aspects of AFT’s programs. Building on AFT’s Smart Solar leadership in other regions of the country, this is an exciting opportunity to shape and develop the foundation for AFT’s Smart Solar work in Texas as the Texas Regional team establishes and expands an impactful program in the state.

The Specialist will be expected to build a presence across AFT’s Texas Region, collaborating with AFT regional Solar Specialists, technical assistance providers, researchers, consultants, agencies, and others engaged in solar land use policy, research, communications, and other programs across AFT.

The Specialist will report to the Texas Regional Director. This is a full-time remote position based in Texas.

5-7 years combined related education and work experience in energy development (preferably solar), agriculture, farmer support services, fundraising, public policy, public administration, and/or program management. Master’s level graduate degree in a relevant field is preferred.

This job operates in a teleworking environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, and phones. Occasional work in the evenings or on weekends may be required to meet deadlines.

Frequent travel throughout Texas is expected as the programming and services are developed, with some additional travel possible to attend national conferences, forums, and meetings in furtherance of national Smart Solar goals and objectives. Must be based in the Texas.

Ready to apply? If this job sounds like a fit for you, then apply. Please answer the screener questions and be sure to include a cover letter and resume to be considered. Applications received by May 31, 2023 will be given priority consideration.