Company description

The Farmland Access Hub is a consortium of partners including non-profits, government agencies, local companies, and private citizens dedicated to assisting beginning farmers with their quest for land tenure.

Job description

Role
Farmland Access Navigators are a cornerstone of the Midwest Farmland Access Hub’s vision and work in assisting beginning farmers in accessing farmland. Navigator Guides serve as trainers, coaches, sounding boards, and support teams to help farmers navigate this complex process in order to reach their farmland access goals. They guide farmers in understanding their situations, clarifying goals, and developing plans and priorities. They provide ideas and resources, help troubleshoot challenges, share real-life examples, and support decision-making. Farmers can call on Navigator Guides for help at any stage, from initial goal-setting and resource sharing to assessing land to applying for loans, or negotiating a lease, purchase, or transfer agreements.

Navigator Guides aren’t necessarily technical specialists, though they may have special areas of expertise or knowledge; we prefer that they are farmers, or have worked extensively with farmers, and have firsthand or close experience with the farmland access process. They have access to a wide range of expertise and support through Hub Partners and a growing network of professional service providers such as lenders and attorneys. When needed, interpreters will work alongside Navigator Guides to provide language and cultural interpretation for farmer clients who do not speak English.

Navigator Guides are positioned in WI, MN and IA. We have a partner organization that works with farmers in Illinois. Navigators are supported by project partners of the Farmland Access Hub.

Location
This position is primarily remote but does require some travel in Wisconsin and occasionally to other states.

Scope of Work
Training (estimate 20-30 hours in first year)

• Participate in Navigator Guide training program (*see below)
• Complete homework as assigned
• Participate in Navigator Guide mentorship opportunities, such as shadowing client calls with a paired mentor
• Participate in training on how to use Navigator tracking and reporting systems.

Through the Navigator Guide training program, Navigator Guides will understand the following and be able to support land-seeking clients with this knowledge:

• Farmland access pathways and how clients can get support with the Hub
• How to apply soft skills and cultural competency in working with clients
• How clients can gain technical and/or practical farming skills and experience
• How to administer the farming and business skills self-assessment tool
• How to help clients clarify their goals and priorities for farmland access
• How to help clients create a realistic and actionable farmland access plan
• The types of financing available for accessing farmland, including farm-specific loans such as FSA farm ownership loans, and how to secure financing
• The principles of financial readiness and how clients can prepare financially for leasing or purchasing land
• The elements of good and equitable farmland leases
• How to refer clients to specialists and advisors for expert farmland access assistance
• The considerations for evaluating suitable farmland, and how to help clients determine their desired priorities for suitable farmland
• The elements of an equitable process and agreement for farmland purchase.

General Scope of Work (Estimate 20-40 hours per month once trained (at least 20 and up to 40)

• Increase understanding of resources, service providers and networks to assist in supporting land seeking clients.
• Conduct outreach within personal network of farmers to connect with clients
• Work with clients through in-person visits, phone calls, Zoom calls, email, texts
• Track client notes and interactions in provided tracking system on an ongoing basis
• Submit reports and/or participate in evaluation in a timely manner as requested
• Participate in bi-weekly Navigator team meetings
• Communicate with Navigator Team Lead as needed
• Participate in Navigator retreats and professional development
• Additional: Connect with other organizations, develop resources, and teach/share knowledge as agreed on with RTC.

Navigator Guide Desired Qualities

• Farming experience or connection to farming communities
• Experience and track record in successfully working one-on-one with clients
• Experience with farm financial statements and business planning
• Empathy and ability to listen and provide non-judgmental support
• Self-motivation to do outreach and follow up with new and existing clients
• Organizational skills to track client interactions and progress
• Willingness to engage with other Navigators and project team through group processes, meetings, and communications
• Capability to be self-motivated and manage projects independently
• Computer skills, including ability to use Google Suite tools including Docs and Sheets
• Ability to occasionally work in the evenings or on weekends, as well as travel

Compensation
This position is being offered as a work contract (without benefits) either through an organization or an individual. Base compensation for this position will be $38 - $44 depending on experience. You must have access to a computer, telephone, and internet service and the ability to occasionally travel. Mileage and other travel expenses will be reimbursed, upon approval.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

Deadline

June 15, 2025