The Conservation Fund
Chicago Metro Farms Fund Specialist
The Conservation Fund, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
TITLE : Chicago Metro Farms Fund Specialist
LINE OF BUSINESS/DIVISION : Working Lands, Working Farms Fund
FLSA STATUS : Exempt
REPORTS TO : Chicago MetroFarms Fund Manager
NUMBER OF POSITIONS REPORTING TO THIS POSITION : None
LOCATION : Chicago, IL (hybrid in person, field and remote)
The Conservation Fund protects the land that sustains us all. We are in the business of conservation, creating innovative solutions that drive nature‑based action in all 50 states for climate protection, vibrant communities and sustainable economies. We apply effective strategies, efficient financing approaches, and enduring government, community and private partnerships to protect millions of acres of America’s natural land, cultural sites, recreation areas and working forests and farms. To learn more, visit
www.conservationfund.org .
The Farms Fund is a first‑of‑its‑kind national conservation program designed to buy and permanently protect threatened farmland around metropolitan areas while creating a patient path to affordable farmland ownership for next‑generation farmers. The program seeks to significantly increase the supply of healthy, locally grown food by supporting farmers with expanded land access. Farms Fund is an initiative of The Conservation Fund and continues a multi‑decade long commitment to protecting working lands that generate conservation and economic value for local communities.
We are seeking to hire a Specialist to join a growing and innovative program which launched in Chicago in 2022. The Specialist will serve an essential role in providing critical support for farmers in the Midwest Farms Fund program as they successfully scale up their farm businesses after gaining access to larger farm properties through the program. The Specialist will work closely with multiple dynamic teams across TCF both locally and nationally.
The position will be based in the eight‑county metro Chicago region, with occasional travel to other Midwest States to support program growth. It is a flexible hybrid position with significant time expected in the field and office. This position supports the transition of farmers onto newly acquired farms, providing farm lease oversight; connecting the farmers with resources and technical assistance; and property management functions to ensure the on‑farm infrastructure is serving the farmers’ production and growth goals.
What you will be doing
Property Management:
Oversee and manage the farms in the program that are leased to Farms Fund farmers, including baseline documentation, managing records of property changes and improvements, infrastructure needs assessments, regular farm visits, contractor management, and farm/home maintenance.
Farm Business Development:
Aid farmers to take advantage of technical assistance in business and financial development, recommend deeper business and entrepreneurship skills, connect farmers with partners such as USDA and others to secure resources, assist producers with documentation and systems for reporting farm business metrics, support market readiness and access with certifications and grant opportunities, act as an in‑the‑field technician and support for farm operations, troubleshooting production issues.
Farm and Farmer Outreach:
Connect to local communities, farmer organizations, landowners, and service providers to identify farmland acquisition opportunities, screen new farm purchase opportunities, collaborate with the Farms Fund team to promote the program and provide outreach to potential applicants, support coordination of the Farms Fund farmer network, attend local and national conferences and events.
Operational and Programmatic:
Support updating Midwest‑focused marketing and communication materials quarterly, coordinate logistics and provide on‑site event support such as organizing or taking photos, coordinate with Farm Services Specialists in other states to share learning and improve program support.
What we need you to have
3-5 years of experience with farm asset management focusing on how production, equipment, land, and infrastructure decisions affect farm business operations and growth.
Ability to track multiple farms and farm businesses, technical assistance partners, and resource needs simultaneously.
Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to work effectively with a diverse mix of individuals and groups, coordinate and communicate with those individuals and groups.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Demonstrated ability to work as a team player with other staff members in a small office environment.
Highly self‑motivated and entrepreneurial.
Willingness to travel as necessary to carry out duties, often with short notice and in inclement weather over long distances.
A commitment to conservation and the goals of The Conservation Fund.
What we’d like you to have
Familiarity with existing local food system network within the Chicago region and around the Midwest.
Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
Familiarity with grant writing and reporting.
Basic carpentry and repair skills.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Must be able to conduct basic property management functions including squatting, kneeling, and reaching.
Some days may include prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Work is performed primarily on‑farm in all weather conditions.
Estimated time: 40% on farms and in the field, 30% office environment/desk work, and 30% meetings with partners and attending in‑person conferences and events.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Compensation and Benefits The salary range for this position is $55,000 – $70,000, and the position is eligible for opportunities to earn performance‑based bonus compensation. Salary will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Benefits include:
Medical, vision and dental insurance plans (employer contributions).
Retirement plan discretionary company contribution.
Company contributions to HSA account.
Company‑paid life insurance, AD&D, Short‑Term and Long‑Term disability insurance.
Continuing education benefit for approved programs.
Employee assistance program (EAP).
Generous paid vacation, sick and floating holidays.
Voluntary Life Insurance, AD&D, Spouse and Child plans at group rates.
Six weeks paid parental leave.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.
Equal Opportunity Employer The Conservation Fund, a nonprofit corporation, is an Equal Opportunity Employer that fully and actively supports equal access for all people regardless of Race, Color, Religion, Gender, Age, National Origin, Veteran Status, Disability, Genetic Information or Testing, Family and Medical Leave status, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity or Expression. The Fund prohibits retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint, or otherwise oppose discrimination.
About Applications Frequently cited statistics show that women and people from underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they think they meet 100% of the criteria. If you meet many but not all the criteria and feel you may be a good fit for the role, The Conservation Fund encourages you to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
LINE OF BUSINESS/DIVISION : Working Lands, Working Farms Fund
FLSA STATUS : Exempt
REPORTS TO : Chicago MetroFarms Fund Manager
NUMBER OF POSITIONS REPORTING TO THIS POSITION : None
LOCATION : Chicago, IL (hybrid in person, field and remote)
The Conservation Fund protects the land that sustains us all. We are in the business of conservation, creating innovative solutions that drive nature‑based action in all 50 states for climate protection, vibrant communities and sustainable economies. We apply effective strategies, efficient financing approaches, and enduring government, community and private partnerships to protect millions of acres of America’s natural land, cultural sites, recreation areas and working forests and farms. To learn more, visit
www.conservationfund.org .
The Farms Fund is a first‑of‑its‑kind national conservation program designed to buy and permanently protect threatened farmland around metropolitan areas while creating a patient path to affordable farmland ownership for next‑generation farmers. The program seeks to significantly increase the supply of healthy, locally grown food by supporting farmers with expanded land access. Farms Fund is an initiative of The Conservation Fund and continues a multi‑decade long commitment to protecting working lands that generate conservation and economic value for local communities.
We are seeking to hire a Specialist to join a growing and innovative program which launched in Chicago in 2022. The Specialist will serve an essential role in providing critical support for farmers in the Midwest Farms Fund program as they successfully scale up their farm businesses after gaining access to larger farm properties through the program. The Specialist will work closely with multiple dynamic teams across TCF both locally and nationally.
The position will be based in the eight‑county metro Chicago region, with occasional travel to other Midwest States to support program growth. It is a flexible hybrid position with significant time expected in the field and office. This position supports the transition of farmers onto newly acquired farms, providing farm lease oversight; connecting the farmers with resources and technical assistance; and property management functions to ensure the on‑farm infrastructure is serving the farmers’ production and growth goals.
What you will be doing
Property Management:
Oversee and manage the farms in the program that are leased to Farms Fund farmers, including baseline documentation, managing records of property changes and improvements, infrastructure needs assessments, regular farm visits, contractor management, and farm/home maintenance.
Farm Business Development:
Aid farmers to take advantage of technical assistance in business and financial development, recommend deeper business and entrepreneurship skills, connect farmers with partners such as USDA and others to secure resources, assist producers with documentation and systems for reporting farm business metrics, support market readiness and access with certifications and grant opportunities, act as an in‑the‑field technician and support for farm operations, troubleshooting production issues.
Farm and Farmer Outreach:
Connect to local communities, farmer organizations, landowners, and service providers to identify farmland acquisition opportunities, screen new farm purchase opportunities, collaborate with the Farms Fund team to promote the program and provide outreach to potential applicants, support coordination of the Farms Fund farmer network, attend local and national conferences and events.
Operational and Programmatic:
Support updating Midwest‑focused marketing and communication materials quarterly, coordinate logistics and provide on‑site event support such as organizing or taking photos, coordinate with Farm Services Specialists in other states to share learning and improve program support.
What we need you to have
3-5 years of experience with farm asset management focusing on how production, equipment, land, and infrastructure decisions affect farm business operations and growth.
Ability to track multiple farms and farm businesses, technical assistance partners, and resource needs simultaneously.
Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to work effectively with a diverse mix of individuals and groups, coordinate and communicate with those individuals and groups.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Demonstrated ability to work as a team player with other staff members in a small office environment.
Highly self‑motivated and entrepreneurial.
Willingness to travel as necessary to carry out duties, often with short notice and in inclement weather over long distances.
A commitment to conservation and the goals of The Conservation Fund.
What we’d like you to have
Familiarity with existing local food system network within the Chicago region and around the Midwest.
Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
Familiarity with grant writing and reporting.
Basic carpentry and repair skills.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Must be able to conduct basic property management functions including squatting, kneeling, and reaching.
Some days may include prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Work is performed primarily on‑farm in all weather conditions.
Estimated time: 40% on farms and in the field, 30% office environment/desk work, and 30% meetings with partners and attending in‑person conferences and events.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Compensation and Benefits The salary range for this position is $55,000 – $70,000, and the position is eligible for opportunities to earn performance‑based bonus compensation. Salary will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Benefits include:
Medical, vision and dental insurance plans (employer contributions).
Retirement plan discretionary company contribution.
Company contributions to HSA account.
Company‑paid life insurance, AD&D, Short‑Term and Long‑Term disability insurance.
Continuing education benefit for approved programs.
Employee assistance program (EAP).
Generous paid vacation, sick and floating holidays.
Voluntary Life Insurance, AD&D, Spouse and Child plans at group rates.
Six weeks paid parental leave.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.
Equal Opportunity Employer The Conservation Fund, a nonprofit corporation, is an Equal Opportunity Employer that fully and actively supports equal access for all people regardless of Race, Color, Religion, Gender, Age, National Origin, Veteran Status, Disability, Genetic Information or Testing, Family and Medical Leave status, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity or Expression. The Fund prohibits retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint, or otherwise oppose discrimination.
About Applications Frequently cited statistics show that women and people from underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they think they meet 100% of the criteria. If you meet many but not all the criteria and feel you may be a good fit for the role, The Conservation Fund encourages you to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr