Farmland Preservation Coordinator

Wake County; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 39,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Wake County is seeking a Farmland Preservation Coordinator in Raleigh, NC to support farmland preservation initiatives through program administration, conservation easement coordination, landowner outreach, stewardship activities, and Agricultural Advisory Board support.

You will work closely with the Farmland Preservation Manager, landowners, partner agencies, and county departments to protect agricultural lands and working forests across Wake County.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Studies or related field.
• Two years of experience in natural resource conservation activities.
• Valid Driver's License and a 'safe' driving record.
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted.

Responsibilities

• Support the administration of Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD), Enhanced VAD (EVAD), and Conservation Easement Programs.
• Assist with conservation easement acquisition and closing activities, including due diligence and coordination with internal departments.
• Conduct annual monitoring visits for easements and agricultural district properties; prepare reports and maintain stewardship records.
• Provide administrative and technical support to the Agricultural Advisory Board, including coordinating meetings and presenting program updates.
• Maintain accurate records for easements, grants, contracts, monitoring, and program participation.

Skills

Public communication

Data analysis

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Studies or related field

Tools

ArcGIS

OnBase

Job description

What You'll Be Doing

TheFarmland Preservation Coordinator supports Wake County’s farmland preservationinitiatives by assisting with program administration, conservation easementcoordination, landowner outreach, stewardship activities, and AgriculturalAdvisory Board support. The role works closely with the Farmland PreservationManager, landowners, partner agencies, and County departments to help protectagricultural lands and working forests across Wake County.

KeyResponsibilities

• Support the administration of the VoluntaryAgricultural District (VAD), Enhanced VAD (EVAD), and ConservationEasement Programs.
• Assist with conservation easement acquisition andclosing activities, including due diligence, coordination with internaldepartments, and communication with landowners and partners.
• Conduct annual monitoring visits for easements andagricultural district properties; prepare reports and maintain stewardshiprecords.
• Provide administrative and technical support to theAgricultural Advisory Board, including coordinating meetings, preparingagendas, presenting program updates, and maintaining officialdocumentation.
• Maintain accurate digital and physical records foreasements, grants, contracts, monitoring, and program participation.
• Support outreach efforts, educational activities,workshops, and public presentations to promote farmland preservation.
• Collaborate with local, state, and federal partners onfarmland preservation initiatives and funding opportunities.
• Assist with researching, preparing, submitting, andtracking grant applications and reimbursement requests for state andfederal farmland preservation programs.
• Use GIS and mapping tools to support conservationplanning, stewardship, and program reporting.
• Analyze program data and assist with reports,presentations, and performance metrics to support data‑driven decision‑making.
• Serve as a liaison between landowners, conservationpartners, County departments, and community stakeholders.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

About Our Team

The staff of the Wake District are skilled and talented professionals with a passion for soil and water conservation. The staff is dedicated to excellent customer service. We are a purpose driven organization with goals to protect Wake County's natural resources through voluntary implementation of conservation practices, farmland preservation, delivery of environmental education and coordination of volunteer clean up events.

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Studies or related field
• Two years of experience in natural resource conservation activities
• Valid Driver's License and "safe" driving record
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted

• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

• Experience working in a Soil and Water Conservation District, local government, land trust, or agricultural conservation organization.
• Experience working with elected or appointed boards and committees.
• Experience preparing agendas, recording minutes, and coordinating public meetings.
• Experience administering Voluntary Agricultural District or Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District programs.
• Experience coordinating conservation easement transactions, stewardship, or monitoring activities.
• Experience with grant writing, grant administration, and reimbursement management.
• Familiarity with USDA conservation programs and NC farmland preservation funding programs.
• Experience working with agricultural producers, forestland owners, or rural communities.
• Experience using ArcGIS, mapping software, and spatial data management tools.
• Experience working with OnBase or similar document management systems.
• Experience with aerial imagery, drone technology, or remote sensing tools preferred.

How Will We Know You're 'The One'?

• Knowledge of farmland preservation principles, land conservation practices, and agricultural land preservation programs.
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing voluntary agricultural districts, enhanced voluntary agricultural districts, and conservation easements.
• Knowledge of conservation easement transactions, stewardship practices, and real estate closing processes related to land conservation.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal agricultural and conservation programs.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with landowners, farmers, conservation partners, elected and appointed boards, and the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively through public presentations, written reports, stakeholder engagement, and interpersonal communication.
• Skill in organizing multiple projects, prioritizing tasks, and managing deadlines.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data and assist with program evaluations and reporting.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting policies and procedures.
• Ability to effectively utilize complex software applications, databases, GIS mapping systems, and record management tools.
• Ability to conduct field visits on agricultural and forestland properties, including traversing uneven terrain and traveling throughout Wake County.
• Ability to attend occasional evening meetings and community events.

About This Position

Location: Agricultural ServicesRaleigh, NC 27610

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Hiring Range: 28.00- 37.00

Market Range: 27.58 - 46.89

Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 9/7/2026

What Makes Wake Great

Consistently ranked high among the best places to live and work in America, Wake County is the proud home to NC State University, Research Triangle Park, and the two-time Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes, winners in 2006 and 2026. In addition to being Wake County’s seat of government, Raleigh is also the center of state government, with the Capitol Building, legislature and many state government offices located in Raleigh. With an estimated population of just over 1.2 million residents, Wake County is North Carolina’s most populous county. Entertainment, recreation, and art and culture abound with the North Carolina Museum of Art, JC Raulston Arboretum, and the Neuse River Trail all in the heart of Wake County. Wake County uses the Council/Manager form of government. Currently, the seven members of the Board of Commissioners are elected by district on a partisan basis and serve four-year terms. Starting in fall 2026, the Wake County Board will have seven commissioners elected by voters in their districts and two at‑large commissioners elected by the whole County. The County is regarded as a fiscally responsible and well-managed government, enjoying a AAA bond rating. The County’s FY2027 General Fund budget is approximately $2.28 billion, and the County has more than 5,000 full time employees. Wake County Government came in at #2 on the Healthiest Employers list for 2024. This year, US News & World Report ranked Raleigh #5 on its list of Best Places to Live, and the Milken Institute ranked Raleigh #1 on its 2025 list of Best-Performing Cities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants foremployment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement

Position may require a background check that mayinclude: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on jobrequirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you fromconsideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Emergency Service Worker Statement

In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected.Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, duringand after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.