Remote Farmland Protection Research Intern

American Farmland Trust; Northampton (MA); Remote; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

American Farmland Trust is seeking an entry-level Farmland Protection Research Intern to assist the Farmland Information Center with tracking nationwide farmland protection efforts. The role is fully remote with optional in-person work from Northampton, MA, and starts in January 2027.

Expect 10–15 hours weekly for about 12 weeks, with potential extension into Summer 2027. Responsibilities include surveying state programs, collecting land trust data, monitoring responses, and performing outreach.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a bachelor's or graduate degree program in agriculture, environmental studies, public policy, land use planning or conservation.
• Familiarity with Excel and strong communication skills.
• High ethical standards, integrity, transparency and confidentiality.
• Ability to meet commitments and maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Survey state-level programs that purchase conservation easements to protect land.
• Collect information on land trusts' farmland protection efforts.
• Monitor response rates from public programs and land trusts.
• Conduct outreach via email and phone to land trusts.
• Compile survey data in Excel and assist with policy research tasks.

Skills

Excel familiarity

Communication skills

Ethics/integrity

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's or graduate degree program in relevant field

Tools

Office365 (Outlook, SharePoint, Teams)

SurveyMonkey

Excel (advanced)

Job description

American Farmland Trust is seeking an entry-level Farmland Protection Research Intern to assist the Farmland Information Center with tracking nationwide farmland protection efforts. The role is fully remote with optional in-person work from Northampton, MA, and starts in January 2027.

Expect 10–15 hours weekly for about 12 weeks, with potential extension into Summer 2027. Responsibilities include surveying state programs, collecting land trust data, monitoring responses, and performing outreach.