Farmland Preservation Coordinator

What You''ll Be Doing

The Farmland Preservation Coordinator supports Wake County's farmland preservation initiatives by assisting with program administration, conservation easement coordination, landowner outreach, stewardship activities, and Agricultural Advisory Board support. The role works closely with the Farmland Preservation Manager, landowners, partner agencies, and County departments to help protect agricultural lands and working forests across Wake County.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the administration of the Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD), Enhanced VAD (EVAD), and Conservation Easement Programs.
• Assist with conservation easement acquisition and closing activities, including due diligence, coordination with internal departments, and communication with landowners and partners.
• 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, preparing agendas, presenting program updates, and maintaining official documentation.
• Maintain accurate digital and physical records for easements, 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 on farmland preservation initiatives and funding opportunities.
• Assist with researching, preparing, submitting, and tracking grant applications and reimbursement requests for state and federal farmland preservation programs.
• Use GIS and mapping tools to support conservation planning, 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, conservation partners, 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 Services Raleigh, 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

Equal Opportunity Statement

Background Check Statement

Emergency Service Worker Statement

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 for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement

Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration 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, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.