Farmland Preservation Program Administrator

Internal applicants will be considered before external applicants.

GENERAL PURPOSE
The Farmland Preservation Program Administrator manages, administers, and supervises the Northampton County Farmland Preservation Program in accordance with applicable State statutes and guidelines as well as County policies and regulations. The Farmland Preservation Program Administrator provides support to the Northampton County Farmland Preservation Board.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
This position reports directly to the Director of Administration.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
This position exercises supervision over the Farmland Preservation Resource Specialist and Farmland Preservation Technician.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION
Administers and maintains the Northampton County Farmland Preservation Program and guidelines as per the requirements of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Conservation Easement Program and the direction of the County administration. Performs services in accordance with the goals, objectives, and time tables of both program and administrative guidelines.

Educates local farmers and the general public about Northampton County’s Farmland Preservation Program through public educational presentations, public media exhibits, tours, displays, newsletters, press releases, publications, and private meetings with landowners.

Provides program support, planning, agricultural economic analysis, cartography and computer aided graphics, land resource assessment and monitoring, information gathering and assembly, and assistance in the management, allocation, and conduct of the County’s Agricultural Easement Purchase Program.

Assists the County Board in evaluating each easement application through the use of Land Evaluation and Site Assessment (LESA) system developed as part of the County program.

Visits and evaluates prospective farms for potential easement acquisitions. Reviews title searches, commitments, and surveys for errors and issues to be resolved prior to easement purchase.

Procures, in accordance with County policies, professional services for appraisal, land survey, and title search and insurance to determine the value and property boundaries of agricultural conservation easement properties.

Negotiates with landowners for the purchase of agricultural conservation easements.

Prepares and coordinates the signing of easement sales agreements.

Prepares detailed easement purchase proposals to be submitted to the State Agricultural Land Preservation Board for purchase consideration.

Coordinates conservation easement settlements and prepares deeds of easements, legal descriptions, and subordination agreements for settlements. Coordinates preparation of County checks for settlement.

Oversees the inspection of each agricultural conservation easement property annually and prepares required inspection reports after each inspection.

Assists in preparation of an annual budget for the farmland preservation program.  Assists in the annual and three (3) year County capital plan(s) for the farmland preservation program.

Works with qualified land conservancies, government bodies and agencies to preserve farmland in Northampton County.

Investigates and pursues alternative funding sources for the farmland preservation program and provides technical assistance to townships that wish to create or expand agricultural security areas. Explores alternative farmland preservation strategies with farmland owners and local municipalities.

Makes presentations at public meetings, to County Council, and other organizations. 

*An employee assigned to this title shall perform a majority, but may not perform all, of the duties listed in this job description. Conversely, minor level duties performed on the job may not be listed. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE - Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree (NOTE: Experience can be substituted for Education requirement on a year-for-year basis); AND

At least four (4) years of satisfactory full-time professional work experience in environmental planning or management work; AND

Specific experience in preservation work at the Federal, State, or local level is preferred; AND

Employees assigned to this title will be required to possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator’s license and have an acceptable driving record.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 
Thorough knowledge of farmland preservation issues.

Knowledge of informational principles and practices commonly employed in developing and presenting training programs and materials.

Knowledge of preservation rules and regulations commonly found at the Federal, State, and local levels.

Ability to learn specific State and local laws, regulations, and operating procedures governing preservation use.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, representatives of Federal, State and local agencies, individuals affected by preservation policies, and the general public.

Ability to oversee the work of support personnel.

Ability to operate a personal computer and secure information from established data processing, spreadsheet, word processing, database, and graphics programs.

Ability to utilize ARC-View GIS geospatial data.

Ability to prepare statistical and financial reports.

Must have strong organizational skills and effective communications skills, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to work with a minimum of supervision.

Ability to travel and work extended hours, as needed.

Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English to perform the duties of this position.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Telephone, personal computer (including word processing, spreadsheet software, and other specialized software), calculator, writing implements, projector and screen, fax machine, copy machine, and paper shredder.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk or hear. 

The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds. 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may work in different work site locations as required. The work environment can be loud, busy, and involve walking long distances in inclement weather and the ability to negotiate trails and rough terrain.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office setting, but may be loud in the field.

SELECTION GUIDELINES
Formal application, rating of education and experience, interview, and reference check as well as job related tests may be required. 

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. 

FLSA STATUS: FLSA EXEMPT (NOT ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME)
DESIGNATION: CAREER SERVICE
PAY GRADE: CS/GR28
UNION STATUS: NON-UNION

Updated June 2025