HR Associate

Who We Are

American Farmland Trust (AFT) is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. AFT launched the conservation agriculture movement and continues to raise public awareness through our No Farms, No Food message. Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect nearly 8 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally sound farming practices on millions of additional acres and supported thousands of farm families. Long a pioneering leader, AFT continues to evolve to meet the needs of farmers and ranchers nationwide, adapting its approach to ensure the continued strength and resilience of agriculture and rural communities nationwide.

Job Purpose
The Human Resources Associate provides administrative and operational support to ensure smooth HR operations across all locations, including maintaining records, coordinating programs, supporting recruitment and onboarding, and serving as a contact for employees, management, and external partners.

Position summary
As an integral member of the AFT Human Resources team, the Human Resource Associate provides administrative and operational support to the HR team, ensuring smooth execution of HR processes. This role assists with recruitment, onboarding, record management, training compliance, and program coordination, while serving as a contact for employees, management, and external partners and supporting the smooth functioning of HR operations.

Duties and Responsibilities

HR Administration & Operations

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of HR trends, best practices, employment law, regulatory changes, and emerging HR technologies to support operational HR functions.
• Conduct periodic audits of HR files, benefit plans, and HR programs, recommending corrective actions to ensure compliance, completeness, and accuracy of documentation.
• Maintain the integrity, accuracy, and confidentiality of all HR records, files, and HRIS entries.
• Organize, file, and manage employee documents, records, and HRIS data in accordance with company policy and regulatory requirements.
• Manage the HR email inbox, prepare professional correspondence, and serve as a point of contact for routine inquiries from employees, applicants, and managers.
• Act as a liaison with external partners, vendors, brokers, and benefit providers, including health, disability, retirement, and federal/state/local agencies.
• Handle day-to-day administrative tasks, including processing incoming mail, scanning and distributing documents, photocopying, and general clerical functions.
• Schedule and attend internal and external HR-related meetings as requested by the HR team.

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding Support

• Assist with recruitment processes for all positions, including posting job ads, managing job requisitions, screening applicants, and maintaining accurate candidate records.
• Coordinate and schedule interviews for candidates, including senior-level roles, and assist hiring managers with candidate evaluation and communications.
• Maintain organized records of recruitment materials, including applications, interview notes, and related documentation, for HR leadership review.
• Respond to routine applicant, employee, and manager inquiries regarding HR policies, hiring processes, and benefits, escalating complex or sensitive matters to senior HR staff.
• Facilitate onboarding and orientation programs to ensure a smooth and positive integration of new hires, including coordination of training, system access, and workplace setup.
• Support special recruitment initiatives such as job fairs, sourcing campaigns, and employer branding efforts as directed by HR leadership.

Training & Compliance Support

• Organize, schedule, and track employee training and development initiatives, ensuring compliance with mandatory federal, state, and local requirements.
• Maintain accurate training records and documentation to support HR reporting, audits, and compliance requirements.
• Assist with LMS (Learning Management System) administration, including course enrollment, tracking completions, and reporting on training progress.

General HR & Project Support

• Provide administrative support to the HR team to enhance operational efficiency and employee experience.
• Assist HR leadership with ad hoc HR projects, initiatives, and internal communications.
• Support HR analytics and reporting by collecting data and preparing operational summaries as requested.
• Promote a positive workplace culture through professionalism, discretion, and collaboration.
• Perform other HR-related duties as assigned to support smooth operations and organizational objectives.
   

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Basic understanding of HR principles, practices, and procedures.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems (Paycom or similar) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of discretion and professionalism in handling confidential information.

Education & Experience

• Associate’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Minimum of one year of HR or administrative experience preferred.

Working Conditions/Travel

• Occasional work in the evenings or on weekends may be required to meet deadlines. This position is fully remote. 

Compensation

This position offers an annual salary of $60,000 - $65,000. 

American Farmland Trust offers a full benefits package for full time employees:

• Insurance coverage begins the 1st of the month following the date of hire. 
• Medical & Prescription Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Company Paid Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – Healthcare & Dependent Care
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• 401k Plan
• Sick Leave: Regular full-time employees accrue 13 “sick days” per year.
• Vacation Leave: Accrue 15 days during the first year increasing by one day per year to 20 days per year maximum.
• Holidays: AFT observes twelve fixed holidays and a week between Christmas and New Years off during the year (all offices closed) plus a choice of up to three (depending on hiring month) floating holidays.

Why you should apply:

• Be a part of a purpose-driven, committed, knowledgeable, high-performing, experienced and fun team
• A diverse and inclusive work environment
• A cause and mission you can be proud of
• Competitive compensation & benefits
• Remote work opportunities
• Flexible scheduling

Timeline

To be considered, applicants must submit a resume, a cover letter explaining why they are the right fit for both AFT and this role and complete all screener questions. Apply Directly here: HR Associate

We believe diversity drives innovation. We are inclusive. We embrace differences. We recognize and respect the fundamental value and dignity of all our employees. We celebrate the unique traditions, heritages, and experiences our employees bring to the workplace. We are committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive culture that promotes and values diversity, and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work every day. Please see AFT’s statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice.

Salary : $60,000 - $65,000