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AgCorps AmeriCorps Member – Montana AG Literacy Specialist

AgCorps Mission: To serve Montana communities by providing Ag literacy and environmental stewardship education to create resilient, healthy, and engaged communities under the Big Sky.

Location 3040 Continental Dr. Butte, Montana 59701
Supervisor information Molly Kirkham, NCAT Harvest of the Month Phone: 406-494-6872 Email: mollyk@ncat.org
Term of Service This is a full-time 1700hr position. Term dates are January- November 2024. Members are expected to serve 40 hours/week. Typical working times are Monday-Friday 8:00AM-4:30PM

 

About AmeriCorps:

AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps provides opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds to serve their country, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, and improve lives and communities. The AmeriCorps mission is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering.

Purpose:

AgCorps is a state AmeriCorps program administered by the Montana Department of Agriculture. AgCorps aims to improve the capacity of partner organizations to meet their mission, grow collaborations, provide effective programming, and create resilient, healthy, safe, and engaged communities in Montana. This program is also designed to serve rural and underfunded school districts in Montana that require more accessibility to Ag literacy materials. The AgCorps program strives to deliver the best possible resources and values integrity, leadership, and trust in its members and host sites.

Location:

The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is headquartered in Butte, Montana, with staff located across the U.S. NCAT’s deep portfolio of sustainable agriculture and energy projects spans every region of the country. The geographic diversity of our work, and trusted expertise of our staff in each of these regions, allow NCAT to provide relevant information, individualized technical assistance, and in–depth resources to support sustainable agriculture and accessible energy solutions nationwide.


Butte is the fifth largest city in Montana and sits in between a few of the state’s largest cities: Missoula, Bozeman, and Helena. The city has great opportunities to learn about its history, as well as many restaurants, shops, sporting events, concerts, and community gatherings. Butte is also surrounded by access to recreation such as skiing, hiking, fishing, floating, biking, and climbing.

 

Service Position Summary:

The Montana Harvest of the Month (HOM) program showcases Montana-grown and raised food in Montana schools, institutions, organizations, and businesses. Each month, participating sites focus on promoting one locally grown item by displaying HOM posters and materials, serving it in snacks or meals, offering it for purchase, or doing educational lessons and activities. The two primary goals of this program are to promote local, healthy foods to Montanans and to support Montana farmers, ranchers, and food businesses. Participating sites receive a free packet of materials including posters, handouts, recipes, and other promotional materials, as well as guides, additional resources, and training. There are approximately 80 schools, 50 early care and education sites, 20 businesses and organizations, and 10 producers currently participating in HOM throughout the state of Montana.

 

The AmeriCorps member will implement HOM throughout Montana. With the below service activities, the member will increase ag literacy in Montana, as well as knowledge and consumption of Montana grown and raised foods. The service member will also implement HOM in communities with minimal resources and capacity to participate in the program. This will help develop a more equitable landscape of ag literacy in Montana.

 

Essential Functions and responsibilities:

  • Partner with current HOM sites to assist with their HOM activities
  • Make new connections with organizations, schools, early care and education providers, and institutions to implement HOM
  • Assist with producer visits and field trips
  • Plan and conduct taste tests, educational activities, and cooking and gardening lessons
  • Help sites find funding for HOM activities
  • Attend state-wide events to increase awareness of HOM
  • Assist with program maintenance, planning, and material design
  • Help lead mini-grant programs and other HOM-related projects

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

  • Valid driver’s license
  • Basic writing, computer, and communication skills
  • Comfortable leading educational activities, cooking and gardening lessons, and making connections with community members.
  • Interest in agriculture, food systems, and agricultural education

 

Service Conditions:

This position will be in the field and on the road about 60% of the time. Member will be travelling to schools, school and community gardens, farmers markets, organizations, healthcare centers, early care and education facilities, and other Montana institutions and businesses. The remaining 40% will be conducted in a typical office environment. Transportation or mileage reimbursement for program activities will be provided.

 

Orientation and Training (Mandatory):

  • Orientation is a three–day long event. We will cover multiple topics including expectations, prohibited activities, program benefits, timesheets, and reporting
  • Montana Symposium is held in March every year. This is an opportunity to meet other AmeriCorps members in the state and to develop your understanding of AmeriCorps
  • Mid–Term Training will be a two to three–day long training held in June. This will be a time to reflect on your service and connect with other members
  • End of Service is an event focused on concluding your service. There will be a civic reflection and resources to prepare you for life after AmeriCorps

 

Evaluation and Reportion:

  • Members will be required to complete a monthly report focused on capacity building and environmental knowledge data from program participants and community members
  • There will be a mid-service evaluation and an end of service evaluation
  • Supervisors are encouraged to meet with their member on a weekly basis at minimum

 

AmeriCorps Program Benefits:

  • Members receive a living allowance of $21,000 to cover basic expenses while serving
  • Upon successful completion of service, members receive a $7,895 education award
  • While serving, members may qualify for student loan forbearance
  • Healthcare/childcare services are available while serving
  • A $200/month housing stipend if eligible
  • Other benefits include being part of an incredible community, being surrounded by professionals in multiple fields, and job shadowing opportunities
  • AmeriCorps alumni benefits include access to nationwide alumni network, many career resources, access to AmeriCorps alumni emails and updates

 

AmeriCorps Service minimum Requirements:

  • Must be 18+ at the beginning of service (17+ requires parental consent)
  • High school graduate, GED recipient, working towards obtaining a high school diploma/GED
  • Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States
  • Satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check eligibility criteria

 

For more information, please Contact:
Amanda Coyle: AgCorps Program Coordinator
(406) 444-7819
Amanda.Coyle@mt.gov


To Apply:

Visit https://my.americorps.gov

 

 

*All positions are contingent upon a successful background check

*All positions are contingent upon continued CNCS grant funding

The Montana AgCorps Program, under the Montana Department of Agriculture, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other discrimination not based on merit or qualifications.

AgCorps AmeriCorps Member – Butte AG Literacy Specialist

AgCorps Mission: To serve Montana communities by providing Ag literacy and environmental stewardship education to create resilient, healthy, and engaged communities under the Big Sky.

Location 3040 Continental Dr. Butte, Montana 59701
Supervisor information Molly Kirkham, NCAT Harvest of the Month Phone: 406-494-6872 Email: mollyk@ncat.org
Term of Service This is a full-time 1700hr position. Term dates are January- November 2024. Members are expected to serve 40 hours/week. Typical working times are Monday-Friday 8:00AM-4:30PM

About AmeriCorps:

AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps provides opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds to serve their country, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, and improve lives and communities. The AmeriCorps mission is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering.

Purpose:

AgCorps is a state AmeriCorps program administered by the Montana Department of Agriculture. AgCorps aims to improve the capacity of partner organizations to meet their mission, grow collaborations, provide effective programming, and create resilient, healthy, safe, and engaged communities in Montana. This program is also designed to serve rural and underfunded school districts in Montana that require more accessibility to Ag literacy materials. The AgCorps program strives to deliver the best possible resources and values integrity, leadership, and trust in its members and host sites.

Location:

The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is headquartered in Butte, Montana, with staff located across the U.S. NCAT’s deep portfolio of sustainable agriculture and energy projects spans every region of the country. The geographic diversity of our work, and trusted expertise of our staff in each of these regions, allow NCAT to provide relevant information, individualized technical assistance, and in–depth resources to support sustainable agriculture and accessible energy solutions nationwide.


Butte is the fifth largest city in Montana and sits in between a few of the state’s largest cities: Missoula, Bozeman, and Helena. The city has great opportunities to learn about its history, as well as many restaurants, shops, sporting events, concerts, and community gatherings. Butte is also surrounded by access to recreation such as skiing, hiking, fishing, floating, biking, and climbing.

 

Service Position Summary:

The Montana Harvest of the Month (HOM) program showcases Montana-grown and raised food in Montana schools, institutions, organizations, and businesses. Each month, participating sites focus on promoting one locally grown item by displaying HOM posters and materials, serving it in snacks or meals, offering it for purchase, or doing educational lessons and activities. The two primary goals of this program are to promote local, healthy foods to Montanans and to support Montana farmers, ranchers, and food businesses.

 

NCAT’s Small-Scale Intensive Farm Training program (SIFT) operates a high-altitude urban demonstration farm in Butte, Montana, that is focused on production of food for the good of the community. The farm operates a food donation program to the Butte Food Bank and a waste food collection service for composting purposes on the SIFT site. In addition, the SIFT hosts educational programs, and organizations as part of their summer camp program.

 

The AmeriCorps member will implement HOM and SIFT activities throughout Butte. With the below service activities, the member will serve the Butte community by increasing knowledge, consumption, and access to Montana grown and raised foods. The member will have the opportunity to deliver hands on education in agriculture and food production, through planned field trips to the SIFT farm and other local producers, to learn skills related to sustainable food production techniques, the Butte growing season, crops suitable for the climate, healthy soils, soil nutrition and much more.

 

Essential Functions and responsibilities:

  • Partner with current HOM sites to assist with their HOM activities
  • Make new connections with organizations, schools, early care/education providers, etc.
  • Plan and conduct taste tests, educational activities, and cooking and gardening lessons
  • Assist with producer visits and field trips to SIFT
  • Assist sites with funding for HOM activities
  • Increase outreach and education with local organizations, schools, and non-profits
  • Attend Community events to increase awareness of HOM
  • Deliver hands on and education focused on food production, the climate, healthy soils, and soil nutrition

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

  • Valid driver’s license
  • Comfortable leading educational activities, cooking and gardening lessons, and making connections with community members of all ages
  • Interest in agriculture, food systems, and agricultural education
  • Willing to work in an outdoor environment in all weather conditions.
  • Knowledge of local food system issues
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs. and be willing to learn how to use semi-large machinery

 

Service Conditions:

This position will be in the field and on the road about 70% of the time (20% HOM and 50% SIFT). The remaining 30% will be conducted in a typical office environment updating social media content on SIFT initiatives for building sustainable food communities and HOM content creation. Transportation or mileage reimbursement for program activities will be provided.

 

Orientation and Training (Mandatory):

  • Orientation is a three–day long event. We will cover multiple topics including expectations, prohibited activities, program benefits, timesheets, and reporting
  • Montana Symposium is held in March every year. This is an opportunity to meet other AmeriCorps members in the state and to develop your understanding of AmeriCorps
  • Mid–Term Training will be a two to three–day long training held in June. This will be a time to reflect on your service and connect with other members
  • End of Service is an event focused on concluding your service. There will be a civic reflection and resources to prepare you for life after AmeriCorps

 

Evaluation and Reportion:

  • Members will be required to complete a monthly report focused on capacity building and environmental knowledge data from program participants and community members
  • There will be a mid-service evaluation and an end of service evaluation
  • Supervisors are encouraged to meet with their member on a weekly basis at minimum

 

AmeriCorps Program Benefits:

  • Members receive a living allowance of $21,000 to cover basic expenses while serving
  • Upon successful completion of service, members receive a $7,895 education award
  • While serving, members may qualify for student loan forbearance
  • Healthcare/childcare services are available while serving
  • A $200/month housing stipend if eligible
  • Other benefits include being part of an incredible community, being surrounded by professionals in multiple fields, and job shadowing opportunities
  • AmeriCorps alumni benefits include access to nationwide alumni network, many career resources, access to AmeriCorps alumni emails and updates

 

AmeriCorps Service minimum Requirements:

  • Must be 18+ at the beginning of service (17+ requires parental consent)
  • High school graduate, GED recipient, working towards obtaining a high school diploma/GED
  • Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States
  • Satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check eligibility criteria

 

For more information, please Contact:
Amanda Coyle: AgCorps Program Coordinator
(406) 444-7819
Amanda.Coyle@mt.gov


To Apply:

Visit https://my.americorps.gov

 

 

*All positions are contingent upon a successful background check

*All positions are contingent upon continued CNCS grant funding

The Montana AgCorps Program, under the Montana Department of Agriculture, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other discrimination not based on merit or qualifications.

Sustainable Agriculture Specialist – California

Since 1976, the National Center for Appropriate Technology or NCAT has been helping people build resilient communities through local and sustainable solutions that reduce poverty, strengthen self-reliance, and protect natural resources. NCAT is a national, non-profit organization providing trusted, individualized technical assistance, hands-on training opportunities, practical educational resources, and peer-to-peer learning networks on nationally acclaimed projects in food, agriculture, energy, and climate resilience. Headquartered in Butte, Montana, NCAT has offices in 10 states. NCAT works to foster and promote sustainable technologies and systems, especially for the benefit of economically disadvantaged individuals and communities. NCAT is committed to advancing racial equity and inclusion in its work and organization.

NCAT is seeking a full-time Sustainable Agriculture Specialist to join our team in California. The primary duties of the Specialist are to support underserved producers in California in improving soil health and conservation planning on the lands they work, along with integrated crop and livestock production, organic certification, and successful business management. The Specialist will work closely with producers identifying as Latino/a throughout California to evaluate their operations, identify and prioritize on-farm opportunities for improved soil health management, and develop comprehensive conservation plans that meet the standards set forth by NRCS. This position requires strong technical writing and verbal communication skills, fluency in Spanish, respect for and appreciation of culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse populations of farmers, knowledge of USDA organic regulations, regenerative soil management, as well as knowledge of NRCS conservation planning, practice standards and guidelines.

The successful candidate for this position will be required to set up and work from a remote office in one of California’s primary agricultural regions, and be willing and able to travel frequently to farms, events, workshops, and training as needed throughout their specified region. (Candidates located near the NCAT office in Davis, CA have the option of an office located in that shared office space).

QUALIFICATIONS: This position requires a Bachelor’s (BA/BS) degree in soil science, agriculture, environmental science, natural resource management, or a related field, along with at least three years of relevant professional experience, or an equivalent of education and/or experience. Must be fluent in Spanish, both written and spoken. The ability to communicate in languages spoken by other farmer groups is also desirable. Previous work experience with agricultural industry, extension, or non-profit organizations is preferred.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Commitment and passion for the NCAT mission;
  • In-depth knowledge of soil science, the five soil health principles, USDA organic regulations and the certification process, regenerative agriculture philosophies, and NRCS conservation practices;
  • Experience working with land managers and agricultural producers in conservation planning, whole-farm planning, organic and food safety certifications, soil health and/or carbon farming planning and implementation;
  • Knowledge of California’s climate, soils, ecology, and farming contexts;
  • Knowledge of NRCS conservation practice standards and guidelines;
  • Experience in grant-writing;
  • Excellent attention to detail, and strong technical writing and communication skills;
  • Exceptional ability to communicate with and build constructive, professional relationships with farmers, ranchers, community organizations, government agencies, partners, private contractors, resource professionals, and the general public;
  • Self-directed and organized, with the ability to work independently to meet multiple deadlines;
  • Ability to coordinate groups and teams, and manage time effectively on multiple projects;
  • Ability to conduct on-farm field work in challenging terrain, weather, and climatic conditions while carrying up to 30 pounds;
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills;
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, GIS software, and software such as COMET Farm Planner;
  • Knowledge of California ecology, native plants, soils, and climates;
  • Ability to identify and pursue additional or alternative funding sources for priority projects and partnerships;
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team setting;
  • Willingness and ability to travel throughout the region, including flexible work hours, evenings, weekends, and some overnight travel.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Promote and support NCAT’s mission;
  • Conduct outreach to small and historically underserved producers in both English and Spanish, and embed equity within NCAT’s outreach efforts;
  • Travel frequently to conduct on-farm site visits to evaluate land, soil, water, and other natural resources;
  • Work closely with farmers to understand their conservation needs, goals, values, resources, and production contexts;
  • Provide regionally appropriate technical assistance for sustainable conservation practice adoption to producers via in-person site visits, as well as by phone, email, social media, workshops, and field demonstrations;
  • Develop comprehensive conservation plans that align with NRCS standards and guidelines;
  • Create educational and outreach materials promoting conservation practices, such as written articles, tip sheets, workshop content, blogs, podcasts, press releases, short educational videos, and public presentations;
  • Assist in planning educational activities and events such as field days, trainings, and the annual Latino Farmer Conference;
  • Collaborate and maintain productive and professional relationships with producers, partner organizations, government agencies, research institutions, and other partners in the organic and regenerative agriculture movements and industries;
  • Cultivate peer-to-peer learning communities for producers and landowners to share knowledge and experiences;
  • Assist in creating written and visual content for periodic progress reports and press releases;
  • Maintain an understanding of the full range of compatible agricultural and conservation programs in California, and effectively connect producers to these opportunities;
  • Maintain an understanding of current and emerging research on organic production, regenerative agriculture, soil health, and conservation practices, and effectively educate producers about these practices;
  • Maintain detailed records of all conservation plans and activities;
  • Pursue grants and funding opportunities to support ongoing NCAT mission-based activities.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:
This salary is $65,000 – $75,000 annually depending on location, qualifications, and experience. Excellent benefits include a flexible schedule, paid vacation, sick leave and holidays, health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, a cafeteria and 401(k) plan, and a pleasant, professional environment.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate can be identified. Early applications are encouraged. Applicants are encouraged to visit www.ncat.org and attra.ncat.org to learn more about NCAT. NCAT employees interested in the position should email Human Resources a letter of interest as soon as possible. All persons interested in being considered for the position should upload a resume and cover letter through BambooHR. Please submit a current resume and a cover letter highlighting experience and skills relevant to the listed qualifications. Resume and cover letters can be uploaded at https://ncat.bamboohr.com/careers. Simply choose the position you are applying for and then click “apply for this job” to upload the required resume and cover letter. Questions about the application process can be directed to:

Kriss Sullivan, Director of Human Resources
e-mail: jobs@ncat.org

NCAT’s mission is to help people build resilient communities through local and sustainable solutions that reduce poverty, strengthen self-reliance, and protect natural resources. Our work brings together diverse partnerships and communities to help reduce poverty and protect our natural resources. We strive to be a multicultural organization that embraces the rich dimensions of diversity such as race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical ability, religious or political belief and marital or veteran status. Diversity creates healthy communities. Special consideration will be given to applicants who are reflective of the communities that we serve. NCAT is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For additional information about NCAT please visit our homepage.