NCAT’s Director of Communications will be responsible for setting NCAT’s communications and content strategy, including oversight and execution of earned media and PR strategies, storytelling and creative content development, social media, and delivery. The Director of Communications will build and sustain NCAT’s reputation and drive conversation about our work in the media, online, and among NCAT target audiences.

The Director of Communications will develop an editorial and creative vision for NCAT, and partner closely with the Executive Director and leadership team to think big about how NCAT tells its story. We seek someone who is driven to make regenerative agriculture, food systems transformation and climate solutions actionable to all audiences, and who is ready to use creativity across a variety of channels to help spark this message.

QUALIFICATIONS:
We’re seeking someone with 6-10 years of demonstrated experience developing and executing successful communications strategies. We’re looking for someone who not only has amazing creative skills, but who can effectively manage a team and demonstrate impactful, compassionate leadership. You are a storyteller with top-shelf writing skills who also brings an entrepreneurial drive for excellence, and who can balance immersive, creative work with the daily demands of managing a team responsible for multiple deliverables.

LOCATION:
NCAT’s main office is in Butte, Montana with satellite offices over a dozen states. While this position can be fully remote, this person will be expected to travel occasionally to report on NCAT’s fieldwork—a Soil for Water workshop, for example, or an AgriSolar field day—as well as travel periodically to meet with NCAT staff at our regional offices. The successful applicant must reside in the continental United States. This position provides an outstanding opportunity to work with a dedicated and professional staff on a national level and to advance understanding of regenerative agriculture, climate solutions, and community resilience.

THE ROLE:
As a senior leader at NCAT, the Director of Communications will:

• Promote and support NCAT’s mission;
• Manage NCAT’s brand, reputation, and public image, including potentially reshaping the organization’s brand in collaboration with the Executive Director and Board;
• Expand and grow our storytelling to showcase the full diversity of partners we serve. Leading the Communications team who employs a variety of channels—print, documentary film, podcasts, multimedia—you will help bring our mission to life for a wide audience including a growing, mainstream public audience interested sustainability, climate solutions and regenerative agriculture;
• Develop and implement a strategic communications and marketing plan as called for in the NCAT 2020-2025 Strategic Plan;
• Review recent communications audit and utilize the information in development of communication strategies, and use that to plan, supervise, and evaluate outreach efforts;
• Serve as a member of the NCAT Leadership Team, joining with executives and program directors to coordinate and implement communication and organizational strategies using a DEI lens;
• Manage a talented Comms team of 5-6 staff. Set strategic direction for the Comms team and coordinate with field staff to develop excellent content and design for NCAT websites, social media, podcasts, video, annual reports, and other content delivery. Guide program use of media platforms to share compelling stories about staff, partners and constituents involved in sustainable agriculture, clean energy solutions, and community resilience;
• Develop and maintain relationships with journalists and external media, and ensure regular national, trade and local coverage of NCAT;
• Increase awareness of NCAT activities, role and mission with constituents, partners, policy makers, funders and other stakeholders;
• Engage internal and external constituents in periodic review and improvement of NCAT media content and delivery;
• Support the Development Director in reviewing and advising on grants, bringing a creative lens to fundraising materials and strategy;
• Work with other staff on outreach to promote workshops and events organized by NCAT and its partners supporting and platforming diverse voices;

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Commitment and passion for the NCAT mission;
• Strong interest and knowledge of mission driven or non-profit organizations;
• Proven experience securing media coverage for causes or organizations;
• Excellent storytelling skills. You are a top-shelf writer and editor with an eye for delving into the worlds of regenerative agriculture and renewable energy and bringing out the human story;
• Extremely proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, desktop publishing software, content management systems, and social media platforms;
• Strong organizational and planning skills with attention to detail;
• Self-motivated, with an ability to work independently while also managing a remote team;
• High level of emotional intelligence and diplomatic skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across NCAT’s multiple geographies and cultural backgrounds;
• Ability to prioritize work assignments and to complete tasks in a timely manner;
• Ability to manage, coordinate and delegate tasks to the Comms team;
• The ability to build relationships and collaborate with community organizations, government agencies, non-profit organizations and other partners;
• Ability to travel (estimated 10-15% of your time).

ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (nice to haves):

• While not required, some familiarity with sustainable agriculture, clean energy, and science-based technological solutions to climate change would be helpful;
• Experience in public speaking, with the potential to represent NCAT at conferences;
• Experience either creating, or working with other creators, in documentary film, podcast delivery, and/or visual storytelling;
• Spanish language proficiency, or familiarity working with translators.

PORTFOLIO:
In addition to your cover letter and resumé, please email us a portfolio (PDF doc or similar) with 3-5 examples of your communications or creative work. This could be a blend of writing samples, videos created or produced, podcasts produced or edited, content you created for a website, stories and media you’ve earned, an OpEd you wrote, or more. Whatever you feel is representative of your best creative work. Email your portfolio as a PDF document to jobs@ncat.org

SALARY AND BENEFITS:
$90,000-110,000 (negotiable) annually depending on qualifications and experience. Excellent benefits include a flexible schedule, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, and a cafeteria and 401(k) plan. NCAT is also known for its friendly work environment and commitment to supporting employees in managing a healthy work-life balance.

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.

This position can be part-time or full-time, and a remote work agreement may be considered. The applicant will be asked to come into the NCAT Butte office from time to time. The position will provide an outstanding opportunity to work with a dedicated and professional staff on a national level.

QUALIFICATIONS:
The position requires three years of relevant professional experience or an AA/AS in Business, Communications, or a closely related field along with relevant professional experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Familiarity with grant preparation and contract document management is desired.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Commitment and passion for the NCAT mission;
• Strong interest and knowledge of mission-driven, non-profit organizations;
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate with NCAT staff and Grant Administrative Specialist, as well as community organizations, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other partners;
• Excellent organizational, verbal and written communication skills, with experience in technical writing, editing, and research;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite;
• Knowledge of or ability to learn contract management software;
• Strong organizational and planning skills with attention to detail;
• Knowledge of meeting and event coordination;
• Ability to prioritize work assignments and to complete tasks in a timely manner;
• Interest in with sustainable agriculture, clean energy, and science-based technological solutions to climate change particularly in rural America;
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment;
• Occasional travel is required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Promote and support NCAT’s mission;
• Work with program staff on administrative aspects of grant preparation, submission, and contract management.
• Track proposals and contracts in a contract management system to ensure process timelines;
• Assist Grant Administrative Specialist with other administrative activities;
• Coordinate and plan special meetings and events;
• Support efforts to organize board meetings, make meeting room, hotel and other arrangements as necessary;
• Assist in developing agendas, capture information in meetings, prepare meeting minutes for review and approval by Executive Staff and Board of Directors;
• Be available to occasionally travel to Board.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:
$19-$22/hourly depending on 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.

“I had this huge, eye-opening experience,” Hardin said. “That’s when I started actually using biochar on my crops, doing workshops, and teaching farmers how to make it.”

Biochar is created by heating biomass, such as forest waste or animal manure, in a low-oxygen environment—a process known as pyrolysis. Carbon stored in this form can be added to soil to improve moisture retention, nutrient availability, and aeration and create habitat for beneficial soil microbes, all of which can potentially boost soil productivity. Biochar can also last for thousands of years in soil, so it’s increasingly being viewed as an effective means of sequestering carbon.

Now, Hardin wants to use the knowledge he’s gained to tackle some big challenges across the state by using biochar to clean up the Illinois River watershed, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and help farmers improve the quality of their soil through his innovative initiative called the Carbon Chicken Project.

Many birds with one stone

The Carbon Chicken Project, which aims to develop a market-based, carbon-negative farming ecosystem, has taken shape in Northwest Arkansas, an area with a strong poultry production industry. In fact, the state of Arkansas ranks third in the country for the number of broilers produced (1 billion in 2022). Hardin’s plan is specifically designed to address three things: The first is runoff from poultry litter from the region’s many chicken houses that deposits excess phosphorus into the Illinois River watershed. The second is an abundance of forest and sawmill waste, which releases greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere if left to decompose. Third, Hardin and other farmers are seeking new ways to increase their yields by improving soil health.

To contend with these issues, the project composts the poultry litter and combines it with biochar made from forest and sawmill waste and poultry litter. The result is a soil conditioner to help farmers build healthy soil and reduce the application of expensive fertilizers that can harm the Arkansas River watershed.

For many, this win-win-win solution would be enough. But for Hardin—an agricultural entrepreneur with an economics background—it’s a foundation for a larger vision.

“We’re trying to build this whole ecosystem around biochar that’s very extensive, but when you think about an ecosystem, it’s really a circular economy,” Hardin said. “We can sell the carbon credits, we can sell the biochar, and we can make electricity, and we can clean up a watershed, and we can sequester carbon and prevent climate change. It’s just cascading the benefits of what this product does.”

Accelerating biochar

Producers across the country are looking to Congress to realize biochar’s immense potential. With the most recent Farm Bill recently expired, the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is asking Congress to invest in biochar research through the next Farm Bill, under the bipartisan Biochar Research Network Act. If passed, the bill will authorize the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a national-scale research program to test different biochar types in different soils and circumstances. With better research will come innovation and practical tools for farmers, ranchers, foresters, and businesses to lean into biochar as a climate solution that improves their bottom line.

On the research front, a recent USDA study showed that biochar made from poultry litter adds value and could be an attractive solution for waste disposal for the industry.

Hardin knows the impact that investment in biochar research can make, referring to his own introduction to biochar—and subsequent learning, experimentation, and research—stemmed from a grant from Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG).

“The Carbon Chicken Project would have never ever happened if it wasn’t for this CIG grant,” Hardin said. “That innovation grant really worked because we’ve created this massive environmental solution for Northwest Arkansas’s watershed using a scaled-up idea that started with that little grant.”

Next steps

Right now, Hardin is working on securing project funding while creating an 11-acre carbon innovation and demonstration farm that can serve as a research facility for the Carbon Chicken Project—and to get other agricultural partners on board.

“I’ve been doing biochar research here on my farm for a good year, and I’ve got feedstock sources, I’m building pyrolysis units, I’ve got different application rate studies already going,” he said. “I’m trying to use this as a base to organize farmers so that they can see the amazing benefits and the yield increases, and all the things that we’re doing.”

NCAT is seeking an Agricultural Conservation Planner to help woolgrowers in the Northern Great Plains region of South Dakota to plan and implement conservation practices that improve climate resilience, sequester carbon, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The primary duty of the planner will be working closely with woolgrowers in South Dakota to complete detailed conservation plans for their properties that identify and prioritize on-farm opportunities for carbon capture and storage. Planners also provide technical assistance for the implementation of practices identified in the plan, verify implementation, assist with project monitoring, and coordinate climate-smart agriculture efforts with local partner organizations and agencies. Planners also serve as connectors between the ag community and groups offering resources for improving soil health, drought resiliency, and climate adaptation.

We will consider part-time and full-time applicants. The successful candidate for this position will be required to set up and work from a remote office in Westcentral South Dakota or the nearby area. They must be willing and able to travel frequently throughout their specified region to farms, events, workshops, and training as needed. NCAT can help with relocation costs for the right applicant.

QUALIFICATIONS:
This position requires a BA/BS degree in agriculture, environmental science, natural resource management, conservation, or related fields and a minimum of five years of farming experience. Applicants with equivalent but different combinations of education and experience will be considered. While not required, preference is for candidates with experience in animal (especially sheep) agriculture in the Northern Great Plains; experience in building soil health through regenerative ranching and farming; and demonstrated competence/certification in whole farm planning, such as NRCS conservation planner certification. New hires are required to successfully complete the Carbon Cycle Institute’s Carbon Farm Planning Training and Curriculum and become a Certified Carbon Farm Planner within 6 months of hire. (NCAT will provide the Carbon Cycle Institute’s Carbon Farm Planning Training for Certification. The training requires 2-4 hours/week for a period of 3 weeks.)

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Commitment and passion for the NCAT mission;
• Strong knowledge of animal agriculture in the Northern Great Plains and familiarity with ag-related organizations and government agencies;
• Familiarity with concepts of sustainability and regenerative agricultural practices;
• Experience working with land managers and agricultural producers in conservation planning, whole farm planning, climate adaptation planning, soil health planning, and/or carbon farming planning and implementation;
• Competence in GIS mapping, data management, and using software such as the Web Soil Survey and the Rangeland Analysis Platform;
• Competence with Microsoft Office and Google Suite;
• Demonstrated knowledge of Northern Great Plains ecology, plants, wildlife, soils, and climate;
• Excellent attention to detail and demonstrated verbal and written communication skills;
• Exceptional ability to communicate and build constructive, professional relationships with farmers, ranchers, community organizations, government agencies, partners, private contractors, Tribal staff and citizens, resource professionals, and the general public;
• Ability to recognize and successfully pursue additional or alternative funding sources for high-priority projects and partnerships;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Self-directed and organized with the ability to work independently to meet multiple deadlines;
• Exceptional ability to work productively both independently and in a collaborative team setting;
• Ability to coordinate groups and teams and manage time effectively on multiple projects;
• Ability to sit, walk, and listen for up to 8 hours per day;
• Ability to conduct on-farm fieldwork in challenging terrain, weather, and climate conditions while carrying up to 30 pounds
• And the willingness and ability to travel around the state, region, and on occasion out of the state. Travel may involve flexible work hours, including evenings, and weekends, and some overnight travel may be required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Promote and support NCAT’s mission;
• In collaboration with woolgrowers, write tailored and individualized conservation plans that include, but are not limited to, producer goals, soil and ecological site assessments, spatial mapping, resource concerns, a suite of recommended NRCS Conservation Practice Standards and quantified greenhouse gas benefit.
• Provide regionally appropriate technical assistance for conservation practice adoption to woolgrowers via in-person site visits as well as by phone, email, social media, workshops, and field demonstrations;
• Monitor, measure and report on conservation practice implementation
• Serve as point person to work collaboratively with agricultural producers, staff of NCAT and the Carbon Cycle Institute, and technical assistance providers such as staff of NRCS, Conservation Districts, Watershed groups, and university extension agents to develop technical CFPs that reflect farmer goals and include a suite of recommended NRCS-conservation practice standards with quantifiable GHG or carbon sequestration benefits;
• Collect data and prepare quarterly project reports towards outcomes and goals, such as implementation acres, practices implemented, quantifiable GHG benefits, farm productivity, and the marketing and sales of agricultural products grown using climate-friendly practices;
• Create educational and outreach materials such as tip sheets, workshop content, and public presentations;
• Assist with written and visual content for periodic progress reports and press releases;
• Assist in arranging educational activities, such as field days, pasture walks, Climate Resilience
  Demonstration Days, and one regional capstone conference
• Cultivate peer-to-peer producer learning communities;
• Develop and maintain positive, productive, professional relationships with producers, coworkers, partner organizations, agencies, research institutions, and Tribes as part of program delivery;
• Maintain understanding of the full range of compatible agricultural and conservation programs currently available in the region, and effectively connect producers to these opportunities;
• Carry out diversity and inclusion efforts, including outreach to small and historically underserved producers to embed equity within NCAT’s outreach efforts;
• Present at conferences, producer association meetings, stakeholder meetings, and other appropriate forums;
• Contribute content for promotional communications and outreach activities, such as blogs, podcasts, press releases, earned media pushes, and video production;
• Participate in the creation and/or delivery of promotional and educational media related to climate-beneficial practices for woolgrowers;
• And stay abreast of current and emerging research in the field of agricultural conservation planning, soil health, wool production, and agricultural practices that have proven GHG benefits.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:
$60,000 – $65,000 annually depending on work status, 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 must submit an NCAT application and upload a resume and cover letter through BambooHR. To start the application process please visit NCAT Employment Application and complete the online supplemental. Incomplete applications or references on the application to “see resume” will not be considered. The next part of the process is uploading 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.

The National Center for Appropriate Technology, along with nationally recognized organic leaders, will offer an Organic Academy Road Show (OARS) training at the Mansfield Convention Center in Great Falls, Montana, on December 6 and 7, 2023. Beginning farmers and ranchers in the Northern Great Plains will have the opportunity to explore regenerative, certified organic production systems for livestock, grains, oilseeds, and pulses.

Thirty stipends for beginning farmers and ranchers are available for up to $200 each to defray the costs of attending. There is no registration fee, but registration is required. Online registration is available at NCAT.ORG/EVENTS.

This event will host intensive training sessions and one-on-one technical assistance for beginning farmers and ranchers. Topics will include developing an organic system plan, the economics and markets for organic products, considerations when transitioning an operation, working with an organic consultant, and more. There will be time for questions and crowdsourcing ideas with experienced organic farmers and ranchers including Nate Powell-Palm, Doug Crabtree, Margaret Scoles, and others. Thursday’s session will conclude with a tour of an organic processing facility. The event schedule can be found here.

“This series of educational opportunities is not just another farming training,” said Doug Crabtree and Anna Jones-Crabtree of Vilicus Farms in Montana. “It is about leveraging training to further build the network of beginning organic producers who are farming and ranching at a scale that will have a tremendous impact on land stewardship across the Northern Great Plains.”

OARS attendees who are farmers and ranchers transitioning to organic can also apply for a complimentary two-day conference pass to the Montana Organic Association Conference, December 8-9, 2023, also at the Mansfield Convention Center.

The OARS sessions are part of the three-year federal Beginning Farmers and Rancher Development Program, Preparing a Resilient Future, in partnership with the Montana Organic Association, Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture Society, Center for Rural Affairs, the Intertribal Agriculture Council, Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society, International Organic Inspectors Association, North Dakota State, and University of Wyoming.

The project targets medium to large-scale field crop and livestock operations, unlike most programs focused on beginning farmers and ranchers. This project was selected in a national competition under the Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Program funded through the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

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:

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.

*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.

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:

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.

*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.

 Cotton and wool producers in the states of California, Georgia, Indiana, Montana, North Carolina, New York, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Wyoming are invited to apply to the new program “Climate Beneficial Fiber: Building New, Accessible, and Equitable Market Opportunities for Climate-Smart Wool and Cotton.”  

 With funding from USDA’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Program, the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) and its partners — Carbon Cycle Institute, Fibershed, New York Textile Lab, Seed2Shirt, and the Colorado State University Department of Soil and Crop Sciences — are ready to provide technical assistance and $18 million in direct payments to producers, enabling them to choose and adopt climate-smart conservation practices that fit with their farming operations and goals. 

 Participating farms and ranches will work with experts to create a tailored plan that identifies opportunities to bring more carbon into soils and vegetation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Participants will then receive incentive payments for adopting practices that — besides being “climate-smart” — have benefits such as increasing the water-holding capacity of soils, reducing the need for expensive synthetic fertilizers, and boosting overall farm productivity. 

 The program provides technical assistance and planning at no cost to producers and pays 75 to 90 percent of the average cost of implementing recommended practices. Over the next five years, the program hopes to sign up 100 agricultural operations and impact two million acres of land.  

 At least 40 percent of all program benefits will go to small and underserved farmers, and a special initiative is encouraging Black farmers in southern states to grow climate-smart cotton. “We’re making it a priority to reach and include folks who have not traditionally benefited from this type of program,” said NCAT Executive Director Fred Bahnson. “We strongly encourage cotton and wool producers of all sizes to apply.” 

 Building on the Climate Beneficial Verification program already developed by Fibershed, the program is also working with well-known clothing brands and textile manufacturers to expand markets for climate-smart wool and cotton. Growing concerns about textile-derived microplastics, land-use impacts, “fast fashion,” and human rights have prompted an industry-wide shift to seek natural fiber sources with verified benefits to land and climate.  

 “Our long-term goal is to create a self-sustaining consumer market and regional manufacturing systems that reward cotton and wool producers with price premiums for drawing down carbon from the atmosphere,” said Fibershed Executive Director Rebecca Burgess. “That’s good for rural communities as well as the planet.” 

 Producers interested in learning more can visit the Climate Beneficial Fiber Partnership website (fiberpartnership.ncat.org) and fill out an interest form.

“I went in there and had the most powerful week of my life,” Sara Creech said. “I really look at this life that I’ve built right now, and it all started with that Armed to Farm.” 

The National Center for Appropriate Technology today released its short film “Armed to Farm Stories: Sara Creech,” in which Creech, a former surgery and trauma nurse who served during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, shares her story of overcoming loss through organic farming. Attending NCAT’s Armed to Farm program in 2013 empowered Sara not only to pursue farming, but also to help other farmer veterans. 

In the film, we see the diversified vegetable, fruit, and livestock farm Sara has built over the past ten years and hear from members of the farmer veteran community who have benefited from Sara’s mentorship.

Many service members feel disconnected from their communities and former lives when they come home, Sara said. Organic and sustainable farming can help them feel connected and whole again.

“Armed to Farm offers practical information to help veterans get their farms started, or expand their operations,” said Margo Hale, Armed to Farm Program Director. “The classroom sessions, along with farm tours and hands-on activities, give them a strong foundation in sustainable agriculture. And the relationships they develop during the week of training—which often continue long after the week is over—are invaluable.” 

Armed to Farm participants learn from seasoned farmers and gain direct experience on livestock, vegetable, fruit, and agritourism operations. Since the week-long program began ten years ago, more than 1,000 veterans from 47 states have participated in the training. When surveyed one year after attending an Armed to Farm, 73 percent of participants indicated they continued farming, had started farming, or were in the process of starting a farm.

Sara credits farming with bringing peace to her life, as well as giving her purpose—caring for the land, feeding her community, and supporting other veterans who want to farm. And Sara is just one example of Armed to Farm alumni helping their fellow farmer veterans.

“Sara exemplifies what we hope to achieve through the Armed to Farm program,” said Hale. “Not only is she operating a successful diversified farm, but she has taken what she learned from us and amplified it so that many other veterans have access to that knowledge and support.” 

Watch the film, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdsOjbc-GYY

To learn more about NCAT’s Armed to Farm program, visit ARMEDTOFARM.ORG.

“We’re doing this to help create community and show how delicious this food can be that’s grown underneath solar panels,” NCAT Energy Program Director Dr. Stacie Peterson told North Metro TV.

Co-locating food and fiber production with solar panels can increase land access for farmers and strengthen local food systems.

“I think you’re seeing this all across the country and once people hear about it, it just makes sense,” said Peterson. “They hear about the stacked benefits of agriculture and solar, and agrisolar, and they want to do it, too.”

To learn more about agrisolar, or agrivoltaics, visit NCAT’s AgriSolar Clearinghouse.