AgCorps Ag Education Specialist

Location and position summary:

Great Falls is often referred to as Montana’s basecamp with just over 60,000 people it is centrally located and home to an international airport. The city is halfway between Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park, nestled in between 4 mountain ranges, 3 rivers, 2 wilderness areas and 1 wildlife refuge, adventure is easily accessible in every direction. Stretch your legs on the picturesque 53 miles of trail that runs along the famed Missouri River flowing right through town.

Montana Farmers Union is a grassroots, non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the agricultural way of life. One of the three pillars of MFU is Education. This member will focus on developing the youth education programs that MFU is able to provide. One of their main duties will be to assist in the preparation, counselor development, curriculum development, and execution of five kids camps that serve over 200 youth. Other opportunities exist in our media, legislative, and membership areas of MFU. Transportation or mileage reimbursement for program activities, per diem, and hotel fees will be provided as funding permits.

Essential Functions and responsibilities:

• Assist camp director and education director with planning and execution MFU kid’s camps and day camps around the state
• Help maintain the garden at the MFU summer camp facility
• Support the MFU kids camps through instruction and general support
• Provide Ag focused lessons to youth throughout the summer
• Create educational materials to distribute statewide
• Support Ambassadors at community events and state-wide Day Camps
• Support MFU events in both planning and execution
• Writing assistance for MFU magazine
• Attendance to mandatory trainings (Orientation, Symposium, mid-service training and end of service training)
• Participation in evaluation and reporting (monthly reporting, bi-weekly timesheet submission and monthly check-in calls)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• A bachelor’s degree or related experience
• Ability to drive and valid driver’s license
• Skills in farming and understanding of agriculture terms and processes
• Public speaking and communication
• Direct education experience is a plus
• Understanding or willingness to learn about agriculture in Montana
• Adhere to program policies and procedures
• Demonstrate the ability to balance service activities
• Demonstrate professional behavior and use of appropriate language
• Demonstrate the ability to be flexible and serve cooperatively
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and resolve conflicts

AmeriCorps Program Benefits:

• Members receive a living allowance to cover basic expenses while serving
• Upon successful completion of service, members receive an education award
• While serving, members may qualify for student loan forbearance
• A monthly housing stipend if eligible
• Healthcare and childcare assistance
• Transportation and per diem reimbursements
• 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