AgCorps 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.

          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 scheduling 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, 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

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 or GED during your term or service
• Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien 
• Satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check eligibility criteria