Montana Career Opportunity – Value Added Agriculture Coordinator- Bear Paw Development Corporation

The Value Added Agriculture Specialist is responsible for the overall administration of the Bio Product Innovation Center, located at Bear Paw Development Corporation, and designed to serve the area of Liberty, Hill, Blaine, Phillips and Chouteau Counties and the Fort Belknap and Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservations. The position is responsible for the development of value-added agriculture projects and programs within the region.

NATURE AND SCOPE OF JOB

A full-time position reporting to the Executive Director. Contingent upon ongoing funding. Competitive wage based on qualifications and experience. Excellent benefits. Position to remain open until filled.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

1. General Project Development

A. Provide one-on-one counseling with the producer, manufacturer or producer groups, in the areas of planning, business and market development.

B. Identify and secure resources to move a specific, acceptable project forward.

C. Assist producers through the development of feasibility studies and sound business/marketing plans.

D. Provide assistance in marketing and market development.

E. Provide assistance in business planning and leveraging capital assets.

F. Assist local agri-businesses, manufacturers and agricultural producers develop alternatives that will assist them in becoming more effective in marketing and producing value-added products from both traditional crop and livestock enterprises and those with new or unique niche products.

G. Assist producers by expanding access to infrastructure for small-scale food processing, food-business and bio-based technology incubation and other potential value added processes.

H. Assist in the capitalization of producer-owned, value-added ventures through development of cooperatives, venture capital funds, equity partnerships and/or access to community loan funds and commercial lending institutions.

I. Plans, analyzes, organizes and implements strategies to promote economic development in the region.

J. Other related duties as assigned.

2. Administration

A. Responsible for the implementation of the goals and objectives of the Bio Product Innovation Center at Bear Paw Development.

B. Monitors financial performance of Center activities and submits reports to funding agency, which is the Montana Department of Agriculture.

C. Researches and pursues funding opportunities for program

continuation.

D. Writes and administers complimentary grant and other funding opportunities for project development and implementation.

E. Prepares reports and proposals for all appropriate programs, agencies and organizations, including but not limited to the Montana Department of Agriculture and the Board of Directors of Bear Paw Development Corporation.

F. Ensures that federal and state regulations are complied with and executed.

3. Public Relations

A. Represents the organization at public and professional meetings at the local, regional and statewide level.

B. Actively participates in all Montana Bio Product Innovation Center Network meetings.

C. Coordinating and providing liaison activities among various agencies and organizations creating an atmosphere necessary for successful partnerships.

D. Works to build new relationships between rural service providers, agriculture producers, and value added agriculture businesses.

4. Back-up Duties

A. Performs other duties as necessary or as assigned by the Executive Director.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1) Minimum Qualifications:

A. BS/BA required with emphasis in the areas of Agriculture, Business, Marketing, Economics or related fields preferred. Acceptable experience in lieu of education will be considered.

B. Strong oral, written and inter-personal communication skills.

C. Must have current Montana State Driver’s License.

D. Computer and software experience.

E. Proven ability to complete a variety of tasks and pay attention to

detail.

F. Must have a demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.

2) Desired Skills and Experience:

A. Professional experience.

B. Administrative and project management experience.

C. Experience working with Board of Directors of a non-profit corporation.

D. Proficiency with basic office machinery, software and practices preferred.

E. Must be self-directed, self-motivated and result oriented.

F. Willing to work creatively and independently to find pragmatic solutions to difficult problems.

G. Familiarity with federal and state loan and grant programs.

H. Experience in economic development.

I. Budgetary principles and practices.

J. Principles and techniques of public information dissemination and media relations.

K. Ability to write and speak effectively.

L. Knowledge of Montana agriculture and value-added processes.

M. Grant writing and administration.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to write. The employee is frequently required to sit, talk, hear, taste, use hands to finger, handle or feel items, read and keyboard. Occasionally, the employee must stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, climb up and down stairs and drive a vehicle.

2. The employee is infrequently required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

3. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

1. Much of the work is sedentary, associated with a typical office atmosphere. Frequent travel by automobile within region is required. The work requires typical safety precautions associated with working in an office and through standard business travel.

MENTAL/MOTOR DEMANDS

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee constantly has time constraints. The employee frequently has flexibility associated with routine workflow. Attentiveness and intensity of focus are important. The employee is constantly involved in social interaction, which constantly requires good oral and written communications.

2. Memory, reasoning, mathematics, estimating and judgment are frequently used/required on this job.

TO APPLY

(If you do apply, please mention that you saw it on MATR.net Thank you)

Send letter of application, resume and minimum of three references, two of which must have knowledge of applicant’s professional abilities, to:

Paul Tuss, Executive Director

Bear Paw Development Corporation

ATTN: Value-Added Ag Coordinator Position

PO Box 170

Havre, MT 59501