The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) has been promoting sustainable living for over 40 years. Established in 1976, we are a national nonprofit with a mission of helping people build resilient communities through local and sustainable solutions that reduce poverty, strengthen self-reliance, and protect natural resources. NCAT was originally created during the oil crisis of the 1970s to develop inexpensive energy-saving strategies for low-income communities. In 1987, as a natural outgrowth of our alternative and sustainable energy work for farmers and ranchers, we expanded our mission to include sustainable agriculture. Every day, we help individuals find solutions that will ensure our children and grandchildren inherit a world with cleaner air and water, efficient and renewable energy production, and healthy foods grown with sustainable techniques. We have a well-deserved national reputation for providing research-based technical assistance and information in the fields of sustainable agriculture, sustainable energy, and community development. In recent years, our agriculture work has also focused on small-scale intensive farming, urban farming, and local foods; assistance to small farmers, beginning and new farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, and veterans wishing to become farmers.

Headquartered in Butte, Montana, NCAT has regional offices around the country that ensure hands-on assistance is available for farmers, ranchers, individuals, government agencies, and business owners. Offices are located in Fayetteville, Arkansas; Davis, California; Keene, New Hampshire; and San Antonio, Texas. We developed and manage dozens of projects related to agriculture, food, energy, and green community development. We have more than 70 staff members, many of whom are national experts in their respective fields. They include engineers, architects, and experts in organic farming, small acreage production, urban agriculture production, entomology, agriculture economics, soil health, diversified crop and livestock operations, and other agricultural specialties. In addition to their formal education, many of our staff members also have hands-on experience because they are agricultural producers themselves.

We manage more than 50 projects that touch thousands of lives every year through activities such as training farmers, demonstrating renewable energy technology, weatherizing houses, and researching sustainable-agriculture challenges. NCAT is the only national organization providing personalized, one-on-one technical assistance to thousands of individuals, businesses, and organizations interested in the areas of sustainable and organic agriculture and sustainable and renewable energy, and we have a special focus on helping low-income Americans. We provide services to individuals, organizations, businesses, and government agencies across all 50 states, using web-based technology such as websites, webinars, video, and electronic mail; phone help lines and in-person visits and presentations; and snail mail. Our website traffic last year for all of our sites exceeded 1 million unique visitors.

The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is a private non-profit organization whose mission is to help people build resilient communities through local and sustainable solutions that reduce poverty, strengthen self-reliance, and protect natural resources. NCAT is seeking a Local Foods Specialist to work on local food projects with partners around the state. NCAT works to foster and promote sustainable technologies and systems, especially for the benefit of economically disadvantaged individuals and communities. NCAT’s work includes nationally recognized projects in food, agriculture, and energy.

The Local Foods Specialist will be a regular, full-time position based at NCAT’s headquarters in Butte, Montana.  The position will be working to grow Montana’s farm-to-institution movement by collaborating with a statewide network of foodservice professionals, farmers and ranchers, and leaders in the local food movement. This position will provide an outstanding opportunity to work with a dedicated and professional staff on local food projects throughout Montana.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• The equivalent of a BA/BS degree plus a minimum of three years of related professional experience or training.
• The successful candidate will have the ability to work independently, as part of an NCAT team, and work well with partners and clients. Candidates should have excellent verbal and written communication skills. The ability to prioritize work assignments, multi-task, and disseminate information are required for this position.
• The position requires familiarity with community based food systems, community outreach and development. Previous experience working with community service, project coordination, or non-profits is preferred. Occasional travel will be required. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Commitment and passion for the NCAT mission;
• Strong interest and knowledge in community based food systems;
• Facilitative leadership skills with experience and knowledge of community development;
• Knowledge of the national and Montana Farm-to-Cafeteria movement;
• Strong organization and planning skills;
• Interest in community service;
• Excellent communication skills, with experience in writing and editing;
• The ability to work well with others, build relationships and collaborate with community organizations, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other partners;
• Provide program and project development, coordination and implementation, including identifying possible grants and donors;
• Have an understanding of Montana’s unique growing season, climate, and food systems movement;
• Demonstrated interest and knowledge of state and federal policy arenas;
• High level of computer literacy including use of Word, Excel, and Outlook;
• Ability to work independently.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinate the Montana Harvest of the Month program to increase local procurement in schools, early care and education centers, hospitals, other public institutions, and grocery stores;
• Increase the visibility and impact of Farm to Cafeteria work through online and traditional outreach strategies;
• Further the development, expansion and tailoring of resources such as the Farm to Cafeteria databases, in-person regional training, and other opportunities for network participants to exchange best practices;
• Pursue development opportunities, participate in grant and proposal writing process;
• Planning and fundraising to ensure the future of NCAT’s Healthy Food and Communities Initiative;
• Co-chair the Montana Farm to Early Care Coalition and collaborate with a network of cross-sector partners statewide including Team Nutrition, Montana State University, AERO, state agencies such as the Office of Public Instruction and the MT Department of Agriculture; 
• Facilitate meetings, decision-making, and project implementation for regional farm to school activities;
• Manage projects to ensure project work and deliverables are being met.