AgCorps Mapping and Monitoring 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 Noxious Weed Trust Fund (NWTF) Grant Program was established by the 1985 Montana Legislature to provide funding for the noxious weed research projects, state and community education/development projects, and local cooperative - landowner cost share. As part of integrated weed management, landowners are required to map and monitor noxious weed control efforts supported by NWTF grants.
The member will assist continuing projects with annual revisits to monitoring sites, collecting, and analyzing data, mapping new and existing weed infestations, and setting up monitoring sites for new local cooperatives. The member will assist counties and land managers in implementing a key component of integrated weed management and teach them the skills to be proactive against noxious weeds.
Essential Functions and responsibilities:
- Conduct monitoring for ~10-12 NWTF (Noxious Weed Trust Fund) grants with local Cooperative Weed Management Areas
- Create educational materials to provide to landowners about early dedication and rapid response to noxious weeds
- Conduct landowner/county trainings and events on how to use and navigate the department’s mapping systems
- Build grant story maps and project maps for noxious weeds throughout the state
- Investigate protocol/funding needs for drone program (state/county)
- Maintain Survey 123 app and database
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
- Public speaking
- Knowledge of survey software (i.e., Survey123)
- Design and editing software (i.e., Canva, Adobe, etc.)
- Basic writing
- Provide educational materials to community/stakeholders
- Knowledge of Canva or other editing software
- Ability to interact with community members of all demographics
- Understanding or willingness to learn how agriculture plays an important role in Montana
- Valid driver’s license
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