Food Ag Development Specialist

State of Montana • Helena, MT

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Montana Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for our Food & Agriculture Development Specialist. The first review of candidates will be March 18, 2026 . This position is eligible for a hybrid remote schedule and once training is complete may report to one of our field offices outside of Helena. The Montana Department of Agriculture operates more than 30 programs. These include regulatory programs that protect producers, consumers and the environment, as well as development and marketing programs to foster growth in Montana agriculture. Our agency is serving Montana agriculture and growing prosperity under the Big Sky. The Agricultural Development & Marketing Division is responsible for administering programs that promote and enhance Montana agriculture. Job Overview: This position is principally responsible for developing, implementing, and managing a variety of business and industry development activities that promote and sustain both individual agri-businesses and statewide food and agriculture systems. The incumbent will serve as the Program Manager for the Food & Agriculture Development Center Network and will coordinate and participate in strategic planning and development initiatives across the Network. Serves as a program liaison with citizen stakeholder programs and organizations to promote local food systems development. The position coordinates with other Bureau staff according to to the needs and objectives of the programs, Bureau, Division, and the Department. Duties include program development and administration, program implementation, and other duties as necessary to fulfill the goals and objectives of the Bureau and Agency.

Requirements

• Extensive knowledge of the concepts and theories of business administration, marketing, and business protocols.
• Knowledge of business administration principles and practices; program management; contract administration principles.
• Knowledge of economic issues related to agriculture; AFTD Bureau goals; legislative processes; strategic marketing and planning practices; and statistical demographics and analysis.
• Skills in program management, plan implementation.
• Skills in applying advanced research methods and techniques; explaining technical concepts to a variety of audiences including government officials, agri-business representatives and producers; as well as persuading others to adopt a positive perception of Montana’s agri-business environment.
• Ability to apply analysis and judgment in arriving at solutions to routine, unusual, and unprecedented business problems.
• Ability to apply innovation, judgment, and professional expertise to the effective development, implementation, and operation of a new program.
• Knowledge of market development and program promotion techniques.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Bachelor’s Degree in business, marketing, economic development, agriculture, or related field.
• Two years of work experience in a related field.
• Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Responsibilities

• Assess program and client needs and ensure that program objectives are met.
• Work with community members and other stakeholders to identify necessary programs and services.
• Identify, suggest, or implement improvements to programs and services.
• Plan and oversee outreach activities.
• Review, interpret, and monitor compliance with guidelines, laws, and regulations.
• Prepare reports.
• May provide training or technical assistance to partners.
• May coordinate activities of program committees or other groups and plan procedures.
• Recommend, manage, and control program budgets authorized by the legislature.
• Work within program’s funding sources to ensure compliance with regulations, legislative and rule change, and secured funds.
• Develop needs assessments, reporting requirements, and data measurements to determine program effectiveness.
• Oversee administrative aspects of programs to meet the objectives of the stakeholders.
• Create and develop policies or program guidelines.
• Conduct public outreach and partnership development and develop, analyze, and research marketing and sales strategies.

Benefits

• Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation package!
• Upon date of hire, employees working at least half-time for more than six months are eligible for state paid premiums toward employee “core” medical, dental, and basic life insurance coverage.
• Employees earn 15 working days of annual leave, 12 days of sick leave and 10-11 paid holidays each year.
• Membership in a Retirement System - vesting criteria applies.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level