Experienced Field Organizer

~ Northern Plains is a grassroots conservation and family agriculture group that organizes Montana citizens to protect our water quality, family farms and ranches, and unique quality of life. ~

Our mission is to protect Montana’s greatest assets: the quality of our natural resources, the character and viability of family-based agriculture, and the ability of citizens to shape the public policies that affect our land, our water, and our lives so that we may pass them on, unimpaired, to future generations.

We speak with a clear and consistent voice about issues affecting our land, air, and water. We believe in good stewardship of our water and land, and in using natural resources responsibly. We believe in always looking to the next generation. Check out our website for more information on the organization.

We're seeking an Experienced Field Organizer  - join our team of organizers to make the world a better place!  Work with our locally-based affiliate groups, (mostly in small, rural communities), and with our issue task forces. Overnight travel averages perhaps 2-3 times a month. We are especially interested in someone who has experience in grassroots organizing. As a Northern Plains Organizer, you won’t be tied to a desk, you’ll meet lots of people, and you’ll make change happen at the grassroots level. 

Note: This is a two-year project with the high likelihood of becoming a permanent, salaried position.

Responsibilities

Specific Duties Include:

• Plan, coordinate, and implement strategy on issue campaigns;
• Conduct research and manage contract researchers or professional services;
• Conduct outreach events in several small towns in southeast Montana;
• Meet with and cultivate relationships with stakeholders in rural areas (including workers, organized labor, tribal folks, ranchers, economic developers, etc.);
• Work with everyday people to help them become leaders;
• Learn about rural economic development;
• Help produce earned media coverage on important issues.

Qualifications

• Commitment to Northern Plains’ issues and values, ability to get along well with people from diverse backgrounds, strong speaking and writing skills, ability to travel and be away overnight, willingness to work long hours when needed.
• Also helpful: experience working for social change or on environmental issues, experience at face-to-face grassroots organizing, experience in a political campaign, general familiarity with the workings of legislative bodies and agencies, familiarity with conservation and agriculture issues, experience with the media and fundraising. This is very much a “people” job.

Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience; health insurance (20% employee contribution required); 4 weeks’ vacation; pension program; sabbatical program after 5 years of employment, and the opportunity to work in some of the most beautiful countryside in the world.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to email the following to Steve Paulson:

• Cover letter (tell us why you want the job);
• Resume;
• Short writing sample; and
• Contact information for 3 professional references.

Or mail to:

Steve Paulson
Northern Plains Resource Council
220 S. 27th Street, Suite A
Billings, MT 59101

Note: This position is open until filled, but we encourage applications as soon as possible.Call 406.248.1154 with any questions, or email Steve Paulson.