Tester, Baucus highlight opportunity for rural Montana jobs

Senators encourage Montanans to apply for top state job at USDA Rural Development

(Washington, D.C.) – Montana’s U.S. Senators Jon Tester and Max Baucus are encouraging Montanans dedicated to rural jobs to express their interest in leading USDA Rural Development’s efforts in Montana.

Anyone interested in applying for state director of USDA Rural Development can submit a letter of interest and resume online HERE by February 1st, 2013.

Tester and Baucus will then submit up to three names to the President, who will appoint a Montanan to the position. The post was previously held by Matt Jones, who was appointed by President Obama in July, 2009 to manage the Montana offices of USDA Rural Development.

“The director of USDA Rural Development can do a lot for job creation in Montana,” Tester said. “This position is about moving our economy forward, and I encourage all qualified Montanans committed to public service to apply for this job.”

“As we thank Matt for his hard work and commitment to Montana’s rural working families over the past four years, it’s critical that we find a leader as committed to public service as Matt to fill this important role. Montana jobs and infrastructure for our small businesses benefit from important tools provided by USDA Rural Development,” said Baucus.

USDA Rural Development works in conjunction with the state and local partners to leverage resources for expanding infrastructure in rural Montana and supporting jobs.
In fiscal year 2011, Montana projects received more than $333 million in USDA Rural Development funds including $191 million for rural housing, $71 million for expanding telephone and broadband services. More than $7 million in USDA Rural Development funds helped rural Montana communities maintain and expand essential services such as libraries, hospitals, and emergency services.