 Youth Grow and Garden Coordinator
Position Summary:
The Youth Grow and Garden Coordinator works directly with other AmeriCorps members and youth from Northwest Youth Corps (NYC) Youth Grow summer camp and the NYC OutDoor School (ODS) in the daily operation and maintenance of the garden, nursery projects and summer camp activities. Produce from the farm is sent to NYC field crews, donated to local food banks, and sold as part of a CSA to generate revenue for the program. The Coordinator interacts with the Laurel Valley community to distribute community plots, organize workdays, recruit and manage volunteers and facilitate workshops.
The Youth Grow and Garden Coordinator reports primarily to the AmeriCorps Program Manager and the NYC Program Director regarding specific site duties. S/he coordinates the daily activities of the Youth Grow summer camp and the Laurel Valley farm. Emphasis is on leading and instructing youth in organic farming practices (20%), farming for the NYC CSA (40%) while developing, planning and coordinating the Youth Grow Program (40%).
Duties and Responsibilities—Essential Functions:
- Coordinate Youth Grow infrastructure and curriculum to promote program identity
- Responsible for leading the safe and efficient completion of nursery and garden projects
- Responsible for planning and leading education activities with youth and young adults
- Connect with local grade and middle schools to come visit the garden
- Teach a garden elective for Outdoor School Students
- Operate a cost-effective agricultural program with a focus on sustainability and revenue generation
- Plan and lead activities for Outdoor School students during field education and work weeks (once a month during the school year)
- Partner with other organizations, such as Salmon Watch and the School Garden Project, to better serve our students and local community
- Support Outdoor School staff in field education and in creating field education activities
Minimum Qualifications:
- Two years of college. Degree in agriculture, forestry, science, ecology or related field preferred. (Relevant experience can be substituted for college background)
- Knowledge and experience in propagation of local native species and community gardening
- Experience teaching and leading young adults
- Ability to establish positive rapport with diverse groups of young people
- Ability to develop extensive work plans and work independently
- Desire to help youth develop leadership and job skills and make a difference in their communities
- Good physical condition and ability/willingness to participate in intense physical labor.
Schedule Requirements:
- Full time (40-45 hours a week) with a minimum of 1700 hours and 10 month term with occasional night and weekend hours from Mid August - June 2012. Exact dates are subject to slight change
Program Benefits:
- Up to a total of $12,100 living allowance dispersed evenly on a monthly basis
- Health insurance plan; Training; Child care, Loan forbearance, 15 days of break
- $5,500 Education Award (upon completion of the 1700 hours of service)
- living allowance and education award are taxable. Members are responsible for providing housing, food, work clothes, and a pair of 8 inch tall leather work boots.
To apply: Please see our website for complete application requirements under the AmeriCorps heading at www.nwyouthcorps.org or contact Kendra Henry at kendrah@nwyouthcorps.org or Tom Helmer at tomh@nwyouthcorps.org
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