YouthWorks Garden Coordinator
Position Description:
The Garden Coordinator reports primarily to the AmeriCorps Program Manager, the YouthWorks Program Director and the NYC Program Director regarding specific site duties. S/he works shoulder to shoulder with the ODS Garden Coordinator, YouthWorks Team Leaders and YouthWorks corps members in the two acre Laurel Valley Educational Farm. The Coordinator also develops summer work plans, educational activities and coordinates their implementation while supporting the self-sustaining agricultural program. Emphasis is on leading and instructing youth on organic farming practices while developing, planning and marketing products which can be sold to local area buyers through the NYC Market, the Saturday Market and other avenues.
The YouthWorks Garden Coordinator works directly with other AmeriCorps members and youth from NYC's YouthWorks Program and the Outdoor School in the daily operation and maintenance of the garden, nursery projects and landscape maintenance activities. Produce from the farm is sent to NYC field crews, donated to local food banks, and sold to generate revenue for the program. The Coordinator interacts with the Laurel Valley community to distribute community plots, organize workdays, recruit and manage volunteers, facilitate workshops, and organize CSA's.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- 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.
- Connection with local grade and middle schools to come visit the garden.
- Teach a garden elective for Outdoor School Students.
- Find opportunities for Outdoor School students to teach local school youth in outdoor education topics.
- Operate a cost-effective agricultural program with a focus on sustainability and revenue generation.
- Work shoulder to shoulder with other youth affiliated with the garden.
- Plan and lead activities for Outdoor School students during field education and work weeks.
- Invite other schools to come to the school garden for educational opportunities.
Secondary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Development of infrastructure and curriculum to promote program identity.
- 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.
- Working shoulder to shoulder with other youth affiliated with the garden.
- Work with Outdoor School staff in creating field education activities.
Qualifications:
- Minimum of two years of college. Degree in agriculture, forestry, science, ecology or related field preferred. (Relevant experience can substitute for college background).
- Experience in propagation of native species and community gardening.
- Familiarity and knowledge of native species of local area.
- Experience teaching and leading young adults.
- Familiarity with the safe and efficient use of hand tools.
- Ability to develop extensive work plans and work independently.
- Ability to establish positive rapport with diverse groups of young people.
- 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.
Terms of Employment: This is a full time AmeriCorps position March - December serving 40-45 hours a week, M-F, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm with some weekend work, for a minimum of 1700 hours and a 10 month term.
Program Benefits: Up to $11,100 living allowance dispersed evenly on a monthly basis, health insurance and eligibility for a $4,725 education award upon completion of the 1700 hours of service. The 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. Service eligibility is contingent upon the results of a criminal background check.
To Apply: Please click on the application button on the bottom right of this page. If you have questions about AmeriCorps positions email us at work@nwyouthcorps.org and type "AmeriCorps Question" in the subject line.
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