Job description

This is an AmeriCorps position offered through the Confluence Environmental Center:
http://www.confluencecenter.org/about-confluence-americorps/


POSITION SUMMARY

In partnership with the Confluence Environmental Center, the Garden Education Coordinator (the “Coordinator”) will enhance the capacity of Oregon Food Bank (OFB) to provide garden education to underserved adults in Portland’s tri-county metropolitan area through OFB’s bilingual garden education outreach program Seed to Supper / Siembra la Cena. The Coordinator will build on the successes of previous AmeriCorps members to coordinate 30 metro-area Seed to Supper classes. In addition to Seed to Supper coordination duties (60% of Coordinator’s time), the Coordinator will engage the community through outreach and tabling events (10%) and support hands-on activities in OFB’s Learning Gardens (10%). The Coordinator will participate in Confluence led professional development activities: Professional Development Series, completing a Change Agent Project, team meetings, National Service events and other self-directed development opportunities (20%).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Coordinate at least 30 Seed to Supper courses in Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties.
• Cultivate strong relationships with community organizations that serve low-income adults.
• Assist in training volunteer garden educators to teach Seed to Supper courses, and as needed, assist with teaching or in-class administrative/observation duties.
• Maintain agency and volunteer records, set up program calendar, perform agency site visits and orientations; streamline and document improvements to existing Seed to Supper course coordination systems.
• With OFB’s staff, collect stories and photographs that highlight the Seed to Supper experiences of host agency representatives, volunteer educators, and class participants.
• Table at the City of Portland’s Fix-It Fairs and OFB’s annual Metro partner agency conference.
• Support garden projects at OFB’s two on-site Learning Gardens.
• Complete and submit all necessary Confluence/AmeriCorps paperwork and reports in a timely manner.
• Abide by Confluence and AmeriCorps program policies.
• Attend and complete all Confluence/AmeriCorps training and service requirements including orientation, training's, team meetings and national service days.
• Wear Confluence uniform and/or appropriate identifiers and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge of, and strong interest in, vegetable gardening and community food security.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with diverse stakeholders; ability to build strong community partnerships; ability to understand the needs of low-income families and individuals.
• Strong coordination and organization skills; ability to independently manage complex projects with attention to detail; ability to handle interruptions, maintain focus, meet deadlines and produce accurate service.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; mastery of English grammar, spelling and usage; ability to make presentations and develop engaging hands-on gardening lesson plans.
• Proficiency with (or ability to quickly learn) Microsoft Windows and Office environment (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher) and standard office equipment.
• Safe driving record, current vehicle insurance and ability to use personal vehicle for OFB business (mileage reimbursement for service-related travel); ability to travel frequently between OFB and community sites.
• Ability to serve in variety of garden and office settings inside and outside Oregon Food Bank; ability to serve in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, sun, rain, cold and wind.
• Ability to serve outside normal service hours, such as evenings and weekends. Typical schedule is Mon-Fri.
• A cooperative manner and the ability to serve as part of a diverse team.
• 18 years of age or older, at beginning of service term.
• U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
• Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, or commit to earning one prior to receiving award.
• Ability to commit to the full term of service for which they are applying.
• Must successfully pass a fingerprint criminal history background check provided through the Individuals State of Residence, State of Service, and FBI criminal identification systems. Also, must obtain a satisfactory report from the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) prior to the start of the position.
• Regular and reliable attendance and dependability.
• AmeriCorps Members can enroll in multiple terms of service that add up to the value of two full-time education awards. In other words, you can blend summer, part-time and full-time service positions and receive awards as long as the combined service terms don’t exceed two full terms. You can also serve additional terms and elect not to receive an award. Please see http://edaward.org/guidebook/multiple-terms for full information.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Proficiency in Spanish a plus.
• Experience in sustainable vegetable gardening or agriculture, especially in the Pacific Northwest.
• Experience teaching, facilitating trainings, or leading group learning using Popular Education approaches.
• Experience working with and training volunteers; previous experience as a volunteer.
• Experience with adult education program delivery.
• Experience with program coordination.
• Knowledge of food assistance programs, hunger and food justice issues, and/or experience with social service agencies.

Compensation

this position is: stipend / non-monetary compensation

Application instructions

Deadline

June 30, 2015