* POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED*
Beginning Farmer Program Assistant
AmeriCorps Service Member Position
BACKGROUND
The Appalachian Resource Conservation & Development Council is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization chartered in 1994. Our Board of Directors includes representation from across the region. Our mission is to conserve natural resources and improve rural economies through community leadership and enhanced educational opportunities. We work to preserve our heritage, promote local growers/producers and protect the lands of past generations so that future generations may be able to enjoy the natural wonders our region has to offer.
ROLE
This position will support the ARCD Field School and Build It Up educational programs. These programs support nutrition access through gardening education, and economic development in the agricultural sector by supporting market gardeners and beginning farmers. An enthusiasm to support local food systems and to learn non-profit program management is a must. The two main goals of our programs are (a) to increase the number of beginning farmers who successfully launch new farm businesses and (b) to increase the utilization of USDA services by historically underserved farmers. This is a full-time, 12-month AmeriCorps service position. The position requires an average of 36 hours a week equalling 1,700 hours for the service year. Some weekends and evenings will be required.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- In coordination with Project Director, organize 1-2 monthly workshops for farmers and gardeners: identify and book speakers; secure workshop locations–including on farms; prepare handouts and presentations; set up and break down the event location; recruit participants through print and online media; communicate clearly with participants and speakers via email and phone; ordering and distributing materials and supplies; and other duties as needed to keep our programs running smoothly.
- In coordination with the Project Director assist with the production of short educational videos on farm and garden topics and with the livestreaming and/or recording of online and in-person workshops.
- In coordination with ARCD Marketing Director and Project Director, create content for websites, social media, blogs and newsletters on a variety of topics but generally centered around sustainable agriculture and local food systems.
- Assist in the collection and compilation of data as necessary for reporting for grant funding purposes, including online surveys and phone and/or in person interviews.
- Assist with the occasional ARCD events including tabling at festivals; helping to organize Envirothon for highschool FSA teams; and participating in Appalachian Fusion, our annual fundraiser dinner.
QUALIFICATIONS
- The following skill sets are needed to successfully complete this job:
- Knowledge of organic/sustainable/regenerative agriculture principles and a strong comprehension of soil health.
- Experience organizing educational workshops including booking locations, speakers, and recruiting attendees.
- Experience creating content for social media, blogs, email newsletters, and websites.
- Adept at using Microsoft Office products, especially Word, Excel and Powerpoint.
- Strong communication and writing skills.
- The following qualifications are not required to apply for this position, but will make for a stronger application:
- A degree in Sustainable Agriculture, Community Development, Non-profit Management or related field or 2+ years experience in the field.
- 1-2 years of experience with agriculture, market gardening, or intensive vegetable production.
- Experience with adult and/or youth education.
- Experience in running a small business, especially one related to agriculture or local food production.
- Familiarity with video production and streaming technologies for production of educational videos and online workshops.
- Knowledge of agricultural systems and landscapes in East Tennessee and/or Central Appalachia.
BENEFITS
- Gain valuable work experience in the non-profit sector.
- Connection to a state-wide network of AmeriCorps members, AmeriCorps alumni, and supporting organizations.
- Living stipend of $24,000 (before taxes) for a one-year contract with a minimum of 1,700 service hours.
- Segal Education Award equalling the max amount awarded in a Pell Grant for the fiscal year of service. The Segal Education Award for a 12-month term of service equals $6,495. The award can be used to pay student loans or can be used to cover educational expenses.
- Student loan forbearance and a child care stipend during service term.
The Appalachian Resource Conservation & Development Council is 501(c) (3) non-profit organization chartered in 1994. Our Board of Directors includes representation from across the region that we serve. Our mission is to conserve natural resources and improve rural economies through community leadership and enhanced educational opportunities. We work to preserve our heritage, promote local growers/producers and protect the lands of past generations so that future generations may be able to enjoy the natural wonders our region has to offer.