AppalCorps Service Member Position Opening: Local Food Access Coordinator with Nolensville Farmers Markets

WilCo Events/Nolensville Farmers Markets – Local Food Access Coordinator AmeriCorps Service Member Position

BACKGROUND

WilCo Events and the Nolensville Farmers Market are not-for-profit organizations whose mission is to connect farmers, food and the community to grow a vibrant local food system. To fulfill its mission, WE works to expand markets and educational opportunities for producers and consumers of local food through the Nolensville, Thompson’s Station and Westhaven Farmers Markets. The markets are supported through private and public funding and by strong strategic partnerships.

ROLE

The purpose of the Local Food Access Coordinator (LFAC) position is to increase access to local food by helping local farmers and agricultural producers sell their products to an expanding customer base through efficient and easily accessible markets. This can be an exciting opportunity for someone with a strong interest and commitment to locally grown food and agricultural products, entrepreneurship, or economic and community development. Hour requirements: Tuesdays 2:30p-8p; Wednesdays 2:30p-8p; Saturdays 6:30a-1p (17.5 hours on site, 18.5 hours remote). On site/Remote hours may vary each week depending on scheduling. The LFAC position will report directly to Kasi Haire, Market Manager. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Educational Program Support 

  • Communicate regularly with vendors about educational and funding opportunities.
  • Attend educational workshops and conferences

Farmers Market Operations

  • Assist with Administering the vendor application/approval process
  • Assist with conducting farm visits
  • Communicate with vendors and customers about market events, updates
  • Communicate regularly with vendors such as educational and funding opportunities.
  • Oversee SNAP, Double UP Food Bucks and Power of Produce kids club: plan events, administer funds, and maintain updated records for reporting.
  • Maintain an accurate inventory of market supplies and submit timely requests for needed items.
  • Market Day responsibilities include directing vendors where to set up, set-up/maintain information booth & supplies, sharing info with customers, vendor check-out processing, clean-up facilities.

Marketing and Communications

  • Develop and maintain a working knowledge of all vendors and their products
  • Collect information and photos to be used for promotions.
  • Develop and maintain social media, newsletter and website content

Organizational Support

  • Assist with other organization activities, such as educational events and fundraisers.
  • Participate in and help support activities with strategic partners
  • Find/recruit new strategic partners                                                       

 Additional responsibilities include meeting all training, participation and reporting requirements involved with the AppalCorps AmeriCorps program. 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Strong interest and commitment to locally grown food and agricultural products
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills
  • Basic math, reading and computer skills
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds
  • Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions with fluctuating temperatures
  • Educational or experience background supporting the ability to complete outlined tasks 
  • Must agree to and pass required criminal history background checks  
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends
  • Willingness to travel to bi-annual meeting and the Pick TN Conference
  • Must be able to work remotely and be self motivated
  • Must be a US Citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must abide by a drug-free workplace policy
  • Must commit to a six month AmeriCorps service term equaling no less than 900 hours

BENEFITS

  • Gain valuable work experience in the non-profit sector and farmers market operations
  • Living stipend equal to $1258/month (an increase tbd soon) for average of 36 hours/week (900 total per contract half-year)
  • Additional $1,000/monthly sponsored by the market
  • Segal Education Award equaling 1/2 the max amount awarded in a Pell Grant for the fiscal year ($3,247)
  • Student loan forbearance during the service term
  • AmeriCorps will repay a portion, or all interest accrued on a student loan during the service term when the service term has been completed in full.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested parties can submit a resume to Kasi Haire at info@nolensvillefarmersmarket.com 

If you have questions about the ARCD AmeriCorps program, please contact Rachel Armor, ARCD AppalCorps Program Director at rachel@arcd.org 

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.