AppalCorps Service Member Position Opening – Farm & Market Coordinator with City Farms Grower Coalition, Chattanooga TN

Farm & Market Coordinator AmeriCorps Service Member Position

BACKGROUND

City Farms Grower Coalition is growing food and farmers at our partner campuses across the city of Chattanooga, with active training sites at The Bethlehem Center, Hope for the Inner City, and The Howard School. We facilitate experiential learning opportunities that strengthen students’ understanding of local food systems, food justice, and community– all through the process of growing delicious, healthy food!  

POSITION OVERVIEW 

Are you interested in local food systems, civil service, food sovereignty, and enjoy learning? This AmeriCorps position may be perfect for you! 

The Farm and Market Coordinator position is an AmeriCorps service position supported by the Appalachian RC&D Council. The position is located in Chattanooga, TN with the City Farms Grower Coalition supporting urban farming, community gardens, and youth education. 

The Farm & Market Coordinator will walk away with increased knowledge in urban farming, volunteer management, nutrition education, a state-wide network, and an increased knowledge in nonprofit project management.  

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Spring and summer crop cultivation – bed preparation, planting, and applying organic soil amendments in open fields and hoop houses
  • Growing seedlings in greenhouse and hoop house
  • Setting up rainwater catchment and irrigation systems
  • Building and maintaining compost production
  • Regular harvest, handling and storage of produce
  • Support Saturday / pop-up farmers market 
  • Assist with training workshops on canning/preserving
  • Supervising volunteers 
  • Assist with youth farm program (high school and college age) 
  • With the support of supervisors, create and maintain a data collection system relevant to AmeriCorps supported projects
  • This position requires a 6-month commitment as an AmeriCorps service member. Service hours will average around 35 hours per week totaling no less than 900 hours for the term.

QUALIFICATIONS 

  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills
  • Strong interest and commitment to locally grown food and agricultural products
  • Background in community development work or volunteerism 
  • Working knowledge of gardening or willingness to learn 
  • Ability to work in inclement weather
  • Must submit to and pass a criminal background check.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must be a US Citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States
  • Must abide by a drug-free workplace policy 
  • Must commit to a 6-month AmeriCorps service term equaling no less than 900 hours

BENEFITS 

  • Gain valuable work experience in the non-profit sector 
  • Opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding of local food systems, food system support, and food access initiatives
  • Connection to a state-wide network of  AmeriCorps members, AmeriCorps alumni, and supporting organizations
  • AmeriCorps Living Allowance of $1,258/month (before taxes) 
  • Segal AmeriCorps Education Award equivalent to the maximum value of the Pell Grant for the fiscal year of service. The Segal Education Award for a 6-month term of service equals $6,495.
  • Student loan forbearance during service term

HOW TO APPLY  

City Farms Grower Coalition will be accepting resumes until April 1, 2022.

Resumes can be submitted to Joel Tipping: joel@wedigcityfarms.org 

Joel can also be reached (423) 991-3388

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.