Zenger Farm - Americorps Educator

Zenger Farm is hiring a Farmer in the Classroom Educator. The Farmer in the Classroom Educator will work with the Zenger Education Director to develop and implement all aspects of a new program, Farmer in the Classroom. The Educator will offer curriculum to elementary and middle school classrooms and evaluate the success of the program. The Educator will also provide field trips at Zenger Farm and assist with Zenger Farm Summer Camp. Please review the full position description.

Americops Position Description Position Title: Farmer in the Classroom Educator

Project Sponsor: Friends of Zenger Farm, http://www.zengerfarm.org

NWSA Mission: This position is in partnership with the Northwest Service Academy (NWSA), an AmeriCorps program of ESD112. NWSA's mission is: To preserve and restore the natural environment, and to develop community leaders through service and community partnerships. www.nwserviceacademy.org

Project Location: 11741 SE Foster Rd. Portland, OR 97266

Position Summary: General Responsibilities (to include, but not limited to): • Collaborate with Zenger Farm Education Director to offer farm field trips. • Communicate with schools to organize farm visits and classroom visits. • Work with Zenger Farm Education Director to develop Farmer in the Classroom curriculum. • Teach Farmer in the Classroom curriculum to at least nine classrooms. • Develop and implement program evaluation. • Assist with recruitment, planning and implementation of Zenger Farm Summer Camp. • Recruit and train volunteer farm educators. • Complete and submit all necessary NWSA/AmeriCorps paperwork and reports in a timely manner. • Attend and complete all NWSA/AmeriCorps training and service requirements including orientation, trainings, team meetings and national service days. • Wear an NWSA uniform and/or appropriate identifiers and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events.

Position Requirements: • 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 an education 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 NWSA and/or Project Sponsor Agency. • Regular and reliable attendance. • Have not previously served two terms in an AmeriCorps*State or National program. Members may serve up to three terms in a National Service Program, but only two terms may be within an AmeriCorps*State or National program. Members are only eligible for an education award for their first two terms of service, regardless of the type of term (full or part-time) and regardless of the successful completion of that term.

Preferred Qualifications: • Experience in farming and environmental education. • Ability to work with diverse populations. • Experience working with children. • Ability to work on projects independently and as a team member.

Member Benefits Include: • A taxable, monthly living allowance (before taxes, approximately $1,036). • Upon successful completion of a term of service, eligible members/leaders receive an education award of $4,725. The education award can be used to repay qualified student loans or for further education in an accredited institution of higher learning, vocational or trade schools. The education award is taxed in the year that it is used. • Loan forbearance (after successful completion of a term of service, AmeriCorps will pay the accrued interest on qualified loans, which is taxable). • Basic medical insurance (covers members only, not dependents; vision and dental not included). • Child care allowance for those who qualify. • Professional development, trainings and networking opportunities.

Transportation Information: • Project site is accessible by public transportation. • Personal vehicle is recommended to travel to schools. Mileage reimbursement provided.

Application Deadline: On-going until filled. NWSA Center: Lower Columbia Center Interviews: No set schedule. Open until filled. Type of Position: Individual Placement Service Dates: September 14, 2009 - August 17, 2010 Length of Term: 1700 hours (11-months)

How to apply:

Step 1 - Email résumé, cover letter and contact information for three references to the Project Sponsor for this position – Alice Froehlich at [email protected]. The Project Sponsor will conduct all initial interviews and recommend a candidate for this position. All recommended candidates will also interview with Northwest Service Academy.

Step 2 - Complete your application and submit materials to Sherrie Jackson at [email protected].

Application materials can either be completed online at the AmeriCorps website or downloaded from the NWSA website “How to Apply” page and submitted via email (preferable), mail or fax. A complete Member application includes the following:

• AmeriCorps Application • Two Written References • Certification Form - This document must be mailed or faxed to our office with an original signature.

Questions about the position? Contact: Alice Froehlich, [email protected], 503-282-4245

General questions about AmeriCorps, NWSA or our recruitment process? Contact:

Sherrie Jackson Recruitment Coordinator NWSA Lower Columbia Center 55 SE Main Street Portland, OR 97214 (503) 234-2383 ext 108 (503) 232-0166 (fax) [email protected]

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER