Home >

Community Garden and Sustainable Resource Developer

Digest topic: Jobs & Internships

Information

organization:ACCESS, Inc.
position summary:

The Community Garden and Sustainable Resource Developer (CGSRG) will work with ACCESS Nutrition Program staff and local agency representatives to identify and prioritize new sources of fresh produce in Jackson County. The CGSRG will also develop local community garden, farm partnerships, grocery stores and collaborative groups to provide additional fresh produce food resources to ACCESS Food Bank pantries and agencies. Important aspects to the position are the recruiting of volunteers, communications with the public and volunteers. The ACCESS Nutrition Department offers several nutrition programs that enable hungry people in Jackson County, Oregon to obtain food supplies for themselves and their families. Each year, our nutrition programs provide food for more than 200,000 on-site meals and aid needy families with more than 38,000 emergency food boxes. Altogether ACCESS procures and distributes over 2.4 million pounds (44,000 pounds weekly) each year to hungry individuals and families. In order to meet increased demand for emergency food boxes, we are committed to develop more sustainable resources within our own community, more specifically cultivation of locally grown food. This will include further development of a new program “Plant a Row for the Hungry,” where county residents are encouraged to plant an extra row of vegetables for the hungry and donate it to a local food pantry or agency. Primary Duties & Responsibilities: • Work with ACCESS Nutrition Programs staff and local agency representatives to identify and prioritize new and under-utilized fresh produce food resources in Jackson County. • Work with ACCESS Nutrition Program Food Solicitor to develop & enhance relationships with grocery store produce managers to acquire additional fresh produce donations. • Develop local community garden, farm partnerships and collaborations to provide additional fresh produce food resources to ACCESS network pantries and agencies. • Develop and expand “Plant a Row for the Hungry” program with community individuals, groups and farmers. • Recruit community volunteers to help build and maintain community partnerships and collaborations that increase fresh produce into the ACCESS network • Develop procedures and “how to” manuals on each fresh produce community project. • Provide reports documenting food donor contacts and results.

Commitment: 1700 hours of service over 11 months Attend initial and ongoing AmeriCorps trainings

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume by July 20, 2009 at 5:00pm to:

ACCESS, Inc. ATTN: Human Resources 3630 Aviation Way Medford, OR 97504 Or e-mail: [email protected]

Salary / Pay Rate:Benefits: Stipend of $11,400 Basic Health Insurance Education Award of $4,725 after completion of program Student loan forbearance or deferment (for most Federal Loans) Of course, most AmeriCorps members would say that the real benefit is the opportunity to make a difference in communities while gaining unique experience and building professional skills that serve one a lifetime
Required Skills and Abilities:Desired Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: • This position does not require prior knowledge of farming or gardening, but does require a substantial willingness and interest to learn fruit and vegetable farming • Self motivated with the ability to take initiative to organize projects. • Excellent oral and written skills • Basic computer skills - Experience with Microsoft Office including excel, word, publisher, and powerpoint preferred • Experience managing volunteers • Experience and interest in working with diverse populations – various economic, social and political backgrounds • Ability to work with community members respectfully and with patience • Ability to work well on a team
Qualifications:Qualifications: Associates in business management or equivalent supervisory or customer service experience required
Education Required:High School or equiv.
Other:Equal Opportunity Employer
website link:www.access-inc.org