Adelante Mujeres and NWSA seek Sustainable Farming and Conservation Educator

Position Title: Sustainable Farming and Conservation Educator

Application Deadline: July 30, 2010.

Project Sponsor: Adelante Mujeres http://www.adelantemujeres.org/

Type of Position: Individual Placement Service Dates: September 20, 2010 - August 12, 2011 Length of Term: 1700 hours (11-months)

Project Location: 2420 19th Ave. Forest Grove, OR 97116

Position Summary: The Sustainable Farming and Conservation Educator, an Americorps placement, will provide the following: Improve the environmental efficiency of Adelante Mujeres’ educational farm (La Esperanza Farm) (20%); Advance the watershed and habitat health of La Esperanza Farm through farmscaping methods (20%); Engage the local community in the fresh and local foods movement by working with the Market Manager to run the Forest Grove Farmers Market, which is managed by Adelante Mujeres (20%); Improve low-income access to fresh fruits and vegetables at the Forest Grove Farmers Market (10%); Work with Latino farmers who are growing organically on La Esperanza Farm to improve their crop yields (15%); Mobilize organizations and community volunteers to help to organize environmental projects and cultural exchange events on La Esperanza Farm (10%); and Serve with the Latino farmers that are growing on La Esperanza Farm to help them to cooperatively manage their sales at the Forest Grove Farmers Market and other potential direct marketing outlets (5%).

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

Essential Functions (to include, but not limited to): • Collaborate with staff to develop sustainable projects on the farm, including: a compostable toilet, solar heated greenhouses, vermiculture, a children’s garden and insectary blocks. • Improve watershed, native plant restoration efforts and habitat for beneficial insects on the farm through farmscaping methods. • Organize volunteer events for invasive plant eradication efforts and native plant restoration. • Research local resources for native plants and provide educational trainings to the farmers about the benefits of restoration efforts. • Develop monitoring and maintenance strategies. • Collaborate with staff to help in the weekly seasonal operation of the Forest Grove Farmers Market. • Develop projects and community partnerships that will serve to improve access to fresh produce to low-income, minority and elderly populations in the area via the Forest Grove Farmers Market. • Collaborate with staff to develop crop-planning techniques and a demonstration plot that will help the farmers on La Esperanza Farm to improve their crop yields. • 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, training's, 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: • Spanish language proficiency. • Demonstrated experience with sustainable farming techniques. • Highly motivated with a strong demonstrated commitment to sustainability and to working to undo practices and systems that deplete the environment. • Possess excellent communication skills and be able to take on supervised coordination of assigned projects. • Experience with diverse populations, particularly people of color, immigrants, and people with limited economic resources. • Able to serve with diverse populations. • Able to take the lead on development of individual learning goals, project goals, measurable outcomes, timelines and reporting. • Ability and willingness to serve outdoors, in inclement weather and lift up to 40 lbs. • Flexibility with work schedule and willingness to adapt to a variety of physical settings. • Commitment to the mission of Adelante Mujeres and to sustainable farming. • Able to travel and attend meetings in various parts of the region. • 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 working with and motivating Latino families.

Member Benefits Include: • A taxable, monthly living allowance (before taxes, approximately $1,072). • Upon successful completion of a term of service, eligible members/leaders receive an education award of $5,350. 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. • Office bike is available for on-site member use. • Personal vehicle is highly recommended to get to service site. Various staff participate in a carpool.

Application Deadline: July 30, 2010. NWSA Center: Lower Columbia Center Interviews: No set schedule. Open until filled.

How to apply:

Step 1 - Email the following items to the Project Sponsor for this position – Anne Morse at [email protected] • résumé • cover letter • contact information for three references

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

• AmeriCorps Application • Two Written References – These are included in the AmeriCorps online application or a form is available on our website. • Certification Form - This document must be mailed or delivered to our office with an original signature (no fax).

Questions about the position: Anne Morse, Adelante Agricultura Marketing and Outreach Coordinator - [email protected] - 503-992-2041

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