Part-time (Americorps) position with Portland Fruit Tree Project!

Portland Fruit Tree Project is pleased to announce that we have just been awarded a part-time Americorps position through the LINKS Program, which will begin at the end of this month. We thought some folks on this list might be interested. Please feel free to spread the word! The position description and further details are below. We encourage anyone interested to apply by this Thursday, 8/19. Thanks!

Position Description

*Type of Position: *LINKS AmeriCorps Member

*Length of Term:* Approx. 15 hours per week for 30 weeks. 450 total hours.**

*Application Deadline:* Open until filled.

*Service Dates:* August 30, 2010 through April 30th, 2011.**

*Interviews:* Applicants are interviewed & placed on an on-going basis until position is filled. Interviews are underway.**

*Position Title: *Community Harvest and Outreach Coordinator (1 position)

*Project Sponsor:* Portland Fruit Tree Project, www.portlandfruit.org.

*Sponsoring Organization's Mission: *Portland Fruit Tree Project increases equitable access to healthy food and strengthens communities by empowering neighbors to share in the harvest and care of city-grown produce.

*Project Location: *1912 NE Killingsworth St., Portland , OR 97211. Programming will take place at various sites throughout the city of Portland, primarily on the East side (North, Northeast, and Southeast Portland)

*Transportation Information: *Agency vehicle available for member use when leading events or transporting equipment. On-site bicycle parking at office. Near bus line.

*Position Summary: *The Community Harvest and Outreach Coordinator will join Portland Fruit Tree Project in preventing waste, building community, and making fresh fruit available to people in need. Working collaboratively with volunteers, tree owners and staff, the LINKS member will register trees whose fruit would otherwise go to waste, coordinate harvesting events and fruit distribution, and support lead volunteers in these activities. The member will work with the ED to coordinate and develop PFTP’s new Community Orchards program, and will play a lead role in PFTP’s community outreach efforts.**

*General Responsibilities (to include, but not limited to): *

1. Work with PFTP staff and volunteers to plan and co-lead harvesting events, and deliver fruit to food bank partners.

2. Assist with tree registration, site visits, and on-going support to registered tree owners.

3. Work with ED to develop and expand Community Orchards program.

4. Conduct outreach and partnership development.

5. Perform related tracking, record-keeping, and data entry.

6. Work with Garden Team volunteers to coordinate and maintain PFTP’s on-site Community Food Forest.

7. Complete and submit all necessary LINKS AmeriCorps Program paperwork and reports in a timely manner.

8. Attend and complete LINKS AmeriCorps Program orientation and enrollment session.

9. Wear an appropriate LINKS identifier and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events.

*Requirements:*

1. Physical ability to lift up to 40 lbs, climb ladders, and harvest fruit in a variety of settings including on soft ground, uneven ground and steep slopes.

2. Flexible schedule to include occasional evenings and weekends.

3. Familiar and comfortable with computers, including email, word processing, spreadsheets, etc.

4. Strong written and verbal communication skills.

5. Self-motivated and well-organized.

6. Ability to engage in positive, professional manner with diverse populations, including project participants, partners, volunteers, and the general public.

7. Able to work both independently and collaboratively.

8. Commitment to the mission/goals of the Portland Fruit Tree Project.

9. Valid driver’s license

10. Must be at least 18 years of age or older.

11. U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.

12. Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, or commit to earning one prior to receiving an education award.

13. Ability to commit to the full term of service.

14. Submit to a criminal history background check and National Sex Offender Registry search.

15. Regular and reliable attendance.

*Preferred Qualifications:*

1. Interest or experience in urban agriculture and/or community food security.

2. Experience with outreach and/or partnership building.

3. Experience working with volunteers and/or leading groups.

4. Experience with low-income communities.

5. Knowledge/experience with fruit trees.

6. Familiarity with Portland geography and local communities.

*Member Benefits Include:*

· Upon successful completion of a term of service, eligible members receive an education award of $1,250. The education award can be used to repay qualified student loans, for further education in an accredited institution of higher learning, vocational or for 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 a portion of the accrued interest on qualified loans, which is taxable).

· Free attendance to Portland Fruit Tree Project workshops

· Opportunity to take home fresh fruit from harvesting events

*How to apply: *

Email your résumé and a cover letter to [email protected]. We encourage you to apply by Thursday, August 19th.

*Questions about the project?* *Contact:* Katy Kolker, Executive Director. 503-284-6106, [email protected]

*Questions about AmeriCorps, LINKS or our recruitment process? Contact:*

Erika Johnson

LINKS p 360) 750-7500 x 114

2500 NE 65th Ave f 360) 360-694-2491

Vancouver, WA 98661 [email protected] An Equal Opportunity Employer

www.esd112.org/links