Community Orchards Coordinator (AmeriCorps) position

Portland Fruit Tree Project is now accepting applications for an exciting new AmeriCorps position (in partnership with Confluence Environmental Center):

Community Orchards Coordinator

Confluence Americorps program
Providing leadership and professional experiences to AmeriCorps members by partnering with local organizations that address critical, environmental needs in low-income and ethnically diverse communities.  www.confluencecenter.org  

Project Sponsor
Portland Fruit Tree Project

Project Summary
In Partnership with the Confluence Environmental Center, the Community Orchards Coordinator (COC) will enhance the capacity and impact of Portland Fruit Tree Project’s Community Orchards program. Serving collaboratively with volunteers, partners and staff, the COC will plan and facilitate Community Orchard events, providing learning opportunities for participants while maintaining and improving the orchards (40% of time). The COC will conduct outreach to recruit diverse participants and partners, and will build volunteer leadership for each orchard site (20%). Additionally, the COC will establish a new partnership and co-facilitate a design and implementation process to develop a new community orchard in North or East Portland (40%).

Essential Functions (to include, but not limited to):

• Plan & facilitate ‘work & learn’ sessions at Sabin Community Orchard, and Killingsworth Community Food Forest (in collaboration with volunteers and partners)
• Coordinate harvesting and fruit distribution               
  • Conduct pre-harvest site visits and fruit assessments
  • Co-lead harvesting events, Coordinate logistics and materials.
  • Distribute fruit to people in need through food pantries and other partners
• Coordinate Tree Care Team (TCT) at Green Thumb Community Orchard:
  • Recruit volunteers, and conduct orientation for TCT members and TCT leaders
  • Support team in performing ten tree care sessions throughout the 2013 season
  • Coordinate logistics, communications, and materials/tools
• Conduct outreach to engage diverse program participants
• Coordinate and support volunteers in Leadership Roles:
  • Recruit, train & support lead volunteers for community orchards and tree care teams
  • Convene and facilitate leadership team meetings
• Develop parameters and program plan for new Community Orchard projects
• Establish one new Community Orchard project
  • Explore partnership opportunities, identify one new partner and site
  • Co-facilitate community design process
  • Plan and implement initial planting event, and subsequent activities (in collaboration with partners)
• Secure project materials as needed
• Maintain tracking/information systems and administer participant surveys
• Assist with program reports and program evaluation
• Complete and submit all necessary Confluence/AmeriCorps paperwork and reports in a timely manner.
• Attend and complete all Confluence/AmeriCorps training and service requirements including orientation, training's, team meetings and national service days.
• Wear Confluence uniform and/or appropriate identifiers and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events.

Position Requirements

• Physical ability to climb ladders, traverse uneven ground and steep slopes on foot, and lift up to 40 lbs
• Flexible schedule to include occasional evenings and weekends
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Self-motivated and well-organized
• Ability to engage in positive, professional manner with diverse populations, including project participants, partners, volunteers, and the general public
• Comfortable leading groups
• Able to serve both independently and collaboratively
• Commitment to the mission/goals of the Portland Fruit Tree Project
• Valid driver’s license
• A cooperative manner and the ability to serve as part of a diverse team.
• 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 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 Confluence.
• Regular and reliable attendance and dependability.
• AmeriCorps members can enroll in multiple terms of service that add up to the value of two full-time education awards. In other words, you can blend summer, part-time and full-time service positions and receive awards as long as the combined service terms don’t exceed two full terms. You can also serve additional terms and elect not to receive an award. Please see http://edaward.org/guidebook/multiple-terms for full information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge/experience in fruit tree cultivation
• Experience working with volunteers and/or leading groups
• Familiarity with Portland geography and local communities
• Experience with low-income and/or diverse communities
• Ability to speak Spanish (or other language common to Portland) a plus, but not required
• Experience in arboriculture, organic gardening and/or permaculture
• Experience with participatory design process
• Willing/able to use personal vehicle for occasional site visits and other project activities

Member Benefits Include

• A taxable, monthly living allowance ($12,100 paid over the term of service).
• Upon successful completion of a term of service, eligible members/leaders receive an education award of $5,550. 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.
• Qualified individuals with disabilities and those from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals and conduct all activities in full accessible settings.

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, NE, and SE Portland)

Transportation Information

• Project site easily accessible by public transportation
• On-site bicycle parking
• On-street vehicle parking
• Organizational vehicle may be available for service activities
• Personal vehicle is helpful, but not required
• Mileage reimbursement available for service-related vehicle use (subject to approval)

Dates of Service
September 5, 2012 - July 30, 2013 (1700 hours – 11 months)

HOW TO APPLY:

Step 1 – Apply to the Project Sponsor: - Email the following items to Katy Kolker: katy@portlandfruit.org / 503-284-6106. Application deadline is July 16th.

• résumé
• cover letter
• contact information for three references

Step 2 - Apply to Confluence:  Application materials can be completed online at the AmeriCorps website and submitted to a Confluence position. A complete Member application includes the following:

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

Step 3 - Interview: The Project Sponsor will conduct all initial interviews and recommend a candidate for this position. All recommended candidates will also interview with Confluence Environmental Center.

 

Contact for general questions about AmeriCorps, Confluence or our recruitment process:
Sherrie Jackson
Confluence Environmental Center - Program Support Coordinator
5441 SE Belmont Ave., Suite E205
Portland, OR  97215
503-719-6779
sjackson@confluencecenter.org

Confluence is an equal opportunity employer, and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of Ethnicity, race, age, gender, gender identification, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, income, educational background, work experience, appearance, relationship or family status, political affiliation, religion, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability.

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