Job description

COMMUNITY ORCHARDS COORDINATOR
AmeriCorps Position

Position Title: Community Orchards Coordinator 

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. In collaboration 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. The COC will conduct outreach to recruit diverse participants and partners, and will build volunteer leadership for each orchard site.

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

• Essential Functions (to include, but not limited to): Plan & facilitate ‘work & learn’ sessions at Sabin Community Orchard, and new Community Orchard in North Portland (in collaboration with volunteers and partners)
• Coordinate harvesting at orchard sites 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 leadersSupport team in performing ten tree care sessions throughout the 2014 seasonCoordinate 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
• Support partners growing fruit trees through Community Orchard Affiliate program
• Continue the development of new Community Orchard in North Portland
• Facilitate community planning sessionsPlan and implement maintenance, planting, and educational activities (in collaboration with volunteers and partners)
• Coordinate maintenance and educational activities at Killingsworth Community Food Forest
• Secure project materials as neededMaintain tracking/information systems and administer participant surveys
• Assist with program reports and program evaluationComplete 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 groupsAble to serve both independently and collaboratively
• Commitment to the mission/goals of the Portland Fruit Tree Project
• A cooperative manner and the ability to serve as part of a diverse team
• Valid driver’s license
• 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 the State of Oregon Clearinghouse, FBI criminal identification systems, the member’s home state, and upon a satisfactory report from the National Sex Offender Registry.
• Regular and reliable attendance and dependability.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge/experience in fruit tree cultivation, organic gardening and/or permaculture
• Experience working with volunteers and/or leading groups
• Familiarity with Portland geography and local communities
• Experience facilitating meetings and/or community events
• Experience with low-income and/or diverse communities
• Ability to speak Spanish (or other language common to Portland) a plus, but not required

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 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

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

Dates of Service: September 4, 2013 - July 25, 2014 (1700 hours – 11 months)

Compensation

this position is:

Application instructions

Deadline

July 03, 2013