The Greening of Detroit's Urban Agriculture and Openspace (UAO) Department is seeking candidates for the following year-long AmeriCorps positions beginning in September 2011:

Adult Urban Agriculture Apprentice: Candidates must demonstrate an interest in production farming orgardening and commitment to working in the field of urban agriculture and food systems. Apprentices will learn basic principles of urban organic farming while assisting our Farm Team in managing farm sites operated by The Greening of Detroit.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Greening of Detroitʼs mission is to "guide and inspire the growth of a ʻgreenerʼ Detroit through planting and educational programs, environmental leadership, advocacy, and by building community capacity." One of the ways The Greening engages the community to achieve this mission is through urban gardening and agriculture projects. Since 2003, The Greening of Detroit has been at the forefront of an emerging movement to achieve a ʻgreenerʼ city while transforming the food system in Detroit. Our accomplishments include working with our partners in The Garden Resource Program to provide farming resources and educational opportunities to over 15,000 urban gardeners of all ages each year in the cities of Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park and operating multiple urban farms and nutrition education programs across the City.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Greening of Detroit is seeking five candidates for one-year (1,700 hour) Urban Agriculture Apprenticeships. Candidates must demonstrate an interest in production farming or gardening and commitment to working in the field of urban agriculture and food systems. Apprentices will learn basic principles of urban organic farming while assisting our Farm Team in managing farm sites operated by The Greening of Detroit. Adult Apprentices report to the Farmer.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with the production, harvest, and sale of Grown in Detroit produce
• Help organize and manage farmersʼ market stands
• Develop skills related to volunteer management, organic food production, product marketing and sales, community organizing and outreach, and education by supporting and attending community events, workshops, and classes.
• General Farm Team support.
• Attend pre-service and in-service AmeriCorps training sessions

Eligible candidates must meet the following requirements:

• U.S. Citizen, U.S.National or lawful permanent resident alien of the U.S.
• High school or college graduate.
• Be able to provide copy of driverʼs license, social security card, and birth certificate or passport.
• Must have reliable transportation and phone; mileage is reimbursed at federal rate.
• Must be available on a full-time basis for one year to complete 1700 hours of service.

AMERICORPS BENEFITS

1700 Service Hour AmeriCorps Members can receive:

• $11,815 annual stipend.
• $5,350 educational award (upon successful completion of contractedhours).
• Health and dental care benefits.

JOB DETAILS

Application Deadline: August 5,2011

Start Date: September 15, 2011

Primary Location: The Greening of Detroit, 1418 Michigan Ave., Detroit, MI 48216

Schedule: Winter: Mon-Fri, 9-5pm; Spring/Summer: Tues-Sat, 7-4 pm, occasional evenings and weekends