The Urban Agriculture AmeriCorps Member will guide local high school students through a year-long, project-based learning experience as well as manage community volunteer opportunities at both HON’s five-acre Urban Farm and Greenhouse (located at Glencliff High School). The ideal candidate for this position is passionate about healthy food, is an organized self-starter, and feels confident leading groups.
Orientation, volunteer management, project management, and technical skills training will be provided. AmeriCorps Member will receive additional life skills, educational enrichment, and professional development training opportunities, including: 1) Membership in Nashville's Center for Nonprofit Management’s Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (if elected); 2) Quarterly AmeriCorps social networking sessions; and 3) Regularly scheduled Hands On Nashville staff and supervisor meetings. The successful candidate will report directly to Hands On Nashville's Corporate Partner Program Senior Manager. A criminal history background check is required for this position.
Service Activities
Leading volunteer projects; managing production at HON’s Urban Farm and Greenhouse; supporting the Academy of Environmental and Urban Planning at Glencliff High School; helping provide resources and support to a Glencliff High School senior capstone course; providing report data; identifying and countering pest/disease problems in the Urban Farm’s gardens and at the Greenhouse; maintaining Greenhouse operations, including: seeding, watering, harvesting, and cleaning; serving as liaison between HON, Glencliff High School, and other community partners. Some evenings and weekends may be required.
Community Need Addressed
The Urban Agriculture Program addresses community needs around environment and education in Southeast Nashville, with support of volunteers. Facilities include a five-acre urban farm and a greenhouse located at Glencliff High School.
Position Outcomes
The Urban Agriculture Program: 1) Helps volunteers grow gardening skills, learn about urban agriculture, and aids in providing nutritious food for others; 2) Supports S.T.E.M. curriculum of a local high school, through a collaborative partnership.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Training
The Hands On Nashville (HON) AmeriCorps Program builds stronger communities through service. Members are instrumental in: building capacity to enhance the ability of our community partners to carry out their missions; improving public lands, streams, and greenways; offering food access through urban agriculture; supporting low-income homeowners; impacting youth education; and much more.
Skills you will gain
Comfort in instructing groups of diverse people; experience with farm and/or greenhouse management; engaging volunteers in service; volunteer project management; ability to drive/park a trailer; organizational skills; working independently and as part of a team; written, presentation, and oral communication skills; ability to schedule and carry out tasks independently; proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment