Sustainable Agriculture Coordinators (SAC) build the long-term capacity of their Service Sites by creating networks of volunteers to support hands-on stewardship of community lands. They organize, train, and collaborate with municipal boards, neighborhood and civic associations, community members, youth groups, and schools to care for, improve access to, and support the long-term resiliency and sustainable use of community lands. SACs may create raised beds or community gardens, monitor and maintain urban farmland, establish sustainable food systems, provide new farmer trainings, lead community workshops, etc.
Service Activities
SACs may build raised beds; manage community gardens; create curriculum; manage volunteers; oversee mobile markets; support community members in accessing HIP and SNAP benefits; develop public programs to support healthy living; plant and harvest crops; provide new farmers training; lead community workshops, etc.
Community Need Addressed
By providing training and organizing collaborative land-focused projects, Sustainable Agriculture Coordinators increase resources for communities, demonstrate responsible land management, help individuals build skills, and nurture an inclusive sense of public ownership in the local landscape.
Position Outcomes
Members will serve directly with one of TerraCorps' nonprofit partners to:
- deliver programs and services to a broader cross-section of people,
- improve community knowledge and attitudes towards land
- increase the ability of communities to protect local natural resources, and
- increase public access to nature and open space.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
TerraCorps members receive real world experience that will challenge the way you think and give you the hands-on skills and professional network to succeed. As a member, you will also have the opportunity to build professional networks, receive mentorship, attend conferences and training and receive other professional development opportunities.
Skills you will gain
Timekeeping, public speaking, project management, event planning, volunteer recruiting & management, skills related to land trusts and community conservation, communication, diversity & inclusion
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
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
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, 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 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, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, 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