[ESSP] [Job]Youth Horticultural/UVM Brattleboro

[Vanessa Paulman]

AmeriCorps Promise Fellow Position Available!
Youth Program Coordinator for the Youth Horticulture Project
University of Vermont Extension- Southern Region

Who we are:  The Youth Horticulture Project (YHP) is a program of the
University of Vermont Extension that helps at-risk youth experience success
while they develop job and life skills through the growing, harvesting and
marketing of vegetable crops. Programs include a farm-based job training
program for teenagers, a mentoring program where teens lead elementary youth in
garden and nutrition workshops, and a variety of school partnerships. As a team
the youth grow vegetables, sell them at farmers' markets and provide them for
donation to local food shelves and homeless shelters. Participants also engage
in workshops aimed at teaching them a variety of social skills in addition to
agricultural concepts. Participants develop critical life skills of
communication, teamwork, leadership, decision-making and problem-solving
through practical, hands-on agricultural and entrepreneurial experiences. All
programs take place at UVM Extension’s 2 acre educational farm in Brattleboro
and at community sites in Windham and Bennington Counties.

Responsibilities: Lead young people in their work on the farm and in the
community. Take part in educating youth from diverse backgrounds on the
importance of a healthy, local agriculture as well as engaging them directly in
an experience of enterprise and community service. Work primarily with an
underserved audience. Responsibilities will mainly include:
- Program and materials development
- Recruitment of youth into the program
- Lead on-site youth programs, includes facilitating workshops, working with
youth on the farm and managing behavioral issues
- Educate youth on food and farming issues, job readiness and personal
development
- Develop relationships with collaborators, identify new program opportunities
- General greenhouse and farm work

Qualifications:
- Experience with working with youth from diverse backgrounds
- Experience with or interest in production techniques of organic agriculture
- Ability to work as part of a team or individually, a self-starter
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of electronic technology desirable
- Ideal position for individual seeking experience with program development

Beginning Date: As soon as position is filled. Last day to apply: November 1

In exchange for their year of full-time service, AmeriCorps Promise Fellows
receive extensive professional development training, a living allowance and an
educational award that can be used to finance higher education or help pay off
student loans. Benefits with this position also include access to organic
produce from the farm. All are welcome to apply, minimum age is 18.

Application: Send letter of interest, resume and names of two references to:
Sara Coblyn, UVM Extension, 11 University Way #4, Brattleboro, VT 05301-3669 or
email to sara.coblyn at uvm.edu  An additional application to AmeriCorps will also
need to be completed. This position will be based in Brattleboro but may
require some travel to Bennington. This is not a university position and does
not come with university benefits.

-- 
Vanessa Paulman
Center for Science Exploration
Hampshire College

phone: (413) 559-5792
fax: (413) 559-5438
Adele Simmons Hall #132

http://ScienceExploration.hampshire.edu