Hub Farm Educator & Farm AmeriCorps Member

Durham, NC

This position is with Durham Public Schools Hub Farm, located in Durham, NC. The Hub Farm's mission is to engage the DPS community in meaningful outdoor experiences.

This 2023-2024 AmeriCorps position will have a start date (for new full-time 11 month members) of September 5th, 2023 (or soon thereafter), and an end date of July 31st 2024 (or 11 months after start date). 

**Please make sure you upload all of the required documents - Resume & Cover Letter. All AmeriCorps members must submit to having a National Sex Offender, State of Residence (if state is different than NC), State of NC, and Federal FBI Background check conducted. Any applicant denying to submit to these checks will be automatically disqualified as per federal regulations.

For the 2023-2024 service year, Resilience Corps NC offers a living stipend that will range from $25,500 to $30,000 for 11 months (this is taxable and the final amount is dependent on federal funding granted by AmeriCorps in July, and candidates/applicants will be notified of that amount), health insurance reimbursement for premiums, childcare assistance, and professional development opportunities (some examples are three AmeriCorps cohort trainings that cover project management to strengths assessments, individual self-directed trainings, enrollment in NC Environmental Education Certificate Program, and conferences in conjunction with VolunteerNC). Members are also eligible to signup for SNAP benefits. Participants who complete the program will receive a Segal Education Award of $6,895 (taxable in the year used, not the year awarded) from the National Service Trust. 

CTNC, the fiscal sponsor of Resilience Corps NC, is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate because of race, creed, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual preference or familial status.

Resilience Corps NC seeks to engage applicants from underrepresented communities, particularly of Asian, Black, Hispanic, Multi-Racial, and Native American background, in conservation careers. Connecting more diverse applicants to an employment pathway has led to greater equity, diversity and inclusion of all people in conservation.

Purpose of the Position

The purpose of the position is to build our capacity for outreach and programming so that more students are served through the DPS Hub Farm, especially Elementary school students. The member will assist in the day-to-day educational and operational tasks of the Hub Farm. The member will be tasked with building upon the foundation built by our previous members and continue to develop field trip programming for DPS students. The member will also increase our outreach efforts to engage interested stakeholders in the Hub Farm. Lastly, the member will work to maintain careful documentation of our student visitors and volunteers so we can keep track of our impact.

Position Responsibilities and Duties

Programming: 

  • Assist with educational programming for K-12 students, either following a previously written lesson plan, or creating new lesson plans. Facilitate groups of students and volunteers ranging from 1-30 people. 
  • Work directly with teachers, administrators, non-profit organizations, and Hub Farm staff to coordinate and schedule class field trips and after school programming for Eno Valley and other DPS scholars.
  • Help organize and coordinate community/family events and summer programs that provide outdoor learning opportunities for students of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds. 
  • Help plan and host volunteer workdays, community workshops, professional development opportunities for formal and non-formal educators.
  • Assist in initiating new educational opportunities for middle school students. 
  • Assist in documenting, collecting and writing of Hub Farm curriculum. 

Outreach

  • Assist in maintaining the Hub Farm’s web presence, social media, and other outreach activities, including a quarterly email newsletter to Hub Farm stakeholders. 
  • Create promotional materials as necessary for Hub Farm events. 

Farm Life

  • Work directly with students, volunteers, teachers, and Hub Farm staff in the operational needs of the Hub Farm to include: animal care; gardening, landscaping, and weeding; growing sustainable vegetables, fruits, herbs and cut flowers; managing farm interns and working with volunteers, students, and public groups that frequent the farm for educational days. 
  • Complete a farm or programming project of their choice. 
  • Communicate frequently and clearly with Hub Farm staff and stakeholders. 

Qualifications 

  • Ability to both be a hands-on team player and work independently with individuals and groups (1-30) of Hub Farm staff, volunteers, interns, and students.
  • Interest in education, outdoor environments, community engagement, and/or food/agriculture that serves a diverse community
  • Willingness to try new things, learn new skills and concepts, follow directions, ask questions
  • Well organized, strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills with respect to the diverse population we serve, computer skills, attention to detail
  • Preferred: Background and/or familiarity in environmental, experiential, outdoor, or group education
  • Preferred: Audio/visual and social media literate. The member should have basic computer skills and be able to learn marketing and outreach skills necessary for program marketing
  • Preferred: Familiar with gardening, farming, and sustainable agriculture


 Essential Functions / Physical Demands

  • The member will be participating in regular outdoor activities including gardening, animal care, trail maintenance, and some construction. 
  • Some heavy lifting (up to 50lbs) may be required and the ability to use basic hand tools and some equipment will be needed. Be able to bend, crouch, squat. 
  • Comfortable working outdoors year round in all weather conditions, on uneven ground. Gear will be provided if necessary. 
  • Ability to follow common safety and health standards when working with fresh produce and students.


Preferred Schedule

Preferred availability is Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, with occasional evening and weekend hours. Member must be available one Saturday a month for workdays (usually the 1st Saturday) and normal work hours during the week. Schedule will vary based on season, field trips, and volunteer workday dates and times, and will be communicated regularly as a team.

What is AmeriCorps?

AmeriCorps is a bridge builder, a force multiplier, a way to connect individuals and organizations to support their communities in tackling challenges. AmeriCorps programs across the country address a variety of community needs like education, economic opportunity, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, disaster response, and veteran & military family services.

What does Resilience Corps NC do?

CTNC’s AmeriCorps program, Resilience Corps NC, seeks to address our state’s changing climate by expanding access to environmental education, increasing eco-literacy, promoting disaster resiliency, and utilizing communities to identify and address climate-related issues.

Who should apply for a position with Resilience Corps NC?

Our program is a great opportunity for:

-Recent graduates looking to build experience and a strong professional network

-Established professionals seeking a career change

-Passionate conservationists wanting to give back to their community

What benefits do Resilience Corps members receive?

-Living stipend, paid twice monthly

-Education award (upon completion of service)

-Healthcare premium reimbursement

-Childcare assistance

-SNAP eligibility


JOB CODE: Hub Farm