This position is with the Kerr-Tar Council of Governments based in Henderson, NC. The mission of Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments (COG) is to enhance and improve the quality of life for the citizens of the region through the effective delivery of services and programs for local governments in the region. Kerr-Tar COG is a voluntary association of local governments authorized by state law to make and implement joint regional decisions, provide management, planning and technical services to local governments, identify and solve short and long-term problems best addressed at the regional level, and bring together local elected officials on a regular basis, giving them an opportunity to form working relationships. 

**NOTICE** This position is subject to continued federal and state funding, as AmeriCorps is under a 30% reduction in member slots for the 2024-2025 service year. We anticipate that by mid-May 2024 we will know which positions (if not all) will be available to start on our normal service year timeline. All applicants will be notified if this position is not funded.**NOTICE**

This 2024-2025 AmeriCorps position will have a start date of September 4th 2024 and an end date of July 31st 2025. Deadline to apply is June 14th 2024, and applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Don't delay in applying!

**Please make sure you upload all of the required documents -  Resume, Cover Letter, State or Federal ID, and Birth Certificate or US Passport/US Permanent Resident Card.** If required documents are not uploaded at time of application, any offer for employment may be withheld until they are provided. 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 2024-2025 service year, Resilience Corps NC operates a 11 month 1700-hour service position that offers a living stipend of $31,000, health insurance reimbursement for premiums purchased on the ACA Healthcare Exchange, childcare assistance, and professional development opportunities (individual trainings, enrollment in NC Environmental Education Certificate Program, and conferences in conjunction with VolunteerNC). Members are also eligible to sign up for SNAP benefits. Participants who complete the program will receive a Segal Education Award of $7,395 from the National Service Trust.

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

CTNC 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

Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments is still in the early stages of establishing its role and services in the food space. In 2020, the COG's Regional Food Policy was passed to enumerate general priorities within the regional food system (land use, farmer support, value chains, markets, access, and waste streams), but it wasn't until this last year, that the first steps were taken to implement the Policy. In 2024, extensive stakeholder data was updated, and the Kerr-Tar Regional Food Council was established to address each of the Regional Food Policy's priorities. The AmeriCorps member will continue building on these foundational steps, capitalizing on the COG's momentum and their own self-motivation to create a framework for continued impact in the regional food system. 

Position Responsibilities and Duties

Kerr-Tar objectives for this service year include:

• Collaborating with the Regional Food Council to create actionable steps and timelines for addressing needs identified in the 2024 collection of stakeholder input
• Communicating to local governments, economic development, and elected officials the COG's role and community needs in the food space
• Building out a Regional Food System Directory for both internal and external use
• Creating and identifying potential food-related programming and resources for the COG to provide to partners and stakeholders

Tasks to reach these objectives will include:

• Coordinating the activities of the Regional Food Council
• Continuously assessing the needs in the region through innovative engagement of stakeholders and community leaders
• Refining the Regional Food Policy in accordance with community needs and recommendations from the Regional Food Council
• Providing technical support and outreach efforts to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with government agencies, community-based organizations, nonprofits, local businesses, farmers, agricultural services, food banks, food pantries, food hubs, and Tribes within the region
• Developing a system to promote available federal, state, or local grants for stakeholders and to assist with funding applications
• Providing support in the convening of task force meetings, roundtables, summits, and workshops

Communication:

• Practice inclusive and thoughtful behavior in building rapport with program participants, site stakeholders and program staff.
• Communicate regularly and effectively with program staff, and site personnel.
• Report data in online systems in a timely and accurate manner.

Program Requirements:

• Demonstrate regular, timely attendance and adherence to hours as scheduled.
• Commit to service for the service term of 11 months, serving the minimum number of 1700 hours.
• Participate in all required AmeriCorps sponsored training sessions, meetings, and travel as necessary. Community Stewardship Coordinators will receive training on best practices for community engagement, group facilitation, and communicating about climate change with a focus on pursuing climate justice.
• Actively participate in service projects and commemorating days such as 9/11 Day of Service (as applicable). These may include evening and/or weekend hours.

Qualifications 

• Self-disciplined
• Self-motivated
• Comfortable with engaging with new people regularly, and 
• Knowledgeable or interested in food systems work. 
• This position will require interaction with agriculture, economic development, food assistance, value chains, public policy, and environmental topics, so familiarity with any or all of these topics is valuable, though not required
• Must be 18 years of age or older prior to your start date.
• Must have at least a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent by your start date.
• Must be either a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States.
• Must pass mandatory National Service Criminal History Checks.
• Speak, read, and write English fluently.
• Experience with professional computer skills and confidence using computers. Comfort and experience using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel), completing internet searches, and navigating resources online, completing data entry, using e-mail regularly including sending attachments, using databases and software, using videoconferencing software, and attending training online.
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to pass a driving record check. Access to a personal vehicle for transportation.
• Excellent communication & customer service skills

Essential Functions / Physical Demands

• Some working hours are primarily based in an office setting and require sitting, standing, and operating a computer and telephone. Some working hours outside, potentially in various weather conditions.
• Some working hours may require light to moderate lifting, bending, stooping, pulling, kneeling, carrying, and use of hand tools up to 30 lbs.

Preferred Schedule

The typical work week will range from 36-40 hours spanning certain designated business hours. The schedule is flexible with supervisor approval. Some remote work will be possible while in person work will also be required. Generally, the service member will serve Monday-Friday between 8:00AM and 5:00PM. The member will have flexibility to adjust workday length based on programs facilitated and time served throughout the week, as long as required hours to complete service term are met. 

JOB CODE: Kerr Tar