Posted By: Career Enrichment Network
The Sustainable Food Systems Program is a Penn State program that seeks to enable student initiative, hands-on learning and service across the food system. Core components include a one-acre Student Farm, course-client collaborative projects, the Student Farm Club, and a range of educational, research and outreach initiatives. More information is available at our website, sites.psu.edu/studentfarm.
Sustainable Food Systems Program AmeriCorps
We are seeking a 30-hour per week AmeriCorps member to build capacity within the Sustainable Food Systems Program (SFSP), in support of our goals of 1) enhancing education about gardening, the food system and nutrition, and 2) strengthening the local economy and community through growing, marketing and donating local foods. Under supervision of the SFSP Program Manager, the AmeriCorps member will collaborate with students, faculty, community organizations and volunteers to design, implement and evaluate programs that support food security, local economic development and personal engagement with the food system.
AmeriCorps responsibilities will include:
1. Collaborate with community partners, university departments, students and faculty to develop and sustain programming of the SFSP.
2. Support SFSP course-client collaborations by developing and coordinating partnerships between university faculty and courses, and local food and agriculture systems organizations, such as area food banks, the local food cooperative and Central PA Community Action.
3. Recruit, train and provide support to volunteers serving with the SFSP and community partners.
4. Research and develop new educational and outreach initiatives such as gardening, healthy food access and market opportunities for local producers.
5. Conduct outreach to relevant target stakeholder groups.
6. Attend and support meetings and events of the Centre County Food Systems Coalition.
7. Coordinate with the Centre County Food Systems Coalition to plan and carry out county-wide events and activities focused on enhancing the food system.
8. Develop and implement tools for continuously tracking program outcomes. Present program outcomes and data to university, governmental and community stakeholders.
9. Complete various other projects that help to develop and sustain the SFSP.
1. Collaborate with community partners, university departments, students and faculty to develop and sustain programming of the SFSP.
2. Support SFSP course-client collaborations by developing and coordinating partnerships between university faculty and courses, and local food and agriculture systems organizations, such as area food banks, the local food cooperative and Central PA Community Action.
3. Recruit, train and provide support to volunteers serving with the SFSP and community partners.
4. Research and develop new educational and outreach initiatives such as gardening, healthy food access and market opportunities for local producers.
5. Conduct outreach to relevant target stakeholder groups.
6. Attend and support meetings and events of the Centre County Food Systems Coalition.
7. Coordinate with the Centre County Food Systems Coalition to plan and carry out county-wide events and activities focused on enhancing the food system.
8. Develop and implement tools for continuously tracking program outcomes. Present program outcomes and data to university, governmental and community stakeholders.
9. Complete various other projects that help to develop and sustain the SFSP.
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Qualifications:
1. Must meet all Penn State clearance and background check requirements.
2. Superb written, interpersonal and oral communication skills.
3. Able to learn quickly, prioritize multiple projects, manage schedule independently, meet deadlines and enjoy a fast-paced work environment.
4. Able to work with diverse groups and individuals in indoor and outdoor settings.
5. An interest in and knowledge about food systems concepts and/or community organizing preferred.
6. Valid driver’s license, own transportation, computer and internet access.
7. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
1. Must meet all Penn State clearance and background check requirements.
2. Superb written, interpersonal and oral communication skills.
3. Able to learn quickly, prioritize multiple projects, manage schedule independently, meet deadlines and enjoy a fast-paced work environment.
4. Able to work with diverse groups and individuals in indoor and outdoor settings.
5. An interest in and knowledge about food systems concepts and/or community organizing preferred.
6. Valid driver’s license, own transportation, computer and internet access.
7. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Position location: Penn State University in State College, PA
Service term: January 17-August 11, 30 hours per week (900 hours)
AmeriCorps stipend: $6,625 divided and distributed biweekly over the term and education award eligible
Please see http://www.pmsc.org/become-a-member/ for additional information about AmeriCorps service.
To apply: Submit a resume, cover letter and two references (contact info) to Leslie Pillen at studentfarm@psu.edu
Application deadline: Position open until filled, with interviews beginning January 4
Service term: January 17-August 11, 30 hours per week (900 hours)
AmeriCorps stipend: $6,625 divided and distributed biweekly over the term and education award eligible
Please see http://www.pmsc.org/become-a-member/ for additional information about AmeriCorps service.
To apply: Submit a resume, cover letter and two references (contact info) to Leslie Pillen at studentfarm@psu.edu
Application deadline: Position open until filled, with interviews beginning January 4