Food Education & Access Coordinator

Under the direction of the Produce Manager, the Food Education & Access Coordinator will improve fresh food access and agricultural literacy for students and people of all ages in beautiful Moab, Utah. This is a full-time, hands-on volunteer position supporting the operations of a highly-productive garden and education space.

Target Service Dates: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION

• Lead 45-minute daily garden activities during nine weeks of Summer Camp.
• Design materials and lessons for Harvest of the Month, our in-school program that connects students to their local food system during school lunch breaks.
• Improve passive education opportunities on YGP’s 1.5-acre site that supports agricultural literacy for people of all ages.
• Design and lead engaging ag and culinary workshops for youth, families, and/or community members that meet identified needs or desires of our diverse community.

FRESH FOOD ACCESS

• Partner with the Produce Manager to equitably distribute farm-fresh produce to food-insecure households through partnerships with local food pantries.
• Assist with food rescue efforts through fruit gleaning from partner growers.
• Support the distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables to individuals and businesses in Moab.
• Support garden activities such as planting, harvesting, processing, and more.
• Work with the Grand County School District Child Nutrition Program and Moab Charter School staff to design and execute a plan to bring more fresh, local fruits and vegetables into school cafeterias.
• Attend and plan educational activities for children and families attending the biweekly Arts & Ag Market in downtown Moab.
• Support activities leading up to the Spring Plant Sale, which supplies hundreds of local families with food plants for their home gardens.

OTHER EXPECTATIONS

• AmeriCorps State members are expected to average 40 hrs/week during the length of their service.
• Several evenings and approximately 1 weekend day per month for YGP events will be required during the growing season.
• You will be part of the rotating weekend chores (feeding animals, watering plants, etc) schedule, approx. 1 weekend day/month. Events and chores will be worked into your expected weekly hours.
• Be an enthusiastic representative of the Youth Garden Project at all times.
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions, in an oftentimes physically demanding role (gardening is great aerobic exercise!)
• Other duties as assigned.

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Strong interest in working at an educational garden and furthering the mission of the Youth Garden Project.
• Experience and comfortability working creatively with fresh food in the kitchen.
• Knowledge of nutrition, child and youth development, curriculum design, gardening, cooking, baking, food and land justice, working with youth in non-traditional educational spaces, and/or a willingness and desire to learn.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Highly organized through prep and execution of programs including data collection, participation tracking, and evaluation.
• AmeriCorps members will be certified in CPR and First Aid; certification opportunity will be provided if applicant is not already certified
• Please highlight if you are English-Spanish bilingual in your application.

Eligibility: Applicants must be 18 years or older, be a U.S. citizen, U.S. National, or Lawful Permanent Resident, and be able to pass a federal criminal background check through AmeriCorps and Grand County School District.

Benefits:

• Biweekly living allowance payments totaling $16,502 annually (before taxes)
• The option for a $6,495 Education Award upon successful completion of service
• Eligible for AmeriCorps health and child care benefits
• Eligible for Student Loan Forbearance during service.
• Eligible for SNAP Federal Assistance program
• Utah Food Handlers certification opportunity
• Support with finding housing through YGP networks (not guaranteed)
• Professional development in gardening, farm-to-school, education, nonprofit work, and more!
• Live and volunteer in the beautiful red rock country of Southeastern Utah, a world-wide destination for outdoor enthusiasts. 

How to apply:

Send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Produce Manager, Sarah Bowen, at sarah@youthgardenproject.org. Priority application deadline by December 1st, 2022. Applicants will also have to apply through the AmeriCorps State website upon hire - starting a profile on the AmeriCorps State website will help expedite the process at my.Americorps.gov