Hello,
Posted below, and attached, is the description for the open AmeriCorps position with the Ingham County Land Bank Garden Program. Please note the deadline to apply is August 23rd.
Ingham County Land Bank
Power of We Consortium AmeriCorps member
The member will support community-based gardens and beautification projects by recruiting and
mobilizing volunteers, facilitating garden mentoring and accessing resources.
The member should be capable of serving with little supervision and should be very independent.
Duties
Make sure that the 66 current Land Bank gardens continue to succeed and recruit additional
community gardeners.
Foster relationships with the existing and new gardeners in order to serve as their mentor and
go to resource guide. Success will be measured by maintaining open communication with
gardeners, overall garden maintenance/appearance and ensuring all gardeners needs are met
and resource requests are filled.
o Coordinating the fall preparation and spring start up for the gardens, securing plant
starts, compost (preferably donations), tiling, seeds, rain barrels etc.
o Working within low-opportunity neighborhoods by providing additional help during the
growing season; specifically supporting those gardeners growing food for themselves
and their families.
Serve as Garden Program representative while directly reaching out to neighbors in promoting
gardening as a means to reducing food insecurity, obesity and chronic disease.
Create and edit outreach materials.
Use the Land Banks parcel inventory and software to identify key parcels for future garden and
beautification projects in consultation with Land Bank staff.
Utilize maps to help illustrate available properties and current and future garden space at
garden and/or neighborhood meetings.
Network and recruit volunteers to help with garden projects.
Solicitation of donations: seed companies, compost companies, corporations,
and anyone else who may be able to donate to garden projects.
Integrate themselves and the Land Bank resources into the garden networks in Lansing.
Skills
Extrovert who is comfortable meeting members of the larger community, including
neighborhood residents, and groups that want to start community-based gardens.
Gardening knowledge and experience is desired but not 100% necessary.
Private sector as well as public sector background helpful.
Goal driven with the ability to function independently.
Attention to detail and good organizational skills.
Ability to handle multiple demands, excel under time pressure and meet deadlines.
Ability to prioritize tasks.
Proficient in Microsoft office.
Ability to serve some evenings and weekends.
Commitment
Serve 1700 hours between October 15, 2013 and September 19, 2014
Benefits
$12,100 living allowance
$5,550 education award
Loan forbearance for qualified student loans
Health insurance with eye care and dental coverage
Professional development and training
To apply, email a resume and cover letter to Katie Ellero at [log in to unmask] by August 23
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Melissa
What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make. ~Jane Goodall
Melissa Lott
Garden Program Coordinator
Ingham County Land Bank
600 W. Maple Avenue
Lansing, MI 48906
Phone: 517.580.8825
Fax: 517.580.8857
