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.

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 Bank’s 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