East PDX Community Orchard Coordinator

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is in partnership between the Confluence Environmental Center, AmeriCorps Program, and Portland Fruit Tree Project. The East PDX Community Orchard Coordinator will assist with building, implementing, and evaluating a new program working with East Portland teenagers (40-50%), as well as adult volunteers (30-40%) to learn orchard care and how to use and engage with fruit that is produced in the orchard. This role will also help pilot a Spring Break camp for younger students in partnership with engaged teens. Activities may include:

• Be the key coordinator with partners - OSU, Elevate Oregon, PFTP
• Work with PFTP staff to implement the orchard plan through engaging teens and adult volunteers
• Assist in curriculum development
• Coordinate teen and adult orchard activities
• Plan, promote, and coordinate Spring Break camp - engaging teens as leaders
• Coordinate harvests and assist with fruit distribution or cooking activities with teens
• Develop tracking mechanisms to support project metrics and complete tracking throughout the project
• Assist teens with admin including submitting time sheets, acting as a reference, etc
• Mentor and support teens and help connect them with additional resources as needed, in conjunction with partners
• Present findings to partners and potentially support future funding endeavors
• The Member will participate in Confluence led leadership development activities which include:  Leadership Development Training Series, completing a Change Agent Project (CAP), team meetings, National Service events and other self-directed development opportunities (20%).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (to include, but not limited to):

• Data collection and analysis
• Public engagement
• Curriculum building
• Event planning
• Provide a high quality of work and education to the public
• Share passion for locally produced food and regenerative agriculture
• Complete and submit all necessary paperwork and reports in a timely manner; attend and complete all training and service requirements; wear Confluence uniform and/or appropriate identifiers and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events.
• Abide by program and AmeriCorps policies. Under no circumstances will Members be asked to perform prohibited activities outlined in the approved grant.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Some experience in environmental education, regenerative agriculture, or tree care (can be a personal interest or lived experience). The ideal candidate loves food and nature.
• Communication-candidate should be fairly comfortable interacting with a diverse audience including age, race, ethnicity, family status, etc. Communication should be friendly and professional.
• Must love working with teens
• An ability to walk on uneven ground, slopes, and be outdoors in changing climates.
• An ability to lift up to 40lbs, bend, climb ladders, and use basic hand tools (or be willing to learn).
• Willingness/openness to learn about and discuss racial equity and social justice issues.
• Ability to serve as part of a diverse team.
• Regular and reliable attendance and dependability. 
• AmeriCorps Members must be: 18 years of age or older at beginning of service term; U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident; in possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, or commit to earning one prior to receiving education award; able to commit to the full term of service; able to successfully pass a fingerprint criminal history background check and satisfactory report from the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) prior to the start of the position.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge about fruit trees, trees, or growing food
• Experience working with teens
• Comfortability in public speaking
• Spanish speaking would be exciting
• Knowledge of cooking, preserving, using fruit

MEMBER BENEFITS INCLUDE

• $19,200 living allowance paid over the 11-month term of service (approx. $1,745 monthly, before taxes).
• $7,395 education award (qualified student loans and/or education expenses). 
• Loan Forbearance 
• Health Care Insurance
• Child Care Reimbursement
• $100 Training Fund 
• Professional Leadership Certificate, Trainings and Networking opportunities such as EDI and Environmental Justice trainings (trainings valued at ~$23,000).
• May be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Monthly TriMet passes available.
• Mileage reimbursement for Confluence trainings.
• May be eligible for free BIKETOWN membership.
• Shared office space
• Fruit!

PROJECT LOCATION & TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

• Parkrose Community Orchard: 12505 NE Halsey St, Portland, OR 97230
• Shared Office: 5431 NE 20th Ave, Portland, Or 97211
• Accessible by TriMet
• Bike Parking
• Car Parking