Position Description:
The Farm and Food Security Assistant will serve as a core member of the 2024 farm team, and will assist with coordination of the Farm to Food Pantry program at DFI. The position does not require previous food systems, nutrition or farming experience, although it is preferred. Ongoing training will be provided during this AmeriCorps term, and the successful candidate must have a desire to learn about sustainable food production and solutions to food insecurity. The position will report to the DFI Director, and collaborate directly with DFI’s Farm Production Manager and Food Security Project Coordinator. The position involves physically demanding tasks on the farm, interaction with a diversity of groups and populations, and working independently as well as within a dynamic team.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Be a core member of the farm crew, including team work on the following tasks: harvesting, greenhouse propagation, transplanting, seeding, weeding and cultivation, irrigation assistance, crop fertilization and pest control, food safety practices, small equipment operation, and food packaging, marketing and delivery. The farm will be a platform for building skills and understanding around climate smart production of fresh organic produce for food system resiliency. (80% of time)
- Assist with coordination of DFI’s Farm to Food Pantry program, serving half a dozen food security organizations in Reno. (10% of time)
- Assist the Farm Production Manager in timely record keeping pertaining to crop production. (5% of time)
- Attend AmeriCorps trainings, assist with the coordination of Food Security Coalition quarterly events, and attend food security-related periodic activities (such as field trips or tours). This element, along with the Farm to Food Pantry coordination, will provide the service member time to build contacts and connections within the food system. (5% of time)
Qualifications:
- Passionate commitment to working with others on food security and sustainable agriculture. Preference will be given to individuals who have an interest in a food systems oriented career.
- Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment and take initiative to improve farm systems.
- Ability to work outdoors conducting physical labor in hot, cold and windy weather.
- Outstanding work ethic and positive attitude.
- Good interpersonal communication.
- Preferred: strong understanding of or educational background in food systems and/or nutrition.
- Preferred: experience working on a commercial farm or garden.
Compensation:
This AmeriCorps service position receives a living wage stipend of $17,000 for a half term (approximately 6 months) and a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,447.50.
Service members have the option to apply for student loan forbearance, and may be eligible for SNAP and Medicaid benefits. AmeriCorps contracts, living allowances and education awards are managed through the Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation.
Timeline for Service: February – August 2023
Schedule: Approximately full time weekly schedule. Time off includes approximately 5 days of vacation, 5 days of sick leave and federal holidays. A total of 920 hours are required to be completed during this half term of AmeriCorps service.
Service Location: DFI at the Nevada Agriculture Experiment Station, 920 Valley Road, Reno, NV 89512. Periodic daytime travel may be required within the metro area and region.
How to Apply: Submit a cover letter, resume and three references directly to jmoe@unr.edu.
Application Deadline: January 12, 2024
