Post office Box 5415
Salinas, California 93915
(408)758-1469
Job Opening For Youth Garden Project Coordinator
Description of the Center: The Rural Development Center is a community
based agricultural training and resource center which offers educational
programs and opportunities for practical experience to farmworkers and
aspiring small farmers in the Salinas Valley. The RDC promotes self
reliance, sustainable and ecological practices accessible to the small
farmer. Participation in the RDC's Small Farm Education Program helps
aspiring farmers gain the skills and experience they need to pursue
dignified work by initiating their own businesses or seeking better
employment. RDC staff are bilingual and most educational activities are
conducted in Spanish.
Youth and Garden Projects are new initiatives to the Rural Development
Center which will compliment the Small Farm Education Program and provide
opportunities for broader participation in community based education
programs in agriculture, gardening, hands-on experiential learning,
leadership development and service to the community.
The Youth and Garden Project Coordinator has primary responsibility for
designing, promoting and coordinating the Youth and Garden project
activities, and other duties. The coordinator will be under the direct
supervision of the Director and Farm Manager/Educator. The coordinator
will work closely with other RDC staff in order to effectively strengthen
and enhance the work of the RDC (i.e. Small Farm Education Program)
through implementation of complimentary youth and women's garden project
components.
Responsibilities:
* Coordinate and monitor practical and relevant garden based education
programs for youth and others based on goals of involving community
members in creating and utilizing the garden as a tool for community
development. Desired outcomes include food and nutrition, education,
community leadership and empowerment, self-reliance, and meaningful
involvement of traditionally underserved groups including low-income
women, children and youth.
* Participate in a national network of community based youth programs
(including out-of state meetings), promoting the RDC's contribution to
strengthening this work. Serve as a liaison between on-site project staff
and the sponsoring organization. Identify and troubleshoot problems, and
report technical assistance needs to the national organization.
Coordinate project documentation and evaluation, including writing of
reports.
* Articulate and promote the project's goals within the RDC and to other
youth service providers in the local community. Encourage visibility of
the work and strengthen local networks of community based education.
Project Coordinator's day-to-day work will include these main areas and
other duties:
Community Outreach, Organization and Empowerment
Outreach to inform and familiarize the community with program
opportunities. Encourage participation by members of the community who
will benefit from programs, and who show potential to develop leadership
skills and contribute to the improvement of their community. Create and
facilitate linkages and coordination, cooperation and collaboration among
local community organizations to enhance the project; manage public
relations and media outreach .
Education
Organize, teach and facilitate classes, demonstrations, workshops, and
non-formal education activities. Provide coordination and support for
activities with high school youth and faculty, provide guidance to youth
projects. Provide technical assistance to participants, and/or facilitate
their access to other sources of assistance. Strengthen integration of
garden-based activities into the overall mission and programs of the
Rural Development Center.
Garden Management
Establish and maintain organic teaching, demonstration and community
gardens, including design, irrigation systems installation and
maintenance, material and supply purchases, planting, watering,
harvesting, record keeping, food distribution, preservation, marketing,
and record keeping. Promote community participation in design,
implementation, documentation and evaluation of projects.
Volunteer Coordination
Coordinate, orient and utilize community and student volunteers who offer
their services to enhance the work of the youth and garden project.
Qualifications and characteristics of a successful candidate for this
position:
-Ability and willingness to work with people; to recruit, motivate and
engage new participants in meaningful learning and active participation.
-Bilingual (Spanish/English); bicultural.
-Commitment to the principles of community based education; to building
the capacity of the RDC as a community resource, accessible to low-income
and minority people.
-Management, communication, writing and organizational skills.
-Patience and flexibility, creativity, ability to take direction and
initiative.
-Organic gardening knowledge and skills; teaching ability.
Work location:
17OO Old Stage Road
Salinas, CA 939O8
Starting date: Position open until filled.
Hours: Full time position; minimum 4O hours per week. Flexibility of
hours is critical in order to accommodate program activities,
participants, and out-of-town/state meetings.
Compensation: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience;
with benefits.
Send resume and cover letter to:
Rural Development Center
P.O. Box 5415, Salinas, CA 93915.
For more information please contact:
Ann Baier or Jose Montenegro at:
Telephone and FAX (408) 758-1469.
A Project of the Association for Community Based Education