Rogue Farm Corps is recruiting a Working Lands Climate Corps Willamette Valley Program Associate to help expand our beginning farmer training programs in Oregon’s Willamette Valley! This is an AmeriCorps position that will provide many opportunities for professional growth and networking in the field of sustainable agriculture in Oregon.
Rogue Farm Corps trains and equips the next generation of farmers and ranchers in Oregon through hands-on educational programming. Our Apprenticeship Program connects established sustainable farm businesses with people desiring to learn and gain experience in regenerative and climate-smart agricultural production and business practices. Apprentices are employed and mentored by their Host Farms for at least 500 hours over the course of a growing season. They also take the Beginning Farmer Educational Event Series, providing a well-rounded introduction to agro-ecological production and food systems.
The Willamette Valley Program Associate will recruit and retain partner Host Farms, and support program participants and Host Farmers to enhance the mentor/mentee experience. They will assist with program outreach, recruitment, and screening of Apprenticeship applicants. They will promote an equitable agricultural system by collaborating with local food system allies, partners, and RFC staff. The Willamette Valley Program Associate will attend the Beginning Farmer Educational Event Series.
Learn more about the Working Lands Climate Corps: https://www.acc.gov/
Full position description and application instructions: https://roguefarmcorps.org/jobs
Apply by July 7.
Host Organization: Rogue Farm Corps (https://roguefarmcorps.org)
Term: 1700 hours over 12 months (Average of 33 hours/week over 12 months)
Location: Southern/Mid-Willamette Valley, Oregon (Eugene/Albany/Corvallis/Salem region - work from home)
Member Benefits: A living allowance of $34,000 distributed over the course of the term of service. $20/hr equivalent. Healthcare coverage. Childcare coverage if the member qualifies. Student loan forbearance and interest payments if the member qualifies. Upon successful completion, the member will receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $6,895.00. Laptop provided.
Start Date: As early as August 1, 2024
Reports to: Farmer Training Program Manager
Specific Duties:
Outreach & Recruitment
Recruit Host Farmers that meet RFC’s guidelines: conducting site visits, reviewing applications, participating in Host Farmer interviews, and creating web profiles.
Conduct outreach efforts online and in-person to increase program visibility and recruit aspiring Apprenticeship applicants, may include tabling at regions events, schools, and local farmers markets.
Evaluate Apprenticeship program applications to verify eligibility and rank suitability for specific Host Farm partner sites.
Co-design and implement strategies to increase program participation from underrepresented groups including BIPOC, women, LGBTQIA2S+, veterans, people with disabilities, and low income individuals.
Program Support
Provide one-on-one support to Host Farmers and Apprentices throughout the program season. Act as a resource for all Host Farmers and Apprentices in the region.
Support annual Host Farmer orientation and debrief meetings: providing positive and constructive feedback to Host Farmers as needed.
Support Host Farmers in developing their on-farm curricula or skills checklist and on-farm agreements / employee handbooks.
Keep up-to-date records for Apprentices and Host Farms.
Help plan and facilitate program orientation for new Apprentices.
Take photos for use in social media and other outreach.
Send weekly program updates to current Apprentices and Host Farmers.
Assist with additional Beginning Training Program logistics and support as needed.
Professional Development & Training
Attend RFC’s Beginning Farmers Educational Event Series to enhance knowledge of climate smart regenerative agriculture practices and racial equity in agriculture.
Attend weekly staff meetings, annual training team retreat, and biannual all-staff retreats.
Coordinate with RFC staff to attend external professional conferences, and trainings.
Organizational Culture
Contribute to ongoing program and organizational communication, development, and improvement via regular online meetings with RFC staff and other internal communication.
Assist in the creation of content for organizational communications efforts.
Support additional organizational events as needed.
Coordinate and collaborate with other agriculture and food systems partners in the region.
Qualifications:
Ability to connect with and develop trusting relationships with people and communities of various backgrounds and identities
Ability to organize work and attend to details
Ability to productively give and receive feedback
Ability to use online applications
Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative remote team
Commitment to RFC mission, vision, and values
Be at least 18 years old at the start of service
Requirements: Requires the use of your own personal vehicle (mileage reimbursed)
All prospective members must agree to provide information required to determine eligibility and complete a complete National Service Criminal History Check.
Commitment to Equity, Anti-Racism, and a Culture of Care:
Our mission is best served when our staff and board represent the diversity of the next generation of farmers and ranchers. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or a person of color, LGBTQIA+, a veteran, immigrant, low-income, or any other identity or group that has been marginalized or underserved in agriculture. RFC is committed to engaging in an ongoing learning process around privilege, power, inequality and systems of oppression, and to using our organizational power to be an agent of positive change. You can learn more about our equity commitment here.
Rogue Farm Corps is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
Full position description and application instructions: https://roguefarmcorps.org/jobs
Apply by July 7.