Energy and Sustainability Policy
Program Office

2017-2018 Penn State Americorps Service Opening

2017-2018 Penn State Americorps Service Opening



The Sustainable Food Systems Program (SFSP) at Penn State enables student initiative, hands-on learning and service across the food system. The SFSP includes a one-acre Student Farm, course-client collaborative projects, the Student Farm Club, and educational, research and outreach initiatives.

More information: studentfarm.psu.edu.   

 

Sustainable Food Systems Program AmeriCorps

The SFSP is seeking a full-term AmeriCorps member to build capacity in support of our goals to 1) enhance education about gardening, the food system and nutrition, and 2) strengthen the local economy and community through growing, marketing and donating local foods. Under supervision of the SFSP Program Manager, the AmeriCorps member will collaborate with students, faculty, community organizations and volunteers to design, implement and evaluate programs that support food security, local economic development and personal engagement with the food system.

 

AmeriCorps responsibilities will include:

  1. Collaborate with community partners, students and faculty to develop and sustain SFSP programming.
  2. Support SFSP course-client collaborations by developing and coordinating partnerships between university faculty and courses, and local food and agriculture systems organizations, such as area food banks, the local food cooperative and Central PA Community Action.
  3. Recruit, train and provide support to volunteers serving with the SFSP and community partners.
  4. Coordinate and lead tours of the Student Farm for students, youth, community members and others.
  5. Assist and support Student Farm interns with daily tasks, trainings and events.
  6. Research, develop and conduct educational and outreach initiatives on topics such as gardening, healthy food access and market opportunities for local producers.
  7. Attend and support meetings and events of the Centre County Food Systems Coalition.
  8. Coordinate with the Centre County Food Systems Coalition and partners to plan and carry out county-wide events and activities focused on enhancing the food system.
  9. Develop and implement tools for continuously tracking program outcomes. Present program outcomes and data to university, governmental and community stakeholders.
  10. Complete various other projects that help to develop and sustain the SFSP.

 

Qualifications:

  1. Must meet all Penn State clearance and background check requirements.
  2. Superb written, interpersonal and oral communication skills.
  3. Able to learn quickly, prioritize multiple projects, manage schedule independently, meet deadlines and enjoy a fast-paced work environment.
  4. Able to work with diverse groups and individuals in indoor and outdoor settings.
  5. An interest in and knowledge about food systems concepts and/or community organizing preferred.
  6. Valid driver’s license, own transportation.
  7. Bachelor’s degree preferred.

 

Position location: Penn State University in State College, PA

Service term: August 23, 2017-August 10, 2018; approx. 35 hours per week (1700 hours total)

AmeriCorps stipend: $602 distributed biweekly over the term, health insurance, and eligible for $5815 education award at sevice term completion. Office space provided at University Park campus. Please see http://www.pmsc.org/become-a-member/ for additional information about AmeriCorps service.

To apply: Submit a resume, cover letter and two references’ contact info with the subject line 2017 SFSP AmeriCorps Application to Leslie Pillen at studentfarm@psu.edu. Interviews will begin in mid-July.