Grinnell AmeriCorps Community Garden Coordinator

Location: Grinnell, Iowa | Term: May 23 – July 31, 2025 (10 weeks) | Hours: 300 total (~33 per week)

Food insecurity remains a critical issue in Grinnell, where 22.3% of Poweshiek County residents experienced food insecurity in 2022. At the same time, only 35.4% of residents met the recommended intake of fruits and vegetables. Access to fresh, nutritious food is essential for health and well-being, making community gardens a vital resource in addressing food insecurity.

Grinnell is home to nine community gardens designed to provide free produce to local residents, but these gardens face challenges in efficiency, management, and engagement. Many remain underutilized due to inconsistent maintenance, a lack of volunteer coordination, and limited awareness among community members. By increasing engagement and implementing sustainable systems, these gardens have the potential to provide more fresh, nutritious food to those who need it most.

Claude W. & Dolly Ahrens Foundation is the host site for this position. As the Grinnell AmeriCorps Community Garden Coordinator, you will play a key role in strengthening Grinnell’s community gardens by optimizing operations, recruiting volunteers, and expanding educational programming. This position focuses on sustainability, food security, and community collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

Garden Management & Sustainability

• Maintain and improve neglected community gardens through regular watering, weeding, pruning, harvesting, and composting
• Implement methods to extend the growing season and improve food production
• Transport harvested produce to local food pantries
• Support trail and pathway development to improve garden accessibility

Volunteer Recruitment & Coordination

• Develop a campaign to engage more community members in garden care
• Manage and track volunteers through Point.com
• Create easy-to-follow garden handbooks and plant identification signage

Event Planning & Community Engagement

• Organize educational events, youth programs, and cooking workshops
• Partner with organizations to host sustainability, gardening, and food-related activities
• Participate in Storytime Art in the Park events throughout the summer

Outreach & Social Media

• Create digital content on gardening, food systems, nutrition, sustainability, and event promotion
• Maintain community garden awareness through partner program accounts

Marvin Garden Renovation

• Assist with renovations, including orchard planting, raised bed maintenance, and art installations
• Help build a woven fence and recruit volunteers for renovation efforts

Desired Qualifications

• Passion for food security, community engagement, and sustainable agriculture
• Experience with gardening, farming, or horticulture is a plus but not required
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with volunteers and community partners
• Excellent communication skills, including social media and outreach experience
• Ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting, digging, and carrying garden materials
• Experience in event planning, education, or volunteer coordination is beneficial

Compensation & Benefits

• Living Allowance: $3,945
• Education Award: $1,565 upon successful completion of service
• Support Services: Access to a Member Assistance Program, including 24/7 telephonic mental health counseling, medical advocacy, legal advice, financial advice, and life coaching

How to Apply

Visit https://go.iowa.gov/2dp4 to submit an application. Applicants should list Claude & Dolly Ahrens Foundation as their preferred host site.

This is an opportunity to make a tangible impact in the fight against food insecurity while fostering a stronger, healthier community. If you are passionate about gardening, sustainability, and community-driven solutions, this AmeriCorps service position could be the perfect fit for you.