What are the responsibilities and job description for the Farmers Market Americorps Member position at Farm Fresh Rhode Island?
Farm Fresh Rhode Island’s mission is to grow a local food system that values the health, environment and quality of life of all Rhode Island growers and eaters. Farm Fresh Rhode Island Direct Service for Food Security members will focus primarily on addressing issues of healthy food access for Rhode Islanders affected by poverty and most likely to experience food insecurity.
- Process credit, debit, and EBT/SNAP customer transactions at FFRI Farmers Market Welcome Tables
- Record customer transactions at FFRI Farmers Market Welcome Tables
- Work with Farm Fresh RI program staff to support preparation of materials to administer SNAP Bonus Bucks Programs
- Support data tracking and program performance measurement systems
- Work on outreach efforts by participating in community events, engaging with communities, and promoting our farmers markets and the Bonus Bucks program
- Assist with day-to-day operation of farmers markets and food access programs
- Assist with Farm Fresh RI Farmers Market event planning and execution
II. Qualifications
Farm Fresh RI seeks a Farmers Market AmeriCorps with demonstrated initiative and clear organizational communication skills to support utilization of USDA food assistance programs at Farm Fresh RI farmers markets. They will ensure that our Farmers Market Team works with our community partners to extend greater access to healthy, locally grown food throughout the communities that are home to Farm Fresh RI markets. This position offers an opportunity to operate the Fresh Bucks Program at local farmers markets, creating more jobs and healthier, more resilient communities.
- High school diploma/GED, college degree or working towards one preferred but not required
- Be at least 17 years old
- Must be a US Citizen, U.S. National, or Permanent Resident and be able to provide documentation of citizenship
- Must be willing to undergo a National Criminal History Background Check
- Must be willing to work occasional nights and weekends; schedules are determined by program needs and will be worked out with the supervisor
- Must be able to build relationships with people from varied cultural, economic, educational, racial, and religious backgrounds.
- Must uphold AmeriCorps State andNational branding and uniform standards
- Self-starter and have the ability to maintain a self-motivating attitude
- Able to collaborate and work as part of a team
- Able to think, react, iterate, and redirect in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent professional communication skills (written and verbal)
- Great attention to detail
- Excellent time-management skills
- Willingness to work hands-on in various environments (outdoors at markets, inside at office)
- Must have a valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation - mileage reimbursement will be provided for personal vehicle use
- Submit weekly timesheets reports via AmericaLearns online reporting portal.
- Complete weekly and monthly data reports on program activities for AmeriCorps and grant activities
.III. Marginal Responsibilities
- Ability to prioritize and handle a variety of assignments simultaneously in a vibrant work environment
- Knowledge of the local food system
- Excellent professional communication skills (written and verbal) preferred
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite preferred
- Spanish skills or other language skills highly preferred
IV. Physical Demands
The following capabilities are required in order to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden on the company are available to address the following requirements.
- While performing the duties of this job, the AmeriCorps Members is regularly required to sit/stand for long periods of time at a desk; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls on computers; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear in meetings and on the telephone or on the computer in an office or variable setting.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
- AmeriCorps Members must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to travel, which may include travel via car, train or bus.
V. Term of Service and Time Requirements
Start Date: 4/1/2025
End Date: **8/3/2025
Term of Service & Hours: Quarter-Time (450hr)
DRAFT SCHEDULE*
Monday: 11am-7pm
Tuesday: 11am-7pm
Wednesday: OFF
Thursday: 9am-5pm
Friday: 9am-5pm
Saturday: 7am-1pm
Sunday: OFF
* Schedule is subject to change based on program needs, any changes will be communicated as soon as possible and a minimum of 72 hours in advance.
* AmeriCorps members will have sufficient opportunity to fulfill the term of service including holidays, time off, and missed hours.
VI. Orientation and Training
Farm Fresh Rhode Island will make sure all AmeriCorps Members are fully trained and prepared for service activities to support completion of their service term.
New members will spend their first 2-3 weeks completing trainings in:
- General introduction to Farm Fresh Rhode Island Programs
- Timekeeping and time off policies
- AmeriCorps 101
- Prohibited and unallowable activities
- AmeriCorps Branding and uniform guidance
- Introduction to google suite & Farm Fresh RI technologies
- Food Safety and COVID-19 protocols
- AmeriCorps Benefits
- Program Data Tracking and Reporting
- Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination Training
As training is completed in the member’s first month, they will also shadow other members and/or staff in completing program activities before they are assigned to complete them independently. As the member completes their service term they will continue to be provided training opportunities. Member training hours will not exceed 20% of the member’s total term of service (45 CFR §2520.50).
VII. Benefits
- Being a part of a dedicated service team
- Making a difference for Rhode Island residents facing food insecurity
- $6,878.31 living stipend, divided and paid weekly.
- $1,956.35 Segal Education Award (upon completion of 450 hours of service).
- Student Loan Forbearance & paid interest on qualified student loans for term of service.
After you finish your year of service, you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program here: .
Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
Application Question(s):
- What skills or experiences do you possess that you believe will be most valuable for excelling in the Farmers Market AmeriCorps Member role at Farm Fresh Rhode Island?
- Do you have access to a car?
Ability to Relocate:
- Providence, RI 02909: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person