Farm and Community Engagement Team Member (AmeriCorps Service Member)

AmeriCorpsFarm and Community Engagement Team Member

an AmeriCorps Service Member

Position Type: AmeriCorps Service Member

Service Term: March 2025 to August 31st, 2025

Organization Overview:

In concert with federal, state, and local partners working to strengthen and diversify Central Appalachia’s economy, New Roots Community Farm (NRCF) is cultivating an ag-entrepreneurial ecosystem that is giving rise to a vibrant local foods economy in the New River Gorge region of Southern West Virginia. Established outside of the Town of Fayetteville in 2019 through the leadership of the Fayette County Farmland Protection Board, NRCF is an 82-acre diversified farm that provides farmer support services, operates a 6-acre demonstration farm, and supports market development, food access, and land access initiatives in the region.

Position Overview:

NRCF is seeking a dedicated and motivated individual to join our team as a full-time member. This role involves a blend of hands-on farm production work and community engagement. The successful candidate will support daily farm operations, facilitate pop-up farmers markets, assist in educational activities and events, and collaborate with various stakeholders to implement food-access programs. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a vibrant local food economy and positively impact the New River Gorge region of Southern West Virginia.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Assist the Farm Production Team with daily farm tasks, including seeding, transplanting, cultivation, weeding, plant care, harvesting, washing, post-harvest handling, materials handling, floral harvesting, floral arranging, order packing, delivery, and equipment usage to support NRCF on-farm market and Farm to School Feeding Programs, FARMacy, and other healthy food access initiatives.
• Support the planning, setup, and execution of pop-up farmers markets at Fayette County Board of Education (FCBOE) elementary campuses in partnership with WVU Extension.
• Collaborate with NRCF staff, FCBOE AmeriCorps service members, and WVU Extension to implement educational activities for PK-8 students as they relate to NRCF’s farm-to-school initiatives, including (but not limited to) Farm to School, FARMacy, Kids Market @ The Store, and other new or emergent initiatives.
• Assist NRCF staff in the execution of on-farm school field trips.
• Assist NRCF staff in the execution of a monthly youth 4-H club.
• Aid in the preparation, execution, and promotion of on-farm community events, including volunteer days, annual field days, and other community-centered events and activities.
• Collaborate with NRCF staff members to ensure successful implementation of food-access programs and initiatives.
• Assist with NRCF’s on-farm market.

Desired Skills:

• Practical experience with farming, including seeding, transplanting, cultivation, weeding, plant care, and harvesting.
• An ability to engage effectively with community members, volunteers, and various partners and stakeholders.
• Experience or a willingness to work with children and youth in an educational setting.
• A strong team player with experience working closely with various team members, volunteers, and stakeholders.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to perform physical labor in various weather conditions, including lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods.
• Flexible in spirit and able to handle a variety of tasks.
• Basic organizational skills to assist with managing materials and tracking results.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel statewide for various training and for service at some sites.

Time Commitment:

Full-time, 40 hours per week

Program Benefits:

• Living stipend: $825.00 (pre-tax) twice monthly
• Free NRCF produce and a store discount at our on-farm market.
• A of $3,687.50 at successful completion of service (900 hours between March 2025 and August 31, 2025). This award can be used to pay down existing student debt, or for future educational expenses. AmeriCorps Members will have 7 years to use this award.
• Any AmeriCorps member completing this half year of service may be eligible for 1 semester of tuition waiver at participating West Virginia colleges, universities and trade schools.
• Health care can be provided if the member does not qualify for Medicaid.
• Child Care Assistance is also available if needed.
• Travel assistance to trainings and service sites.
• Student loan forbearance and interest payments (for qualified loans, if applicable and requested).

To Apply:

Apply through the Americorps Website (https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?fromSearch=true&id=106573)

In addition to applying to the Americorps website, please send along your resume and a cover letter to valerie@newrootscommunityfarm.com by 4:00 pm, Friday, January 31, 2025.

This will not be a remote position and work will occur in the office or on the farm in Fayetteville, WV. Some remote work may be considered. This position requires weekend work hours. We respect our employees personal time and will attempt to schedule the majority of activities during typical work hours. However, there will be times when work is required outside of typical business hours.

New Roots Community Farm does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $1,649.00 - $1,650.00 per month

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Mileage reimbursement

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Commute:

• Fayetteville, WV 25840 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Fayetteville, WV 25840: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $1,649 - $1,650