The AmeriCorps Food Rescue member will coordinate the gleaning or harvesting of excess produce from farms, gardens and private donors, collaborate with community gardening efforts, assist in distribution of gleaned and donated produce, and coordinate educational activities for produce recipients and youth in Cass County communities. Position involves coordinating volunteers, engaging local youth in food rescue efforts, and communicating with a wide variety of partners from volunteers to educators to food rescue agencies. Position will also involve public-facing communication through news releases, social media outreach and assisting with creating a digital newsletter for produce growers and recipients.

• Work closely with existing food rescue efforts in Cass County through the Grow Another Row program
• Maintain and grow local networks of partners to grow, transport and distribute food donations
• Regular communication to volunteers, partners and the public of program initiatives, needs and successes
• Coordination of volunteer schedules and communication with partners on volunteer needs
• Expand local capacity to identify, harvest and transport excess/donated produce
• Provide educational outreach to targeted audiences across Cass County through electronic, printed and hands-on learning opportunities

Please see full job description in Additional Information below or visit https://www.extension.iastate.edu/cass/cass-county-extension-now-hiring…

AmeriCorps Member Eligibility Requirements:

• Be at least 17 years of age at the commencement of service
• Have a high school diploma or its equivalent, or be in the process of obtaining one
• Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States.
• Pass all required National Service Criminal History Checks (NSCHC)

Minimum Qualifications for Consideration:

• Licensed driver with access to a reliable vehicle, or ability to otherwise get to work and other programs/events independently.
• Able to routinely do tasks with moderate physical demands, regularly lifts 20-40 lbs. Needs to be able to squat, bend, and sit on the ground comfortably for long periods of time.
• Able to reliably operate normal office machines and technology with minimal assistance, including computers and computer programs/operating systems, online reporting systems, office copiers, phones, etc.
• Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends.

Start/End Date, Hours:

A 4 to 5-month position (450 hours) This position is targeted to start in mid-May 2023, and finish all activities and reporting by the end of October 2023. For approximately 10 weeks between June and mid-August, during the peak of the growing season, the position will likely require 25-30 hours a week. During the remaining 14 weeks of the program, hours will average closer to 10-12 hours a week, so as to not exceed 450 service hours. Some hours, especially at beginning and end of program, may be served remotely to assist with planning, communication and volunteer coordination. In any given week of the program, expect to work a minimum of 8-10 hours a week. Some weekends and evenings will be required. Alternative option - shortened term (300 hours total)- more focused work during peak growing season with later start and earlier end of service term.

Application Requirements:

For consideration, all applicants are required to submit a completed application form, current resume, and cover/application letter detailing interest, experience and qualifications for position applying for. Applicants not submitting all three completed documents by deadline will not be considered as candidates for interview. Application form is linked below. Cass County Extension is also hiring a Summer Program Assistant for 2023. Application Form can be used to apply for both positions if interested. Additional details available at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/cass/cass-county-extension-now-hiring…

Benefits:        

• Living allowance of $4,500 over 4 to 5-month term for 450 hours of service, paid in equal monthly increments. (Total of $3,000 allowance if 300-hour service term is selected). The living allowance is designed to help members meet the necessary living expenses incurred while serving in the AmeriCorps Program. Living allowance cannot be paid on an hourly basis. It is not a wage and cannot fluctuate based on the number of hours the member serves in each month time-period. For example, if a member works 50 hours one month and 100 another month, they will still receive the same monthly stipend for each of those months.
• Education award of $1,716.25 upon completion of 450 hours ($1374.60 if 300 hour position)
  • Upon successful completion of Member’s full term of service, they are eligible for an education award from the National Service Trust in the amount noted in the above.
    1. Member certifies they are a high school graduate or an equivalent (including an alternative diploma or certificate for individuals with learning disabilities).
    2. If member has not yet received a high school diploma or its equivalent (including an alternative diploma or certificate for individuals with learning disabilities), member agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent before using the education award. This requirement can be waived if member is enrolled in an institution of higher education on an ability to benefit basis or the program has waived this requirement due to the results of the member’s education assessment.
    3. Member understands that their failure to disclose to the program any history of having been released for cause from another AmeriCorps program will render them ineligible to receive the education award. Member understands that their failure to disclose to the program any history of having been released for cause from another AmeriCorps program will render them ineligible to receive the education award.
  • The Serve America Act allows the transfer of education awards earned by a member who successfully completes a term of service in AmeriCorps State and National programs, under specific conditions. To transfer your award, you must be at least 55 years old at the start of service and the award must go to your child, stepchild, grandchild, step-grandchild, or foster child.
• Receive training and support from local Extension staff, partnerships and the statewide AmeriCorps 4-H program
• Develop community partners and strong professional network
• Student loan forbearance while serving
• Leadership experience, skill development, and commitment to your local community