AmeriCorps Food and Farm Assistant

Days / Hours of Service: 
Monday - Friday, 8am - 4pm (40 hrs/week), 
Rotating Shifts: Market Wednesdays, 12pm-8pm; CSA Thursdays, 10am-6pm
 

Organization Mission: 

Civic Works strengthens Baltimore’s communities through education, skills development, and community service.  Civic Works’ goals are to Build Brighter Futures through education and job training, grow Healthy Food and Green Communities, and create Safe and Affordable Housing. 

Program Mission: 

Real Food Farm works toward a just and sustainable food system by improving neighborhood access to healthy food, providing experience-based education, and developing an economically viable, environmentally responsible local agriculture sector.

Member Position Summary: 

Alongside the Civic Works’ Real Food Farm staff, the Food and Farm Assistant will play an important role in advancing Real Food Farm’s mission to expand access to healthy food and experience-based education for community members within Baltimore’s Healthy Food Priority areas. This individual will actively participate in food distribution via the Mobile Farmers Market, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), and the Affordable Produce Delivery Program. They will also support food production activities at the urban farm site such as planting and crop maintenance. 

The Food and Farm Assistant will also have the opportunity to engage with partner organizations, community members, and volunteers. This includes outreach through Real Food Farm’s food access programs, farm education programs and events, and at local markets. 
 

Terms of Service: 

This position is an AmeriCorps service term. The AmeriCorps member will receive training, professional development, a bi-weekly stipend of $1000 and an educational award upon successful completion of service that can be used for college, trade school, or to repay qualified student loans. To be a Civic Works AmeriCorps member, you must be at least 17 years old; a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or “lawful permanent resident alien”; and able to pass a drug test and criminal and sex offender background check.

Essential Functions of Position: 

• Assisting with food production and farming tasks such as planting, seeding, weeding, crop maintenance, and equipment maintenance. 
• Assisting in food distribution tasks such as processing and packing produce, farmers markets, and deliveries.
• Attending community outreach events, and building partnerships with community members and other organizations.
• Participation in hands-on training, and professional development training.
• Active participation in team meetings.
• Maintaining cleanliness of food packing, food storage, distribution vehicle spaces, and equipment.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Must be and remain drug-free during the term.
• Ability to lift 40 lbs.
• Willingness to serve in all weather conditions: (rain, heat, wind, and cold).
• Willingness to learn, teach, and share with fellow members and community.
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and experience driving in Baltimore.
• Experience working or volunteering with a nonprofit, community engagement, or climate work is a plus.
• Past farming and field experience or other food systems experience is a plus. 
• A high school diploma or GED is required. If an individual has not completed one of these, they must commit to actively working towards obtaining a diploma/GED.