RamCorps Horticulture Outreach Specialist

Colorado State University • Denver, CO

15d • Onsite

About The Position

This member will serve as an ambassador of promoting the land-grant mission of fostering the accessibility and application of university knowledge “in the several pursuits and professions in life” for the people and communities of Denver and beyond. They will work on developing, strengthening and delivering youth and adult programs emphasizing horticulture, sustainability, and natural resources. For youth audiences, the aim is to provide children with the tools to pursue a career in natural resources, environmental sciences, or other STEM fields. For adult audiences, the aim is to provide folks with knowledge of Colorado’s ecosystems. Additionally, members will support Master Gardeners and the Horticulture specialist throughout the season and act as liaisons between the public and Denver Extension to cultivate engagement between gardeners, growers, and the broader community. Members will serve as program activators, building deeper connections with community gardens and programs, leading events, and participating in workdays and infrastructure projects throughout the network.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old at start of service.
• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
• Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States.
• Able to pass a National Service Criminal History Check (state, FBI, and National Sex Offender Public Website checks) per 45 CFR 2540.202.
• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Prior experience of applying best practices for classroom management skills including verbal and written communication, public speaking and interpersonal abilities when working with various learner ages and backgrounds.
• Background in gardening, horticulture, natural resources, ecology and related fields.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated knowledge of basic graphic design online tools.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Plan horticultural events and activities.
• Plan, coordinate, lead, deliver and design horticulture-focused educational activities and demonstrations to youth and adults in a variety of settings (i.e. libraries, community events, workshops, farmer markets etc.).
• Plan and oversee community-building events in collaboration with partners.
• Attend public outreach events focusing on horticulture, gardening, STEM, food access, and more.
• Through these events, the AmeriCorps member will familiarize themself with the basic principles of these fields (e.g. botany, soils, entomology, plant pathology, etc.).
• Create engaging content for our social media networks to promote community participation and visibility of services offered by the Denver Extension office.
• Collect, document and report quantitative and qualitative impact data for quarterly progress reports and monthly impact statements.
• Support community volunteers to assist with programs.

Benefits

• A living allowance of approximately $741.81 for full time per pay period on a bi-weekly cycle for an approximate total of $16,320 for the term of service.
• Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed via direct deposit to the member.
• An education award of $5,176.50 earned upon successful completion of term of service.
• It is possible to temporarily postpone repayment of qualified student loans through forbearance while serving as an AmeriCorps member.
• Possible mileage reimbursement for travel to required trainings and days of service.
• Access to ongoing professional development trainings and resources through the university.
• Experience working with professionals in the field with on the ground training.
• Non-tangible benefits including making a difference in a community, valuable networking opportunities, and serving the local community in an identified area of need.
• Alumni benefits include priority hiring with organizations that are part of Employers of National Service and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to eliminate educational debt.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees