VISTA - Hydroponic Freight Farm Capacity Building

Connecticut Foodshare•Wallingford, CT

13d•Onsite

About The Position

Connecticut Foodshare is seeking an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer to build the organization’s capacity to provide a reliable supply of nutritious leafy greens to Connecticut residents experiencing poverty and food insecurity. Produce is grown hydroponically in on-site freight farms. During a full-time, one-year service assignment, the VISTA member will develop reusable training materials, nutrient-testing protocols, yield-reporting tools, standard operating procedures, community-volunteer training tools, and donor-education resources. Staff and volunteers can continue using these systems after the service year to improve production reliability, reduce avoidable losses, and sustain community resources. AmeriCorps VISTA is an anti-poverty program through which people age 18 or older dedicate a year of full-time service to nonprofit organizations and public agencies. This is a volunteer assignment with a modest living allowance and other benefits. The role may be based in Wallingford or Bridgeport, Connecticut. Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to Human Resources.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Experience with Microsoft Office products.
Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
One to three years of experience in a similar or related role.
Experience and comfort with public speaking, meeting facilitation, and community organizing.
Experience in a teaching or training environment or with public speaking.
Some Spanish-speaking ability.

Responsibilities

Learn hydroponic agricultural methods.
Design recording templates for freight-farm tasks, including production, yield, and processes.
Develop talking points and impact statements for donor relations.
Create toolkits and educational curricula for onboarding community volunteers.
Reduce barriers to access for people served.
Document lessons learned and recommendations for future program improvements.
Conduct a thorough program evaluation following support sessions.

Benefits

Biweekly living allowance at the rate applicable to the state and county where the role is based.
Free basic healthcare coverage during AmeriCorps service.
Childcare assistance for eligible members with children under 13.
Choice of a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award ($7,395) or a $1,800 cash stipend at the end of the service year.
One year of noncompetitive eligibility for federal jobs.
Eligibility for scholarships and fellowships at undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate programs.
Eligibility for forbearance for most federally guaranteed student loans.
One year of professional experience with a nonprofit recognized as a Top Workplace.
Professional development opportunities.
Personal and medical leave (10 days of each).
Loan forbearance and deferment.
Educational award match.
Relocation travel allowance.
Opportunity to serve alongside experts, develop skills, explore career interests, build a professional network, and make a positive impact on Connecticut residents experiencing food insecurity.