Seattle Tilth is a fast growing, dynamic organization that believes all people deserve access to healthy, nutritious food and that changing the way we grow, cook and eat food has the potential to transform people’s lives as well as the communities in which we live. Our Seattle Youth Garden Works (SYGW) program is an integral part of our work, empowering homeless and at risk youth through urban farm education, job skills training and employment. Young people from diverse backgrounds come together to grow food to sell at local farmers markets, developing leadership skills and personal connections to our food system.
The SYGW VISTA will work closely with the SYGW Program Managers to build capacity within our existing programs as well as develop new areas of programming. This includes improving our existing evaluation system so we are able to better assess the longer term impacts of SYGW participation, partnering with other Seattle Tilth programs to create employment opportunities for second and third year participants and working with the community to create employment and educational opportunities for participants who are leaving the program. In addition, s/he will implement systems for maintaining relationships with SYGW graduates and alumni as well as support SYGW staff in day to day operations such as tracking procedures, data collection and grant reporting.
The successful candidate will have experience working with youth and young adults facing an array of challenges that include poverty, racism, homelessness, academic challenges and involvement with the juvenile justice system as well as one year of non-profit work experience, a college degree in a related field or equivalent experience. Experience in developing relationships with groups and individuals from diverse backgrounds is important as is a willingness to maintain a strong work ethic in the face of challenges such as living within the means of the VISTA living stipend (see below). Database experience and a current driver’s license are preferred. In addition, self-direction, strong organizational and time management skills, proficiency with Microsoft Office and a commitment to local, sustainable and equitable food systems are required.
Since this is an AmeriCorps/VISTA position, applicants must also meet the following minimum standards of eligibility:
- Be at least 18 years old upon entering VISTA training. There is no upper age limit.
- Be U.S. citizens or have permanent resident status.
- Not be listed in the National Sex Offender Registry database as having been convicted of sex-related crimes.
- Be willing to submit fingerprints for a criminal history background check.
- Be in a position to offer full-time service for one year without regard to regular working hours.
- Be able to exhibit previous education, training, military, or work experience, and any other relevant skills or interests necessary to perform a specific VISTA assignment.
- Be willing, to the maximum extent practicable, to live among and at the economic level of the low-income people served by VISTA projects.
- Understand that VISTAs serve on a full-time basis. Therefore, VISTAs cannot hold part-time jobs, enroll in school except in limited circumstances, or be subjects of legal proceedings (civil or criminal) that may consume time needed for VISTA assignments. VISTA service cannot be used to satisfy service requirements of parole or probation.
This is a full time, one year placement that requires occasional evening and weekend work. Benefits include:
- Living allowance: Approximately $1,069/month (before taxes)
- Health benefits
- End of Service Award: $5,550 Education Award or$1,500 cash stipend
- Student loan deferment or forbearance
- Childcare assistance
- 10 days of sick leave, 10 days of vacation leave
- Professional work experience
- In-service training resources
- Non-competitive eligibility for Federal jobs
- Orca pass
- Access to Seattle Tilth classes and fresh produce
- Other AmeriCorps benefits possible, such as relocation support