Washington Service Corps Community Agriculture Specialist

Serve as an AmeriCorps Individual Placement for Washington Service Corps' Environmental Stewardship Program at King Conservation District (KCD)! Help increase access to healthy, local foods for communities furthest from opportunity throughout King County and provide training opportunities to increase knowledge around healthy soil and water. Support KCD's Community Agriculture Program by installing community gardens, promoting best gardening practices, and providing meaningful educational and engagement opportunities for communities. 

King Conservation District provides expertise and resources to community-based agriculture projects to promote and support the voluntary stewardship of natural resources and expand the ability of communities to grow and distribute their own food. Community Agriculture services include educational events and workshops, outreach and engagement opportunities, access to free resources such as compost and cover crop seeds, technical support, networking opportunities, and "Seed Money" grants. We are committed to focusing our resources on historically underserved areas throughout King County to combat food insecurity and historic inequities. 

The Community Agriculture Specialist will improve the ability of King County urban residents to grow, distribute, and access nourishing food by connecting them to education, financial, and technical assistance offered by King Conservation District. This position will support the installation of community gardens and implementation of sustainable agriculture practices, facilitate volunteer events, represent KCD at outreach events, and develop resources and deliver trainings for community members to promote best practices and natural resource stewardship. 

The ideal candidate for this position is well-organized, self-motivated, and committed to improving food access for adults and youth of all backgrounds, including historically underrepresented communities. They should possess strong written and verbal communication skills (including public speaking), have experience or basic understanding of farming and/or gardening, have experience or interest in planning and facilitating events, easily and meaningfully engage others, embrace diversity and equity, and collaborate across teams of staff, partners, and volunteers to achieve goals and objectives. This is an AmeriCorps national service position and includes service requirements all Washington Service Corps members are required to complete. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

• Experience and/or education in a related field, such as: horticulture, agriculture, environmental science, stewardship, etc.
• Creative, collaborative, and self-motivated.
• Strong commitment and interest in equity, inclusion, and justice.
• Organized with strong written and oral communication skills. 
• Experience planning and facilitating events.
• Valid Washington State Driver's License, and able to drive large vehicles.
• Able to work outside in all weather conditions, navigate on unstable terrain, operate hand and small power tools, and lift and carry up to 40 lbs. 

To qualify for this position, you must apply both to KCD and also via the AmeriCorps on line system. You must complete BOTH steps below to get selected for an interview: 

1. Apply using the WSC online application portal 
2. Submit a cover letter addressing the bulleted list below and a resume to Miranda.smith@kingcd.org by 5pm on June 14th, 2024. 

• Why are you interested in this position?
• What are your strengths or skills in environmental conservation, and what skills are you interested in gaining or refining?
• What relevant experience, skills, education, and/or interests make you stand out as an applicant for this position