AmeriCorps Garden Coordinator Member

Number of Positions Requested - 2 member 

Host Site 

Together, Inc. – Omaha, Nebraska 

Mission of the Position 

The AmeriCorps Garden Coordinator Member will increase food security and improve access to fresh produce for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity by supporting the planning, growth, maintenance, harvesting, and distribution of produce from Together's community garden. The Member will engage volunteers, build community partnerships, and provide educational opportunities that promote healthy food access and sustainable gardening practices. 

Service Term 

½  Time AmeriCorps Service Position 

Service term and required hours determined by program guidelines 

Essential Service Activities 

Garden Operations 

Assist with planning, planting, cultivating, and maintaining vegetable, herb, and pollinator gardens. 

Manage seasonal garden activities including soil preparation, watering, weeding, mulching, and harvesting. 

Monitor garden health and identify pest, disease, and irrigation concerns. 

Maintain garden tools, supplies, and work areas. 

Food Production and Distribution 

Coordinate harvesting of produce for distribution through Together's Choice Food Pantry. 

Track harvest yields and document pounds of food grown and distributed. 

Support food safety practices during harvesting, storage, and distribution. 

Volunteer Engagement 

Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise volunteers in collaboration with the Volunteer Coordinator for garden activities. 

Lead volunteer groups, including corporate teams, community organizations, youth groups, and individual volunteers. 

Create meaningful volunteer experiences that support community engagement. 

Education and Outreach 

Develop and facilitate basic gardening, nutrition, and food systems education opportunities. 

Provide information on growing food at home and sustainable gardening practices. 

Represent Together at community events and outreach activities related to food security and gardening. 

Capacity Building 

Strengthen partnerships with local gardeners, schools, businesses, faith communities, and neighborhood organizations. 

Develop garden resources, volunteer materials, and standard operating procedures. 

Assist in identifying opportunities to expand garden production and community participation. 

Corporate Garden Partnership Support 

Coordinate and maintain Together's partnership garden beginning each April and continuing throughout the growing season. 

Assist with seasonal garden planning, planting, cultivation, harvesting, and maintenance activities at corporate partner garden site. 

Recruit, train, and lead corporate volunteers in garden activities. 

Educate corporate partner employees about the crops grown in their garden, including planting schedules, growing practices, harvest timing, and the impact of fresh produce on community food security. 

Facilitate hands-on learning opportunities that promote sustainable gardening practices and community engagement. 

Coordinate harvesting and distribution of produce grown through the corporate garden partnership to support Together's Choice Food Pantry. 

Track volunteer participation, educational activities, and harvest yields associated with the corporate garden partnership. 

Performance Measures 

The member will work toward outcomes such as: 

Increased pounds of fresh produce distributed through the Choice Food Pantry. 

Increased volunteer participation and engagement. 

Increased community awareness of gardening and healthy food access. 

Enhanced garden infrastructure and long-term sustainability. 

Improved access to fresh produce for pantry guests. 

Creation and implementation of a comprehensive garden program framework, including standard operating procedures, volunteer training materials, seasonal planting plans, and outreach resources, ensuring continuity and long-term sustainability for future AmeriCorps members. 

Desired Qualifications 

Passion for food security, community service, and environmental stewardship. 

Interest in gardening, agriculture, nutrition, or horticulture. 

Strong communication and organizational skills. 

Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 

Experience with gardening, volunteer management, education, or community outreach preferred but not required. 

*Ability to navigate to different work sites via personal or public transportation. 

Physical Requirements 

Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions. 

Ability to bend, kneel, lift, carry, and perform repetitive gardening tasks. 

Ability to lift up to 40 pounds with reasonable accommodation. 

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods. 

 

Benefits 

Living allowance provided through AmeriCorps. 

Education Award upon successful completion of service term. 

Professional development and training opportunities. 

Opportunity to make a direct impact on food security and community well-being. 

AmeriCorps Prohibited Activities 

The Member will not engage in any AmeriCorps prohibited activities while charging service hours or representing AmeriCorps.