Vermont Youth Conservation Corps
Farm and Food Program Coordinator | Full Time
Category: Non-profit
Location: 1949 East Main Street
Program Overview: The Vermont Youth Conservation Corps’ Food and Farm Program is a dynamic youth development, diversified agriculture, and food security initiative. At VYCC, we believe in the power that food has to connect us to the land, our community, and each other. We engage young people in organic farming and culinary education on our historic campus in Richmond, Vermont. Annually, the program produces 11 acres of organically certified vegetables and 600 pasture raised chickens which are distributed to 400 families through our nationally-recognized Health Care Share project. The Heath Care Share is a public health initiative that connects Vermont families who experience barriers to accessing locally grown produce or have a diet-related illness with a weekly vegetable share they pick up at partnering medical centers. Each year VYCC provides employment opportunities to youth and young adults from Vermont and around the country who assist in the daily operations of the farm. Additionally, the program has a strong food culture that connects the work we do in the field and the food on our plates. Corps Members help prepare lunch with food grown on the farm and share celebratory meals with the larger community.
Job Summary: The Food and Farm Program Coordinator is focused on, and excited about, creating an impactful VYCC experience for all participants. The work includes overseeing Corps Member recruitment, hiring, and training. In collaboration with other staff, plan for and implement program activities. During the season, support crews and supervise Crew Leaders. Coordinate volunteer groups that come to VYCC. Working closely with the Food and Farm Team, other Program Staff, and the Administrative Team, they are an integral part of a highly motivated group that develops and implements programs connected to land, food, community, and health. The Food and Farm Program Coordinator has both supervisory and administrative responsibilities in the field and in the office.
Essential Functions:
Program Design, Planning, and Support:
- In collaboration with Food and Farm Program Manager, design and implement Crew Leader Training and Crew Member Orientation
- Assist with planning and organization of program events such as crew startups, mid-season celebrations, and closures
- Analyze and incorporate ongoing feedback to refine and improve programming
- Support the development and implementation of both professional development and education for Leaders and Members
- Assist with the management of crew logistics
- Complete end of season wrap-up, data entry, and program reporting
- Collaborate actively and effectively with VYCC colleagues
Program Implementation:
- Supervise, train, and mentor Crew Leaders; collaborate with Seasonal Program Assistant in supporting Assistant Crew Leaders
- Orient Crews to work projects and ensure successful implementation by holding Crews to a high work standard
- Support Crew Leaders in navigating group dynamics, while cultivating an inclusive VYCC culture and powerful learning experience
- In collaboration with Food and Farm Team, provide Crews with education and professional development opportunities
- Evaluate, document, and report on program achievements and challenges
- Coordinate all aspects of our volunteer program, including recruitment, scheduling, data tracking, and follow up communication
- Lead Farm at VYCC Instagram postings, engaging with Farm Production Staff, Leaders and Crews to get on the ground perspectives
Recruitment and Hiring:
- Lead the Crew Member interview and hiring process
- Collaborate on member placement; assist with Crew hiring database
- Assist in the recruitment of Seasonal Program Assistant and Food and Farm Crew Leaders in coordination with Food and Farm Program Manager and Recruitment Team
- Hold a commitment to recruit and hire applicants from diverse backgrounds who will create an inclusive environment on crews
- Plan and participate in outreach events at local high schools, universities, and partner organizations
- Update and improve interview and onboarding materials
- Assist with creating outreach/marketing materials as well as Corps Member positions descriptions
Other Responsibilities
- Orient new staff to the campus and farm, sometimes after hours or the weekend
- Assist with additional VYCC programs as needed and appropriate
Desired Skills & Experience
- Experience working with young people and a passion for youth development
- Experience in educational programming, including developing and delivering trainings for youth and young adults
- Experience with project management and interacting with community partners
- Experience teaching, facilitating, and managing group dynamics
- Experience supervising, supporting, and providing feedback to teams or crews
- Exceptional time management, organizational and communication skills, attention to detail
- Demonstrated commitment to the values of diversity, inclusiveness, and empowerment
- Ability to handle multiple, often competing, priorities
- Flexible, motivated, responsible and willing to both take direction and work independently
Our Mission: Take action and build community by working and learning together with the land.
About Vermont Youth Conservation Corps
VYCC is a 501c3 nonprofit focused on engaging young people in service, work, conservation, and agriculture. Since 1985, VYCC staff have provided valuable work and learning opportunities to youth and young adults from across the country and from nearly every town in Vermont. Our model is strong and simple: young people, working together, guided by highly trained leaders, completing priority projects in conservation and agriculture.
Excellence and Equal Opportunity at VYCC
VYCC is committed to being an organization that is inclusive and welcoming for all employees, volunteers, and community members.
Our Workplace
This position is based out of the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps Headquarters Office at the historic West Monitor Barn, in Richmond, VT. Our office is a collegial, bustling, and fun open office atmosphere, which offers staff opportunities to interact and collaborate. Staff members can balance working remotely and on-campus in collaboration with their team schedule, tasks, and all-staff gatherings. Successful staff are able maintain focus and productivity, balance personal initiative and independence, and plug into our team in ways that help us do our best work as an organization. Staff enjoy the perks of the Farm at VYCC and forest campus year-round, as well as the happenings of nearby downtown Richmond.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Starting salary for this position is $39,000, commensurate with experience. Exempt from overtime.
- Medical and dental insurance; Health Savings Account (HSA) with matching contribution; disability and group life insurance; Simple IRA with matching contribution
- Annual paid time off (PTO), paid sick leave, paid bereavement leave, and paid time off to vote
- One-week paid closure in November for all staff (in addition to PTO)
- Ongoing professional development
- Annual gift card to the VYCC farmstand (organic produce and eggs)
How to Apply
Please complete our VYCC General Application (http://bit.ly/VYCCapp) where you’ll upload a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. Questions regarding this position can be directed to Susie Walsh Daloz at susie.walshdaloz@vycc.org. No calls, please.
Deadline:
To Apply:
How to Apply
Please complete our VYCC General Application (http://bit.ly/VYCCapp) where you’ll upload a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. Questions regarding this position can be directed to Susie Walsh Daloz at susie.walshdaloz@vycc.org. No calls, please.
