Groundwork Hudson ValleyTM Changing places, Changing lives FARM TEAM JOB DESCRIPTION Groundwork Hudson Valley is recruiting Farm Team Members for its Get Fresh Yonkers Farm Co-Op program. The program offers part-time, paid positions for high school students, ages 14 18, from Yonkers. Participants will work on local urban agriculture initiatives such as community gardening, working on our Friday Farmers Market and on the Science Barge (our floating farm ), learning more about local food and nutrition, construction, cooking, peer outreach, and hands-on agriculture projects throughout Yonkers. The Team will also participate in trips to local farms and markets, and will be expected to attend events and activities as part of the Co-Op (such as fieldtrips and festivities). The team will also be expected to develop value-added products, such as jam, salsa or bread, to sell at the Farmer s Market. This product will be developed on your own time but Groundwork will provide materials, training, transportation and space to create these. The program will promote awareness of urban agriculture and food and nutrition issues and healthy eating advocacy. As part of the program each youth will learn square-foot gardening. Leadership, job training and team building are also major components of the program. Program goals are to prepare youth for a lifetime of environmental leadership and to develop the community s capacity to improve nutrition by furthering urban agricultural projects. This program is a great resume builder! Program Participants will do the following: Work 6-12 hrs/week for $8.50/hr, on Wednesdays (summer only) and most Friday after school, June 6 st through October 31 st. All work will be scheduled around the Yonkers Public School schedule. Participate in classroom and outdoor agriculture training learning intensive square-foot gardening. Youth teams will commit to developing their own value-added product line (on their own time) to sell in the market and keep a percentage of the profits. Groundwork will provide materials, a commercial kitchen, transportation and training. Participate in youth leadership training (during regular work hours) Communicate the importance of their work to Hudson Valley citizens, elected officials, and local Boards/Commissions through public presentations. Requirements This is a work and leadership program. We expect candidates to give their best during the program. You must receive consent from your parents or legal guardians, including permission to go on trips. Excluding sick days and some vacation time, you must attend all events and show up to work on time You must have a good work attitude and be able to treat staff and fellow workers with respect You must be willing to follow orders and complete assignments You must be physically fit and be able to perform moderate work, including (but not limited to), raking, building planter boxes, removing debris, pushing wheelbarrows, carrying rubbish and stones, using tools (training provided). You will be working outdoors during the summer and in gardens. This close proximity to nature will no doubt result in being exposed to the elements (sun and rain), and direct contact with some flora and fauna. If health or personal issues prohibit these kinds of experiences, this program may not be right for you. Groundwork Hudson Valley, Inc. is a locally-based 501(c)3 non-profit working to create sustainable environmental change through community-based partnerships. Groundwork s mission and operations are based on the understanding that environmental conditions are inextricably linked to the economic and social health of a neighborhood. As a consequence, Groundwork is committed to changing places and changing lives through on-the-ground projects that help transform local communities. To accomplish this, Groundwork leads and supports a variety of efforts that bring together the public and private and non-profit sectors to solve complex environmental problems and sustain long-term neighborhood change and renewal. Groundwork Hudson Valley is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any legally protected status. Hudson Valley residents are strongly encouraged to apply. Keep this page for your information.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW: The Farm Team works in partnership with the professional staff at Groundwork Hudson Valley. Groundwork performs urban habitat restoration, environmental clean-up, and community garden projects. You will be working with Groundwork staff on a variety of projects. Along the way, you will be taught how to use tools, to plan and complete garden projects and to assist aboard the Science Barge. You will learn about food and nutrition; help the staff of Groundwork Hudson Valley on various other urban agriculture projects; help run our Friday Farmers Market, and gain knowledge in financial literacy. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The work you will be performing at Groundwork can be physically challenging. Not only will you be working on gardening projects and working with tools, you ll also be helping to set up our Friday Farmers Market. This work can be difficult if you are not in shape. It is highly recommended that you begin some exercise program prior to the start of work to better prepare you for the work at hand. Ask Groundwork staff for suggestions. JOURNALING AND WRITING ASSIGNMENTS: Occasionally you will be asked to journal and complete writing assignments. These are not graded, but are for your own benefit to make the Farm Team experience a finer opportunity for personal growth. INTERVIEW PROCESS: Upon receipt of your application Groundwork will call you to schedule an interview before our panel. If you desire, please retain a copy of this application to assist you in preparing for that interview. Please show up to the interview dressed comfortably, but professionally. During the interview you will be asked about prior work experience (if any), volunteer activities, your opinion of the nutritional challenges facing Yonkers, and your ability to work with others to bring about change. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Contact Sara Smith Sell at 914-375-2151 or sara@groundworkhv.org Questions? Text Sara at 206-755-2146 FARM TEAM SCHEDULE: March 24 th Farm Team Training (3-6) March 27 th Garden Prep (3-6) March 31 st First Day of Planting (3-6) May 12 th Planting Day (3-6) May 30 th Market Training Day (3-7) June 6th-October 31 st Friday Farmers Market (6 hour days) July-August- Garden Maintenance (3 hours/week) July-August Wednesday s: Exploring Urban Agriculture (6 hour days) November 6 th Farm Team Graduation Ceremony While we realize that you may need to miss some events, we expect you to attend as many work days, Market Days, and community events as possible. FAMILY CSA PROGRAM Each member of the farm team will take home a CSA (community supported agriculture) share every week. This share will be comprised of local vegetables both that we have grown and that are supplied to us by our partner farms. This is typically enough food for a family of four. There is no fee for this food. Keep this page for your information.
Groundwork Hudson ValleyTM Changing places, Changing lives NAME Application for Groundwork Hudson Valley s Farm Team DUE MARCH 7 th, 2014 ADDRESS: HOME PHONE: EMAIL: DATE OF BIRTH: CITY STATE NY ZIP CELL PHONE: WHAT GRADE: Where do you currently attend school? Please describe which Groundwork programs you have participated in (and how often), since July 2012? (check all that apply.the more the better) Former Green Team Member Former Farm Team Member Environmental Adventurers Our Folks (Saunders H.S.) Our Folks (Gorton H.S.) (monthly field trips) Great Saw Mill River Clean-up Science Barge Intern/Volunteer Other recent Groundwork functions (describe) Free-a-Tree Vine Cutting How often have you participated in these events? Have you worked or participated in gardening-related activities? Yes No If yes, please describe:
Why would you like to join Farm Team? What do you hope to gain from being a participant of the Farm Team? (please write a full paragraph). What skills and/or strengths do you bring to Groundwork Hudson Valley? What activities outside of school are you involved with? Have you ever done any volunteer work in your community? For example, have you ever helped a neighbor, helped at your church or mosque, tutored another student, helped at a soup kitchen, etc.? Explain. What food and nutrition issues concern you the most in Yonkers? What could you do as a citizen to fix these problems? (Please use the back of this sheet if necessary)
What types of preserved foods (jams, jellies, salsas, pickles, tomato sauce, hot sauces, relishes, etc..) do you often use and what product might you be interested in developing? Have you ever done manual labor before? Yes No What do you think will be most challenging about the job? How do you feel about working outside, weather, bugs? If you are hired, what size t-shirt do you wear? (circle one) XXL XL L M S XS Applicant Signature Date Parent Signature Date
REFERENCES Please list below 2-3 references from an adult that you have worked with in the past, who can give an honest evaluation of your skills and accomplishments.; it could be a teacher, a religious leader, a coach, mentor, a former employer, etc. anyone but a member of your immediate family. Please include their name, relationship to you, phone number and email. These are required! Name: Relationship: Phone number: Email: Name: Relationship: Phone Number Email Please drop-off application at: 22 Main St, Yonkers, New York 10701 Or email: sara@groundworkhv.org You can also fax it to 914-375-2153