Green Team Coordinator

The Green Team program provides 40 youth (20 in the summer, and 10 during

fall and spring semesters) with a meaningful first job experience working

on community projects, including our urban farm. 75% of program participants

are youth of color or recent immigrants. The Green Team is designed as an

early step on a path to long-term academic and career success. Participants

are trained in hands-on skills, professionalism and leadership, interpersonal

skills, and civic engagement. Through the lens of social and racial justice,

health equity, and food justice, participants are encouraged to see themselves

as leaders in their community, and to make their voices and opinions heard.

Participants are also exposed to career opportunities and connected to potential

future employers, including municipal and state government departments,

universities, and the National Park Service. Along the way, they are encouraged

to ask questions and form their own opinions about the state of local and

national food systems, environmental issues, and racial and social justice

issues in their community. The goal of each project is to connect youth

with positive ways that they can make an impact in their city.

 

In addition to leading weekly programming at the farm and other sites, the

Green Team Coordinator will develop curriculum and coordinate the administration

of a new Youth Jobs Network. This will involve researching and implementing

appropriate training and certifications for youth to prepare them for success

in future environmental or social justice careers and study; and to place

program graduates into high quality future jobs following the Green Team.

In reaching these goals, the Coordinator will connect with other youth programs

in the national Groundwork system as well as local and regional programs,

agencies, and businesses.

 

Groundwork Somerville believes that investing in youth, especially those

who have had less access to opportunities due to issues of socio-economics,

race, and other systems of oppression, and providing opportunities to long-term

success ensures our future as an interconnected society. Food security and

racial equity are central to our work because they are fundamental building

blocks to the more sustainable and just future we envision.

 

This position is a part time position guaranteed for three years, with the

possibility of extending to full time in years two and three.

 

Essential Functions:

 

Lead Academic Year Green Team Program (10 hrs/week in fall and spring)

 

Lead Green Team participants in farm and garden tasks, including planting,

harvesting, weeding, watering and more (with guidance of Program Director

if needed)

 

Oversee leadership of summer Crew Leaders (college-aged) as they directly

supervise Summer Green Team Program

 

Develop the Youth Jobs Network and Curriculum;

 

Actively engage youth in civic training, life skills, green job training

and career development

 

Participate in community-based advisory committees related to food access,

youth opportunities, racial justice and health equity

 

Groundwork Somerville has a small staff and the large amount of projects

and programs accomplished are through collective action and goal setting

as well as independent accomplishments. By focusing on both the local details

of our work as well as the big picture impacts, Groundwork works to create

and use replicable models for community-based partnerships that solve complex

environmental and social & racial justice problems.

 

Desired Qualifications:

 

Training and/or some work experience in one or more of the following areas:

youth education, youth leadership, job training, outdoor education and working

with youth of color;

 

Commitment to addressing the impact of racism and other oppressions on health

equity and social justice issues.

 

Experience leading groups of teenagers in focused tasks and projects;

 

Interest in meeting new people and networking to discover new partnerships

and opportunities for Groundwork and the Green Team;

 

Knowledge of a non-English language strongly preferred.

 

Experience with gardening, agriculture, or landscaping a plus;

 

Compensation: This position is beginning as a half time job averaging 20

hours a week starting at $18/hour. Due to the seasonal nature of the Green

Team program, this may require 30 or more hours a week during July and August,

with winter and some spring or fall months requiring less time weekly.  Employee

benefits include excellent paid time off benefits and a percentage of health

insurance through Groundwork’s health insurance program.

 

This position reports to the Program Director and is an exempt, full-time

position requiring some evening and weekend hours. Groundwork Somerville

provides excellent opportunities for advancement and growth within the organization,

particularly within this position.

 

The position will expand in July 2017 and 2018 to at least 24 hours/week

at $22/hour, with the potential to increase pending new funding at any time,

or become a salaried position.

 

Hiring Policy:  Groundwork Somerville 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.  City of Somerville

residents, Green Team (or similar program) alumni are strongly encouraged

to apply.

 

To apply:  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.  Please submit

letter of interest describing your relevant experience and interests and

your resume as a single PDF or word document (preferably) by August 1, 2016

to: jobs@groundworksomerville.org. You may also mail your application to

Groundwork Somerville, Attn: Human Resources, 24 Park St., #7, Somerville,

MA 02143. If mailing an application, please email or call 617.628.9988 first.

Applications may be submitted after the deadline, but are not guaranteed

a response.

 

Download this job description here: Green Team Coordinator Description 2016

No phone calls please. Email inquiries may be sent to jobs@groundworksomerville.org