Responsibilities

Essential Functions (Primary Responsibilities):  Team Up AmeriCorps members serve directly at their Host Site organization to develop,  implement,  and enhance programs,  projects,  and activities through direct and indirect service. 

• MSTFP Duties: 
• Maintain school gardens with the guidance and support of MSTFP staff
• Harvest,  wash and distribute garden produce during the growing season
• Coordinate with MSTFP volunteers and community partners
• Organize and host our Friday program at the Mancos school garden
• Develop and implement new lesson plans aligned with our mission
• Be the lead educator at the Mesa School garden in the Montezuma-Cortez school district,  which is a new addition to the MSTFP
• Team Up AmeriCorps Duties:
• Track host site and AmeriCorps data
• Attend Team Up AmeriCorps regional trainings,  cohort connection days,  and Days of Service

Marginal Functions (Secondary Responsibilities):

•  Create social media posts using photos taken by AmeriCorps members and staff members 
• Assist in planning community events and pioneer new events to engage the community with our mission
• Assist in teaching weekly or monthly garden lessons to students in Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade within the Cortez and Mancos districts utilizing the garden classrooms alongside host site staff
• Assist in teaching MSTFP school garden curriculum lessons that are aligned to the Colorado State Academic Standards and Next Generation Science Standards alongside host site staff 

Physical,  Emotional,  and Intellectual Demands:

• Willingness to learn,  adapt,  and grow in a position

• Ability to serve independently,  take initiative,  and be motivated by the projects they are doing

• Compassion and awareness:  self-awareness,  awareness of cultural differences,  social differences and understanding of implicit bias

Desired Qualifications:

• Ethic of national and community service and a strong desire to create positive change

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;  computer literate

• High School Graduate required (GED accepted,)  college graduate or equivalent work experience preferred

• Ability to pass criminal history check

• Applicants are required to have a reliable vehicle they are willing to use for service &  proof of auto insurance

• U.S.  Citizenship or lawful permanent resident status required  

Term of Service -  Time Commitment:  This is a Full Time (1700-hour)  national and community service position requiring approximately 40  hours/week.   The position begins September 1,  2026 and ends August 31,  2027.  Flexible hours are required,  including occasional evening and weekend commitments.  Service on the following dates is required:

• September 1:  First Day at Host Site/Host Site &  AmeriCorps Orientation
• September 9-10:  Team Up AmeriCorps Member Orientation
• September 10:  Meet n’  Greet with all Members &  Site Supervisors
• Jan 19:  Dr.  MLK Jr.  Day Activity
• March 31:  Farmworkers Day of Service
• April 9:  Spring Convening of Members &  Site Supervisors
• 2nd Wednesdays,  monthly:  Cohort Connections
• in-person in November,  May,  and August
• virtual in October,  December,  February,  June and July

Training and Support Provided:  Team Up AmeriCorps members receive significant training and experience in community engagement,  project implementation,  leadership,  diverse populations,  and more.  Up to 20%  of total hours served may be spent in applicable,  approved trainings.  Members will be supervised and supported by MSTFP’s Director Sorrell Redford sredford@mstfp.org,  as well as by Team Up AmeriCorps program staff.  The PY 25-26 cohort of Team Up AmeriCorps members serving throughout the region will also act as additional resources and support for each other.

Location and Service Conditions:  This position is based out of MSTFP’s warehouse located at 30 N.  Beech St,  Cortez.  This space has an attached educational garden as well as a mobile kitchen.  The member/s will also spend significant time at MSTFP’s school gardens at the Cortez Middle School,  Kemper elementary,  Mesa elementary,  Mancos elementary and Mancos Early Learning Center.  Occasional off-site engagement and partnership activities,  meetings,  etc.  will be required.

Benefits:

• A living allowance of approx.  $1,115.63/per pay period (twice per month).  Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member’s bank account.
• An education award of $7,395 upon successful completion of the term of service.
• It is possible to temporarily postpone repayment of qualified student loans through forbearance while serving as an AmeriCorps member
• Mileage reimbursement for travel to required AmeriCorps trainings and gatherings
• Non-tangible benefits including extensive training,  valuable experience,  networking,  and the opportunity to serve the local community in a crucial area of need
• Access to fresh produce from MSTFP’s school gardens
• Access to Good Sam’s food and resources at no cost
• Host site-specific benefits:  Gas stipend of $50/month provided directly from host site

Diversity and Equal Opportunity:  Team Up values the diversity of our community.   In principle and in practice the diverse nature of our board,  staff,  and volunteers is recognized as one of our best assets.   We respect each individual’s unique gifts and prohibit unfair or discriminatory practices against anyone because of age,  race,  color,  religion,  national origin,  disability,  gender,  sexual orientation,  and any other protected category.

AmeriCorps prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment based on the protected categories of race,  color,  national origin,  sex,  age,  religion,  sexual orientation,  disability (mental or physical),  political affiliation,  marital or parental status,  pregnancy,  reprisal,  genetic information (including family medical history),  or military service.

Reasonable Accommodations and Disability Inclusion:  Reasonable accommodation will be provided as needed for applications,  interviews,  and service.

To Apply:

Step 1.  Email a cover letter and resume to Team Up AmeriCorps Coordinator Brenna Travis @  BrennaT@TeamUpSW.org.  Be sure to indicate which position(s)  you are interested in.

Step 2.  Create an account on myAmeriCorps.gov and submit an application for the position Garden Educator @  MSTFP

>https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?fromSearch=true&id=129642  

Please complete BOTH steps to apply.