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ReConnect Program Green Space Coordinator (AmeriCorps Member)

Position Title:

AmeriCorps Member - ReConnect Program, Green Space Coordinator

Host Site:

Buffalo ReUse, Inc., 158 Eaton Street, Buffalo, NY 14208

Work Schedule:

Full time primarily Tues through Saturday.

Organizational Summary:

Buffalo ReUse is Western New York’s first and only Green Demolition & Salvage company. We are fully licensed and insured to demolish houses, garages, additions and barns, but instead of creating tons of debris which is buried in the landfill we use a method called deconstruction which keeps useable materials out of the landfill. Hundreds of things like doors, tubs, sinks, tiles, chandeliers, brick and dimensional lumber are reclaimed or recycled. We bring the useable materials to our ReSource retail store. The revenue generated from the sale of the used building materials funds our community programming and neighborhood revitalization efforts. Our ReConnect Program was initiated by Buffalo ReUSE to plug people into active citizenship—volunteerism—making a space for The City of Good Neighbors to be good neighbors. We created the ReConnect Program to improve quality of life in neighborhoods and literally build a thriving neighborhood, beginning with our target area—in the historic Masten and Cold Spring neighborhoods. Our ReSource and office space straddles the adjoining borders of those two neighborhoods.

Position Summary:

ReConnect Program Green Space Coordinators are community builders with experience in urban agriculture, land use planning, and developing best practices of green space management.

Essential Functions:

  • Develop and design newly acquired garden spaces—(clearing spaces—organizing groups/tasks)
  • Research and implement best practices of organic farming, urban farming and conservation
  • Create ties with neighbors, nearby block clubs and congregations to recruit new garden members
  • Scout and draft plans for urban farming projects
  • Facilitate the community compost project (maintenance, schedule, organic donations, etc)
  • Manage tool lending library (security, tool replacement/repair, membership)
  • Teach the community (organize workshops, tool training, troubleshooting)
  • Lead/recruit volunteers within the city who are interested in urban green space development
  • Solicit for additional material donations (topsoil, seeds, plants, gardening equipment and tools)
  • Document progress of gardens (diagrams, journal, blogging, photographs)
  • Germinate/procure seeds and plants in green house or indoors
  • Attend meetings and coordinate collaborations with existing local nfp greenspace organizations
  • Initiate social events in conjunction with the gardens/produce (harvest picnics/potlucks, recipe exchanges, nutrition, tips & secrets, plant swaps)

Proficiencies/Critical Skills:

  • Passion and enthusiasm for supporting youth as they expand their personal limits, increase their work ethic, and take an active role in the community.
  • A minimum of Basic First Aid and CPR certification
  • An innate ability to develop rapport with a diversity of people and ability to provide feedback to volunteers, peers and participants.
  • Skills and relevant experience fostering cohesive, supportive, and accepting groups or teams.
  • Urban agriculture experience, crop rotation, composting, trouble shooting diseases, equipment failure and land capabilities
  • Extensive knowledge of ecologically sustainable public spaces
  • Experience working with/mentoring inner-city teens and young adults.
  • Creativity in designing projects and problem solving urban landscape/neighborhoods—unique to Buffalo
  • Willingness to operate skidsteer
  • Knowledge of power tools, hand tools—some carpentry
  • Comfort working outdoors in all weather.
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

  • Driver’s license
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen, national or lawful permanent resident alien
  • Able to provide the following documentation: birth certification, driver’s license or state photo ID, social security card and high school diploma or college degree
  • Must undergo a national criminal history check *REQUIRED*
  • Extensive experience working with/mentoring inner-city young adults.
  • Comfort working outdoors and overseeing action oriented, hands-on, work projects.
  • Diligent work ethic.

Experience/Education:

At least 2 years of college experience, 4 year degree preferred; or equivalent experience in Horticulture, Urban Planning and Design.

Compensation:

  • Yearly stipend, paid bi-weekly to ABLE member
  • Health insurance and child care offered to full-time ABLE members only
  • Professional trainings, orientation and continuous member support
  • Loan forbearance
  • Education award to be used by recipient to pay qualified student loans and/or educational expenses incurred at a higher education institution of the member’s choice.

Application Procedure

INCOMPLETE PACKETS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED

Please submit all of the following:

  • Resume, Cover Letter and 3–6 professional references.
  • Email complete packet to caesandra@buffaloreuse.org
  • To all applicants, please make sure your packet details your experience in the field and that each file of your packet contains your last name. Impressive packets will receive follow up questions and a phone interview; top candidates must also have a second interview on-site and must complete an Americorps Orientation session.
  • Visit http://www.wnyamericorps.org/able to apply as a member

Do Members Get Paid? YES

Full-Time members receive a modest living allowance of $408 every two weeks during their time of service as well as an education award of $4,725 (One Year) which can be used to pay off student loans, pay for college, or learn a trade. Health Care coverage and Child Care coverage are also provided. Please call 716–558–3325 for more information about Americorps.

Please visit www.WNYAmeriCorps.org to apply online for this position.

For more information about the position or Buffalo ReUse, please contact Caesandra Seawell; Buffalo ReUse, caesandra@buffaloreuse.org , 716–885–4131, learn about our mission at www.buffaloreuse.org.