Job Opportunity: Farmer Veteran VISTA Volunteer
Position Summary
Are you up for the challenge? Help develop a new generation of farmers and help our returning veterans find viable careers and means to heal on America’s farms. RAFI is launching a new project to support veterans who are returning to or starting a family farm in our region, and we're looking for a motivated VISTA member to help get the project off to a strong start.
RAFI is a non-profit working to cultivate markets, policies and communities that support thriving, socially just and environmentally sound family farms. The VISTA member will help us collaborate with the national Farmer Veteran Coalition. The Coalition is dedicated to mobilizing our food and farming community to create healthy and viable futures for America’s veterans by enlisting their help in building our green economy, rebuilding our rural communities, and securing a safe and healthy food supply for all.
VISTA is a national service program dedicated to fighting poverty through capacity-building. Members commit to a one-year term of service. They recieve a living allowance and other modest benefits and are elibigle for an education award upon completion of service.
Member Duties: The volunteer will facilitate learning teams of returning veterans and farmers, assess their needs, connect them with support, and write training materials for a regional event. Duties will include assessing educational needs through surveys, organizing learning teams, developing a customized farmer veteran curriculum, and providing experiential learning opportunities.
Qualifications: This position requires familiarity with veteran transition issues, knowledge of sustainable agriculture and environmental farming practices, knowledge of community organizing, strong personal organization, strong written and verbal communication, and experience using MS Office software. Military veterans are encouraged to apply.
How to apply: Apply through the Americorps portal. The position is open until filled, but candidates should submit an application by Sept. 23, 2011, to recieve full consideration.
Learn More: Listen to a podcast of a radio story about one of the first farmers to participate in the national Farmer Veteran Coalition.
Page Updated 9.19.2011