Community Garden Program Coordinator - RuralEdge/VHCB AmeriCorps

Community Garden Program Coordinator

RuralEdge

1222 Main Street, St. Johnsbury, VT and will also involve travel to RuralEdge’s multiple properties across the Northeast Kingdom region of Vermont. 

Full Time AmeriCorps position requiring a minimum of 1720 hours. The position begins January 12, 2027 and ends December 10, 2027.

This position is part of the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board AmeriCorps (VHCB AmeriCorps). The VHCB AmeriCorps program supports the innovative dual-goal approach of creating stable affordable housing opportunities for Vermont residents while preserving the natural and working landscape. VHCB AmeriCorps is a national service program that places members with non-profit housing or land conservation organizations around the state.

RuralEdge strengthens Northeast Kingdom communities one home at a time. RuralEdge envisions Northeast Kingdom communities where every individual can live in stable, affordable housing with access to the services they need to live a healthy and prosperous life. 

The Community Garden Program Coordinator will support RuralEdge to manage, strengthen, and expand its community garden program across its 22 existing gardens and future garden sites. The Community Garden Program Coordinator will provide dedicated capacity for garden coordination, resident engagement, educational workshops, volunteer management, and community partnership development. The position will also establish consistent systems for tracking participation and outcomes, helping RuralEdge create a more sustainable, organized, and resident-driven program that can continue to grow beyond the member’s service term.

Essential Functions

• Coordinate the development, implementation, and ongoing support of RuralEdge’s community garden program across 22 existing gardens and future garden sites. 
• Develop seasonal garden plans and coordinate planting, maintenance, harvesting, and preparation of garden spaces in collaboration with residents, volunteers, and RuralEdge staff
• Engage residents in garden activities, encourage resident leadership and participation
• Plan and facilitate educational workshops and hands-on activities related to gardening, food production, nutrition, composting, pollinators, and food access
• Recruit and coordinate residents, volunteers, and community members and develop relationships with local farms, gardening organizations, food-access organizations, schools, nonprofits, and other community partners. 
• Identify opportunities to secure gardening resources, supplies, educational programming, and technical assistance to support the program.
• Visit RuralEdge properties throughout the service area to coordinate garden activities, engage residents, facilitate workshops, and support volunteers and community partners
• Maintain accurate records of resident engagement, service activities, workshops, volunteer participation, partnerships, and other program outcomes
• Gather resident feedback and program data to evaluate participation, identify community needs, and recommend opportunities to improve and expand the program
• Develop and maintain program resources, schedules, procedures, and other tools that strengthen the sustainability and consistency of the community garden program.
• Participate in RuralEdge staff meetings
• Participate in an Independent Service Project under the guidance of VHCB AmeriCorps.
• Participate in all VHCB AmeriCorps Program Initiatives & outreach efforts, and storytelling activities that promote AmeriCorps.
• Engage in professional and personal development activities and networking opportunities. 
• Submit bi-weekly timesheets.
• Complete all enrollment and exit requirements.

Benefits

• A living allowance of $31,000 (pre-tax).
• An education award of $7,395 (pre-tax) upon successful completion of term of service
• Healthcare coverage
• Childcare assistance (must meet qualifications)
• Loan forbearance for federally backed student loans, if qualified