Organization Mission:

Civic Works strengthens Baltimore’s communities through education, skills development, and community service. Civic Works goals are to Build Brighter Futures through education and job training, grow Healthy Food and Green Communities, and create Safe and Affordable Housing.

Program Mission:

Real Food Farm works toward a just and sustainable food system by improving neighborhood access to healthy food, providing experience-based education, and developing an economically viable, environmentally responsible local agriculture sector.

Community Need:

This AmeriCorps position will serve under the National Focus Area of Environmental Sustainability, improving public land by growing food.

Baltimore City has vacant lots and underutilized public spaces that collect trash and contribute to neighborhood decline. These urban spaces can be as small as the size of one rowhouse (200 - 400 square feet) or as large as a city park but all can lead to considerable blight. There are approximately 3,000 vacant lots in Baltimore. Many of them clustered in communities where significant numbers of houses are unoccupied. According to the Baltimore Neighborhood Indicators Alliance, in 2013 for every 1,000 people in Baltimore there was an average of 75.8 incidents of dirty streets and alleys, 50.76 reports rat incidents, 4.9 reports of clogged storm drains, and 32.92 reports of abandoned vehicles. These incidents are directly linked to how engaged residents and the City are in keeping their neighborhoods and properties clean. They also impede the City's efforts to attract new businesses and residents. The rate of homeownership in Baltimore City is just 50.3%, compared to the state rate of 67.6% and the national rate of 64.9%.

Member Position Summary:
Alongside the Civic Works’ Real Food Farm staff, the Urban Farmer Assistant will participate in all daily tasks, food production, and market activities at the Clifton Park Farm site. The Urban Farmer Assistant is expected to devote one weekend per month to assist with volunteer day projects. The Urban Farmer Assistant will participate in training activities throughout their term in order to improve their skills and understanding of sustainable urban farming practices.

Terms of Service:

This position is a 1700-hour AmeriCorps service term. The AmeriCorps member will receive training, professional development, a bi-weekly stipend of $840, and an educational award of $6895.00 upon successful completion of service that can be used for college, trade school, or to repay qualified student loans. In order to be a Civic Works AmeriCorps member, you must be at least 17 years old; a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or “lawful permanent resident alien”; and able to pass a drug test and criminal and sex offender background check.

Member Impact:

This AmeriCorps position will make improvements to public land, making it cleaner, greener, producing food for low income communities, and better able to manage stormwater runoff. By serving a Civic Works’ Real Food Farm, the member will contribute to the following impacts:

• 5 acres of public land in Baltimore City will be treated
• 3 acres of public land in Baltimore City will be improved

Essential Functions of Position:

• Assisting with harvesting, weeding, planting and crop maintenance activities;

• Managing insect and weed control;

• Carrying out general field observation and high tunnel maintenance;

• Placing orders and picking up produce from partner farms;

• Sharing weekly produce availability with community members;

• Driving the Mobile Farmer’s Market to scheduled stops and home deliveries;

• Assist with tracking produce and engagement;

Urban Farmer Assistants must bring a good attitude and help out with other duties including:

• Managing youth and adult volunteers;

• Participating in community outreach activities;

• Leading independent projects on the farm and in the community;

• Cleaning and organizing the farm and office;

• Actively participating in team meetings;

• Teaching other team members new skills and sharing your knowledge.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must be and remain drug-free during the term.

• Strong interest in food systems, farming, nutrition, public health, and/or the environment.

• Be able to lift 40 lbs.

• Be willing to serve in all weather: rain, heat, wind, and cold.

• Be willing to learn, teach, and share with your co-workers and community.

• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and experience driving in Baltimore is preferred.

• Past marketing, farming, and nutrition experience is a plus.

Required Academic and Experience Qualifications:

• A high school diploma or GED is required. If an individual has not completed one of these, they must commit to actively working towards obtaining a diploma/GED.

• Past marketing, farming, and nutrition experience is a plus.