TerraCorps


Contact information
Farm Address:
116 John Street
Suite 405
Lowell, Massachusetts, 01852

Primary Contact: Maria E. Infante
Primary Phone:
    Type:
Cell
    Number: 978-364-9770x.3
    Email: minfante@terracorps.org

    Email: Apply@terracorps.org

Website: https://terracorps.org/

Internship information
General Farm Description: TerraCorps is an AmeriCorps affiliated environmental nonprofit preparing and mobilizing emerging leaders to help communities gain access to and conserve land for people and nature. We do this by supporting AmeriCorps members who serve with nonprofit organizations across MA, and RI to tackle issues around land access, sustainable agriculture, and conservation. This year we are looking for 60 members to join the TerraCorps team!

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: 8/29/2022
Internship Ends: 7/28/2023
Number of Internship Available: 60
Application Deadline: 7/22/22
Minimum Length of Stay: Full length of program, 11 months

Internship Details:

As a Member you will have the exciting opportunity to serve with one of our nonprofit partners, in one of five coordinator positions: Community Engagement Coordinator, Youth Education Coordinator, Land Stewardship Coordinator, Land Conservation Coordinator, or Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator.

Within your service year you will be able to develop and carry out capacity building projects; educate or train individuals; recruit, train, manage, and support community volunteers engaged in land-based activities; and identify new individuals and groups to participate in education, recreation, or service opportunities centered around land access and conservation. You will also receive extensive professional developments and trainings to better prepare you for the professional world.

Members serve in full-time (38 hour/week), 11-month positions from August 29th, 2022- July 28th, 2023.These 1,700-hour AmeriCorps positions receive a living allowance and are eligible for an education award, and additional AmeriCorps benefits. Application specifics, position descriptions, and additional information about how to apply can be found at https://terracorps.org/member-position-listing/
Positions
Community Engagement Coordinators (CEC) build the long-term capacity of their Service Sites by developing and leading culturally inclusive programming, events, and volunteer opportunities that provide broad social and environmental benefits to underrepresented beneficiaries. Member projects address inequities in public health, economic opportunity, education, land accessibility, and environmental sustainability. Through engaging diverse peoples and collaborating with community partners, CECs build bridges that reinforce the connection between land and a sustainable social, economic, and environmental future for all people.

Sustainable Agriculture Coordinators (SAC) build the long-term capacity of their Service Sites by creating networks of volunteers to support hands-on stewardship of community lands. They organize, train, and collaborate with municipal boards, neighborhood and civic associations, community members, youth groups, and schools to care for, improve access to, and support the long-term resiliency and sustainable use of community lands. SACs may create raised beds or community gardens, monitor and maintain urban farmland, establish sustainable food systems, provide new farmer trainings, lead community workshops, etc. By providing training and organizing collaborative land-focused projects, they increase resources for communities, demonstrate responsible land management, help individuals build skills, and nurture an inclusive sense of public ownership in the local landscape. SACs spend roughly 60% of their time in the office and 40% in the field.

Land Stewardship Coordinators (LSC) Build the long-term capacity of their Service Sites by creating networks of volunteers to support hands-on stewardship of community lands. They organize, train, and collaborate with municipal boards, neighborhood and civic associations, community members, youth groups, and schools to care for, improve access to, and support the long-term resiliency and sustainable use of community lands.  By providing training and organizing collaborative land-focused projects, they increase resources for community projects, demonstrate environmentally responsible land management, help individuals build skills, and nurture an inclusive sense of public ownership in the local landscape. LSCs generally spend roughly 60% of their time in the office and 40% in the field.

Youth Education Coordinators (YEC) build the long-term capacity of their Service Site by engaging youth in service learning, experiential education, and inquiry-based science and nature learning projects. They collaborate with schools, libraries, and youth groups on projects that connect young people to the natural world, improve science literacy, and encourage healthy lifestyles. By serving with youth in an outdoor learning environment, they reinforce the connection between people, nature, and community and foster an inclusive land stewardship ethic in future generations.

Land Conservation Coordinators (LCC) build the long-term capacity of their Service Sites by engaging in land protection projects with communities, partner organizations and landowners. LCCs convene and coordinate Regional Conservation Partnerships to align nonprofit, academic, municipal, state, and federal resources with local and regional land protection needs. By educating landowners, farmers, and community groups about voluntary land conservation options and organizing multi-stakeholder projects, LCC’s help build local support for land conservation and increase community access to funding that empowers a diversity of people to work collaboratively toward building resilient communities.

Member Compensation and Benefits

 TerraCorps Members will receive a living allowance of up to $18,500 (pre-tax) over the 11- month term of service, which is $740 (pre-tax) per 25 biweekly pay periods.
 TerraCorps assists Members in obtaining health insurance coverage. Reimbursement of costs may be available.
 Childcare assistance may be provided in cases of financial need.
 Upon successful completion of a term of service, AmeriCorps Members receive a taxable $6,495 education award that can be used for future education or to pay off existing school loans. See https://www.americorps.gov/members-volunteers/segal-americorps-education-award for info and restrictions.
 TerraCorps Members are eligible for forbearance of most federally-guaranteed student loans, as well as payment of interest accrued during service.
 TerraCorps Members will receive mentorship, training, and career development opportunities while serving directly with community-based nonprofits.
 TerraCorps Members experience the personal rewards of national service and community engagement. Note: TerraCorps Members are responsible for their own housing and must have access to reliable transportation.

Qualifications:
As a program of AmeriCorps, TerraCorps applicants must also meet the following AmeriCorps requirements:
A US citizen, US national, Lawful Permanent Resident Alien of the U.S. and/or tribal member
At least 18 years old
A minimum of a high school diploma or GED
No more than three previous terms as an AmeriCorps member
Pass a criminal history background check, including an FBI check

Further instructions:
Interested applicants should review open positions on our website (https://terracorps.org/member-position-listing/) and follow the subsequent instructions on the website to apply.

Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. Interviews begin mid-May, and we aim to fill all positions by September 2nd, 2022.

AmeriCorps programs provide equal service opportunities. TerraCorps will recruit and select persons for all positions to ensure a diverse and inclusive community. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and varying experiences, including people with disabilities, people of color, and LGBTQIA individuals. We will provide reasonable accommodations for interviews and services upon request. TerraCorps is a grant program of the Corporation for National and Community Service.


Educational Opportunities: This AmeriCorps program provides professional development opportunities.

Skills Desired: No

Meals: No

Stipend: Yes, $18,500 is the living allowance. Health insurance, education award and other benefits are also available.

Housing: No

Preferred method of Contact: https://terracorps.org/member-position-listing/