Green Space Coordinators

Buffalo ReUse GREENSPACE COORDINATOR Seeking extraordinary community builders with experience in urban agriculture, land use planning, and developing best practices of green space management. Raising the BAR for our Neighborhoods! Buffalo ReUse created the BAR Program (Buffalo Action for Revitalization) as an opportunity to reinvigorate the poverty stricken neighborhoods by creating assets out of vacant lots and making resources such as tools, equipment and information accessible to low income communities. The BAR Program improves inner-city neighborhoods through urban green space development, supporting local food production and long term sustainability and modeling responsible environmental stewardship. The BAR Program pulls together a broad spectrum of people from different age and economic backgrounds. The program joins the efforts of young people and volunteers with skilled workers and educators across the community. Funding support is provided by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo in collaboration with Grass Roots Gardens. Responsibilities Maintain existing gardens (watering, planting, harvesting, etc) 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) Minimum Requirements Urban agriculture experience, crop rotation, composting, trouble shooting diseases, equipment failure and land capabilities Extensive knowledge of ecologically sustainable Experience working with/mentoring inner-city teens and young adults. Creativity in designing projects and problem solving urban landscape/neighborhoods--unique to Buffalo Driver’s license Willingness to operate skidsteer Knowledge of power tools, hand tools--some carpentry Comfort working outdoors in all weather. Excellent organizational and communication skills. Ideal Qualifications: Eagerness to learn new skills, take risks, challenge your own perceived limits, and work in an inner-city environment. Share a passion for the environment and welcoming others to be involved--sharing daily challenges, anecdotes, expectations of green spaces, other models programs Conscientious regard for global issues as they relate to foods, cultural exchange and the economy Work independently, set goals, maintain a consistent schedule Make connections with young people, elderly and people of diverse backgrounds Familiarity or experience facilitating green space work projects, gardening projects Ability to listen, give and take feedback, and learn constantly.

Passion and enthusiasm for supporting youth as they expand their personal limits, increase their work ethic, and take an active role in the community. Knowledge of permaculture, rain harvesting, tree maintenance, farmer's markets Comfortable with internet and blogging/on-line journaling, digital photography Position: 2 Urban Green Space Coordinators Position Type: Seasonal, full time Location: Projects will be Buffalo neighborhoods. Salary: AmeriCorps stipend/educational award. Program Start Date: Mar- Oct 2009 (2 overlapping sessions March-Aug & May-Oct) Application Deadline: Hiring decisions will be made as soon as qualified applicants are identified. Please send an email with letter of interest, resume, references and completed APPLICATION QUESTIONS BELOW. Application Process: (please send ALL materials together) A. Letter of Interest: In the letter, please specify 2 experiences you've had with inner-city teens/young adults and how those experiences have influenced your work. B. References: Name, Number/Email, and Nature of Relationship for 3-6 references (letters not required): Ideally, from people that can comment on your interactions with young people, your community involvement, and your work ethic. C. Brief responses to the following 3 questions: How would you transform a 30'x100' abandoned city lot? Detail a practical method for watering urban community gardens. Describe one agricultural best practice (technique) you would emulate in Buffalo and why? D. Resume Email completed applications to: [email protected] or by mail to: Buffalo ReUse Inc, P.O. Box 1132, Buffalo, NY 14213. You can also hand deliver applications to 298 Northampton St, Buffalo NY 14208. Saturday's preferred. No phone calls please. More info at our website, www.buffaloreuse.org.