Vermont Youth Conservation Corp

VYCC Food & Farm Program

AmeriCorps Summer Crew Leader
Program Overview
VYCC’s Food & Farm Program is a youth development, diversified agriculture and food

security initiative. We believe in the power that food has to connect us with the land, our

community, and each other.

On the farm, young people engage in the daily tasks of organic vegetable farming. The

produce grown by Corps Members is distributed to more than 400 families through the Health

Care Share project- a public health initiative that connects Vermont families to locally-grown

produce through their medical provider. Patients who may have nutrient-related illness or

have barriers to accessing fresh produce receive a weekly share of fresh food. We also raise

laying hens for eggs, chickens for meat, and additional vegetables, flowers, and herbs that we

sell through our vibrant, on-site farm stand.

In addition to the work Corps Members do in the farm fields, they also spend time in the

kitchen learning cooking skills. Working with the food they’ve grown, they explore different

recipes and help prepare a daily lunch that is served to all farm crews, connecting the work in

the fields to the food on their plates.

These projects are made possible through VYCC’s partnership with AmeriCorps and

SerVermont. This is as an AmeriCorps position funded through an AmeriCorps State grant.

Position Summary

Alongside a long-term Crew Leader, Summer Crew Leaders are responsible for guiding a

group of up to 8 individuals ranging from ages 15-19 through the daily work of growing food

on VYCC’s farm during the peak summer season. Summer Crew Leaders will support Crew

Members in successfully growing produce for the Health Care Share project and learning how

to cook with the foods they harvest.

Summer Crew Leaders are responsible for fostering an inclusive crew community, helping

Crew Members navigate challenges and celebrate successes, and modeling high quality work

in the field. They are also an active and engaged member of the Summer Crew Leader cohort.

Essential Functions
Crew Leading

Support a crew culture that prioritizes physical and emotional safety
Foster teamwork among Crew Members, lead by example, and support Crew Members as
they navigate challenges and successes
Work closely and collaboratively with a co-Crew Leader
Instruct Crew Members on all aspects of farm work
Support co-Crew Leader in the design and facilitation of a weekly enrichment activity that
supports Crew Members’ learning around topics like food, health, land, and community

Farm Responsibilities

Participate in all aspects of farm work including:
Seeding, transplanting, weeding, harvesting
Washing and packing produce for distribution
Caring for our laying hens and broiler chickens
Maintaining tools and equipment throughout the season
Work hard in all types of weather and environments motivating members to do the same
Communication, Reporting, & Training

Communicate effectively with members of the Farm Team, including using Microsoft Teams
and Outlook

Complete forms related to their service including timesheets due biweekly on Fridays
Engage with VYCC staff on setting goals and chartering personal and professional progress
through mid-term and end-term performance evaluations with supervisor

Participate in a variety of trainings, including VYCC and AmeriCorps Orientations and
additional enrichment activities. These training hours will not exceed 20% of the total number

of member hours

Attend SerVermont events

Work Environment
Corps Members spend most of their time outdoors, working with their crew while also

interacting with community members, and VYCC staff. They serve daily at VYCC’s farm,

located in Richmond, Vermont.

Weekly Schedule
Summer Crew Leaders will serve an average of 40– 45 hours/week, Monday-Friday, 8.5
hours/day. Exact hours change with the season, including early morning starts during peak
summer season. Hours will typically be between 7:45am–4:45pm, with occasional evening
hours for events.

Required Qualifications

Be at least 20 years of age
Be a U.S. citizen, a national, or legal permanent resident non-citizen of the U.S.
Have not been convicted of murder or sexual assault and be willing to undergo a National
Service Criminal History Check and a VT Agency of Human Services check. Crew Leaders will

have access to vulnerable populations

Be a high school graduate or have a GED certificate, or be willing to work towards GED as
part of their service-year successful completion requirement

Commitment to VYCC’s mission, including the Health Care Share project
Commitment to the mission of AmeriCorps and SerVermont

Preferred Qualifications

Valid driver’s license with good driving record for at least three years
Experience in teaching, mentoring, or group facilitation
Equal Opportunity at VYCC

VYCC is committed to being an organization that is inclusive and welcoming for all

employees, volunteers, and community members.

Compensation & Benefits

AmeriCorps Living Allowance paid bi-weekly: $621/week
Segal Education Award upon completion of service: $1,824.07
Access to fresh produce from the farm and daily lunch during the summer
Organizational dedication to professional development
Career pathways support during and after the VYCC experience provided by the Community
Engagement Manager

Potential eligibility for student loan forbearance and interest payment
Potential to earn up to 12 free college credits
Terms of Service and Dates of Service:

450 Hour (Quarter-time) term from May 20– August 16, 2024

Food & Farm Program applicants:
Katie Robertson, Program Manager
Katie.Robertson@vycc.org
1949 East Main Street
Richmond, VT 05477