Host Site: Guidestone Colorado
Service Sites:
• Community & School Farm – 1455 Holman Ave, Salida, CO 81201
• Longfellow Elementary School Garden – Corner of 8th & J St., Salida, CO 81201
• Salida Middle School Garden – 520 Milford St, Salida, CO 81201
• Sonia’s Garden – 448 E 1st St., Salida
• Crestone Mesa Garden – Crestone Mesa Dr, Salida
• 2nd & I St Garden – Corner of 2nd St & I St., Salida
Start Date: 3/10/25
End Date: 11-2–25
Program Overview
Localizing our food system is one of the most impactful and actionable steps we can take to solve so many of our global
problems. Across the central Rocky Mountains and southwestern Colorado, AmeriCorps service with Mountain Roots
Healthy Futures Program builds social, economic, and environmental health for rural communities. We work with
organizations throughout the region who are leaders in their fields, activating community-driven initiatives including
Farm to School, Regenerative Agriculture & Community Gardens, Hunger Solutions (Community Food Security), and
other programs in public health, conservation, and the environment. With Healthy Futures AmeriCorps, you’ll build a
bridge from college to career while building and sustaining healthy communities, healthy people, and a healthy
environment.
Organization Overview
Guidestone Colorado is dedicated to growing a vibrant agricultural future through education, community building and
partnerships. Guidestone’s programs provide a continuum of engagement for agricultural learning which enables
community members of all ages to participate in meaningful experiences and gain practical skills. Our strategies and
programming are founded on the belief that these experiences will ultimately lead to resilient local food systems, healthier
youth, adults, and communities, and a vibrant future for local agriculture.
Service Description
Farm to School (F2S) AmeriCorps Members are part of a team that works with Guidestone Colorado Farm to School
staff and volunteers to connect the community to the earth and their food, aspart of our district-wide Farm to School
program, bridging gaps that enable partner organizations to be more efficient and effective at providing healthy food
to rural youth.
F2S Members engage youth and community members to build, maintain, and expand farm production through a start-
to-finish growing season. Programs include farm field trips, volunteer work days, guest visits, and our weekly summer
Community Supported Agriculture farm share program. Members provide outreach and engagement at community
events to promote Farm to School and the organization’s programs and mission. Members gain exposure to organic
agriculture, crop planning, volunteer engagement, and participate in ongoing professional development.
Mountain Roots Healthy Futures AmeriCorps Program
POBox 323 Gunnison, CO81230
healthyfutures@mountainrootsfoodproject.org
Guidestone seeks a Garden Site Manager & Farm Production Coordinator to manage the school garden sites, assist
with production at the Community & School Farm (C&S Farm), and manage the three Community Garden sites
managed by Guidestone in partnership with the City of Salida. Duties will include starting plants from seeds in our
greenhouse, preparing beds in the high tunnels and production fields, leading volunteers to plant, seed, cultivate, and
harvest crops, and oversee community garden engagement and coordination. Generally, they will work to create and
maintain vibrant growing spaces at the schools, community gardens and Community Farm.
The C&S Farm is a 4-acre parcel owned by the Salida School District. Guidestone holds a 20-year lease for the Farm to
School Program to grow food for school cafeterias, the hospital and community, and lead farm education and
community service opportunities on the site. The C&S Farm has a 24’x48’ high tunnel, a 16’x24’ movable high tunnel,
and a 42’ diameter dome greenhouse to extend the season, along with a 3⁄4 acre production field, small orchard, and
raised beds in the front garden. In addition, the Farm Production Lead will support local food systems efforts through
outreach and engagement with the Chaffee Local Food Coalition.
AmeriCorps Member Primary Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Assist in all aspects of crop production at the Community & School Farm through a start-to-finish growing
season.
• In coordination with the Farm to School Director and Production Manager,prepare andplant beds in the
production field, high tunnels and greenhouse.
• Support the Guidestone plant sales by helping to seed, pot up and label seedlings and helping to staff the sales.
• In coordination with the Garden Educator maintain school garden spaces throughout the growing season
• Finalize Community Garden plot assignments and coordinate work events in the three community gardens
• Lead individual volunteers and school and community service groups in farm tasks throughout the summer
• Coordinate volunteers atthe farm, keepvolunteer logs and expand volunteer involvement through community
outreach and engagement for all growing spaces.
SECONDARY FUNCTIONS
• Support production activities at the Community & School Farm in the spring and fall, and as needed on an
emergency basis.
• Assist with the development and implementation of community events,including AgriSummit, Pumpkin
Patch, Music at the Mill, Community Garden Planting parties, and other events hosted by Guidestone.
Location and Service Conditions:
This position is based at Guidestone’s Community & School Farm, but also includes two Salida School District
campuses: Longfellow Elementary School and Salida Middle School, and three community garden sites in Salida. Some
service activities will also be at the Hutchinson Homestead and Learning Center and Hutchinson Ranch for Guidestone
events. The position will primarily involve days of service outdoors, with indoor space available in case of inclement
weather. Co-work office space is provided at the Hutchinson Homestead & Learning Center.
Qualifications:
• Background or experience with environmental studies, sustainable agriculture, local food systems, and/or
health/nutrition
• Experience working in a farm or garden setting
• Experience working with youth, adults and managing groups of individuals/ volunteers
• Strong professional communication skills
• Passionate, patient, flexible, intelligent, creative, kind, caring, self-motivated
• Experience with Word, Excel, GoogleDrive suite of office management, or comparable computer skills
• Clean driving record.
AmeriCorps Required Qualifications:
• At least 17 years old at start of service
• Must be a high school graduate, GED recipient, or working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED
during the term of service. Members must obtain either a diploma or GED before using an education award.
• Be a citizen, national, or lawfulpermanent resident of the United States
• Able topass a National Service Criminal History Check (state, FBI, and National Sex Offender Public Website
checks) per 45 CFR 2540.202
Healthy Futures AmeriCorps Program Benefits
• AmeriCorps members will receive a bi-weekly living allowance of $810, totaling $13,770 over the service
period.
• Members are also eligible for an Education Award of $5,176.50 upon successful completion of service. This
can be used to pay back student loans, or to further your education.
• Members are eligible for Federalprogram assistance (SNAP, Medicaid, etc.)
• Members may receive professional development and training,plus covered travel costs for attendance at state or
regional conferences.
• Members may qualify for student loan forbearance (postponing the payment of loans) while in service.
• Alumni benefits includepriority hiring with organizations that are part of Employers of National Service and the
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to eliminate educational debt.
About the Living Allowance
An AmeriCorps Living Allowance is not a wage, salary, or hourly pay. You are enrolling in a SERVICE position,
not a job. The Living Allowance is a stipend designed to support the basic necessities of the individual while in
service, such as room and board, utilities, and transportation. Carefully consider this when applying.
Ready to make a difference? Apply now on our website at mountainrootsfoodproject.org. If you have any
questions, feel free to reach out to us at healthyfutures@mountainrootsfoodproject.org.