Community Greening and Education, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

Posted by on October 08, 2012

COMMUNITY GREENING & EDUCATION INTERNS October 2012- August 2013

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY:

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society has been a visionary not-for-profit organization in the Greater Philadelphia Region since its founding in 1827. PHS organizes the annual Philadelphia International Flower Show, the world’s largest and longest-running indoor flower show, which brings 270,000 visitors and creates a $61 million economic impact to the city.  PHS helps transform lives through revolutionary programs like City Harvest, which has grown and donated 180,000 lbs of fresh produce in six years—helping to feed 1,000 families each week of the growing season. PHS is also lead partner on Plant One Million, an ambitious program to plant one million trees in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.

Mission: The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society motivates people to improve the quality of life and create a sense of community through horticulture.

POSITION SUMMARY:

(2) Community Greening and Education interns will work with on a variety of community greening and education projects, primarily on the Plant One Million campaign to restore the Philadelphia region’s tree canopy, as well as the PHS community education programs which prepare citizens to become better stewards of the environment through community gardening, tree planting and care.

Specific responsibilities will include both operational and educational components such as:
•    Assist with PHS Tree Tenders, Garden Tenders and Green City Teachers training
•    Assist with the field work and data management related to Plant One Million tree planting projects; GIS experience a plus
•    Assist at staff-supported community volunteer work days and events
•    Attend community meetings to foster citizen engagement in environmental stewardship efforts
•    Lead programs for children and youth
•    Assist with preparation and logistics for tabling events and other community-based programs
•    Assist in other aspects of PHS community greening and education as assigned

(1)  Reentry to Workforce intern will work with on a variety of reentry and workforce development projects, primarily through the Roots to Re-entry Job Training and Placement Program. Here inmates of the Philadelphia Prison System are finding a pathway to employment through local food production and landscape management. A component of PHS’s City Harvest program, Roots to Re-Entry gives incarcerated individuals a chance to develop new skills and pursue meaningful employment upon their release.

Specific responsibilities will include both operational and educational components such as:
•    Assist with the data management related to tracking graduates pre and post release (job retention, career development, recidivism)
•    Assist with Reentry to Workforce Partnership Planning and monthly advisory meetings
•    Assist at staff-supported community volunteer work days and events
•    Attend community meetings to foster citizen engagement in reentry and workforce efforts
•    Develop GIS map connecting graduates to community greening efforts/organizations within their communities
•    Assist with preparation and logistics for tabling events and other community-based programs
•    Assist in other aspects of PHS community greening and education as assigned

Eligibility based on:
•    Computer experience in a Windows, Microsoft Office environment
•    Valid driver’s license
•    Application as AmeriCorps Members through the Pennsylvania Mountain Service Corps

Important information for AmeriCorps applicants
•    Each Applicant must visit http://www.pmsc.org
•    Full Time 1700 hrs. serving Oct 15, 2012 – August 16, 2013
•    Averages ~41 hours per week with ~2 weeks off
•    Stipend total $12,100 in 22 biweekly pays of $550 before tax
•    Education Award upon completion $5550
•    Qualified student loans may be put in forbearance while serving
•    AmeriCorps will pay interest accrued on qualified student loans after successful completion
•    Basic Health Insurance at no Premium to Members
•    Child Care assistance available to qualified members

To apply by the deadline of October 12, mail, email, or fax cover letter and resume to:

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
c/o Human Resources
100 N. 20th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Fax: 215-988-8810
Email: hrphs@pennhort.org