The United States Forest Service Southern Region Volunteers & Service Programs Center of Excellence (COE) is a pilot program to increase Forest Service capacity by engaging diverse populations in volunteer opportunities, and further supporting workforce development service programs in conservation careers. VISTA positions would allow for safe, productive, and sustainable partnerships and volunteer programs across the Forests by directly increasing capacity on the ground. VISTAs will foster buy-in and further develop a culture of community engagement and shared stewardship with partners and communities. VISTAs will be strategically positioned on high-opportunity Districts to leverage partnership opportunities and effectively support and expand funding opportunities. The COE anticipates revenue benefits to local rural communities from increases in forest visitation from ecotourism and voluntourism activities. The VISTA Corps member will assist with recruiting a diverse and representative group of volunteers and supporting integrative projects for all resource areas in their assigned national forests throughout the Southern Region. Volunteers & Service Programs Coordinators VISTA positions will be mentored by the Sub-Regional Volunteers & Service Programs Specialists and will become integral members of Region 8’s established Volunteers & Service Programs Community of Practice. Upon the completion of each VISTA project year, Districts and Forests can expect an increase of funds for projects, a solid volunteer management philosophy, a community engagement plan focused on increasing project partnerships, and a long-term, sustainability plan to carry the program beyond the VISTA project term. VISTA positions are reviewed annually for success and either partner can choose to exit the program to renew for up to three years.

+--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | MEMBER DUTIES : Support local economic & community development by | | providing workforce development opportunities and supporting sustainable | | recreation & tourism related to the national forest. Build capacity & | | create a legacy of long-term improvement and sustainability in the | | communities they serve by identifying fiscal support and community | | resources. Develop forest staff relationships to secure projects that | | will compete well for internal funding opportunities and external grant | | proposals. Provide support & generate organizational interest through | | the engagement of community-based volunteers. Create the framework for a | | sustainable volunteers and service program. Engage the community they | | serve to ensure awareness of organizational efforts and generate | | community commitment to impact-driven activities being performed. | | Support recruitment and management to ensure diverse, equitable, and | | inclusive practices are employed when engaging members of the public. | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ |   | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | PROGRAM BENEFITS : $750 in Prof Dev Funds from Stewards ,  Relocation | | Allowance ,  Living Allowance ,  Choice of Education Award or End of | | Service Stipend ,  Training ,  Childcare assistance if eligible ,  | | Health Coverage* .  | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ |   | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ |   | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | *For details about AmeriCorps VISTA healthcare benefits, please | | visit http://www.vistacampus.gov/healthcare | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+

SERVICE AREAS : Environment ,  Community Outreach ,  Disaster Relief ,  Children/Youth ,  Community and Economic Development ,  Tribal . 

SKILLS : Writing/Editing ,  Non-Profit Management ,  Conflict Resolution ,  Leadership ,  Fund raising/Grant Writing ,  Recruitment ,  Community Organization ,  Public Speaking ,  Communications ,  Team Work .

https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?fromSearch=true&id=101034

SUMMARY

PROGRAM TYPE:

AmeriCorps VISTA

PROGRAM

Stewards VISTA: USFS-Blue Ridge Conasauga

PROGRAM START/END DATE

04/12/2021  -   04/11/2022

WORK SCHEDULE

Full Time

EDUCATION LEVEL

Some college

AGE REQUIREMENT

Minimum:  18    Maximum:  None

PROGRAM LOCATIONS

GEORGIA ,  TENNESSEE  

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

From  01/20/2021  To  03/12/2021 

CONTACT

John-Michael Aurednik

345 Prince St

Beckley   WV   25801

16812380963

jmaurednik@conservationlegacy.org

[AmeriCorps VISTA]

Required Skills Required Experience

High school diploma or equivalent required