Stewards VISTA: Western Slope Conservation Center - Community Engagement Coordinator

This project will build upon and expand relationships with partner organizations, and leverage our substantial volunteer base, to implement projects that restore and enhance habitats and ecosystems.

The Western Slope Conservation Center is a non-profit organization based in Paonia, CO, whose mission is to build an informed and engaged community to protect and enhance the lands, air, water and wildlife of the Western Slope of Colorado. For more than 40 years WSCC has been engaging North Fork residents in hands-on stewardship projects to conserve and protect the abundant natural resources and scenic landscapes of the region. This project will build upon and expand relationships with partner organizations, and leverage our substantial volunteer base, to implement projects that restore and enhance habitats and ecosystems. To achieve these goals, the VISTA will have regular communication with WSCC’s volunteers and community members, keeping them informed of volunteer opportunities and identifying/reducing barriers to involvement. The VISTA will also recruit and empower volunteer leaders who can share project planning and leadership duties. The VISTA will develop and strengthen relationships with partner organizations to secure project funding and pool resources to plan and implement stewardship projects. The VISTA will also work to secure future funding to undertake projects such as habitat restoration, trail maintenance, and other environmental stewardship activities that contribute to a sustainable economy and resilient ecosystems. Overall, this VISTA project is designed to increase WSCC’s capacity to grow and sustain its stewardship program by improving systems, expanding partnerships, and inspiring volunteers to become committed conservation leaders.

 

Member Duties:

1. Independently or in collaboration with partner organizations, plan and implement stewardship projects that engage volunteers and result in more resilient natural systems.

2. Recruit and help to manage volunteers through the course of the term.

3. Create opportunities for interested volunteers to gain skills and confidence in project planning/implementation and assign them higher levels of responsibility when they are ready.

4. Prepare and submit grant applications to secure future funding to undertake projects such as habitat restoration, trail maintenance, and other environmental stewardship activities.

5. Share responsibility with other staff for regular communications with the public and membership (social media, e-newsletters, etc.), event planning and participation, and office administration.

 

Program Benefits: Choice of Education Award ($6,495) or End of Service Stipend (apx. $3,000), mileage reimbursement, PD funds, network, Relocation Allowance, Training, Living Allowance (48.08/day).

 

*For details about AmeriCorps VISTA healthcare benefits, please visit http: //www.vistacampus.gov/healthcare

 

Terms: 

Car recommended (but not required)

Service Areas: 

Education, Community and Economic Development, Community Outreach, Children/Youth, Environment.

Skills: 

Community Organization, Leadership, Computers/Technology, Team Work, Fund raising/Grant Writing, Writing/Editing, General Skills, Public Speaking, Education, Conflict Resolution, Recruitment, Environment, Teaching/Tutoring.