AmeriCorps VISTA Development and Engagement Coordinator

~ The Great Appalachian Valley Conservation Corps (GAVCC) is a non-profit, AmeriCorps-affiliated organization, whose mission is to connect young adults to meaningful conservation service. ~

GAVCC engages motivated young adults to complete challenging and impactful conservation and service projects throughout the region. GAVCC works with a variety of land management agencies throughout the state such as the United States Forest Service, National Park Service, The Nature Conservancy, and the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Historic District.

Projects vary but could include trail construction and maintenance, ecosystem restoration, habitat restoration, historical restoration, and boundary marking, hazardous fuels reduction, re-vegetation and local environmental service projects. Individual Placements and Crews may also complete technical and/or specialized projects depending on project partner needs, including disaster relief if the opportunity arises.  

Our programs focus on place-based learning, life skills development, appreciation of diversity, civic responsibility and career development. GAVCC also provides an opportunity for members to learn about the local environment, environmental issues and introduces individuals to recreation and resource management careers.  

Position Overview

The AmeriCorps VISTA Development and Engagement Coordinator will work to develop a sustainable trail service club to engage next generation youth and young adults from underserved communities in the Shenandoah Valley, Northern Virginia and the greater Washington DC metropolitan area. This service club will provide structured, safe, and challenging service opportunities, educational opportunities and an ethic of natural resource stewardship.

Responsibilities

• The VISTA will work within communities to identify and recruit participants, partners, and community advocates to build a sustainable program.
• The VISTA will collaborate with GAVCC and Shenandoah National Park in the logistics, facilitation and planning of four trail service projects for the club.
• The VISTA will identify, develop and implement conservation skills trainings and professional development opportunities for members and participants.
• Participate in and expand GAVCC recruitment and retention strategies for service club members and conservation crew participants. 

Qualifications

General Qualifications:  

• To qualify, you must be over the age of 18, a US citizen, have received a high school diploma or GED and be a college graduate.
• All offers of employment are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and federal criminal background check.
• Must be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Strong organizational skills.
• Passion for environmental stewardship and the outdoors.
• Background in outreach and communication.
• Local to the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

Compensation

• Position Dates: February 2019 - February 2020
• Pay Rate: $472.22 bi-weekly + AmeriCorps Education Award ($5,920.00) 
• Status: AmeriCorps VISTA – 1 year