Energy Communities VISTA: Community Development Coordinator

We have blessings and curses in the Northern Appalachian Coalfields: trout streams and healthy macroinvertebrates in our ridgetop headwaters and orange, red, and yellow legacy mining impacted streams that pollute many of the lower reaches of our valleys. The Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation serves as a liaison between the State and Federal agencies as well as the local governments, Conservation Districts, and local community non-profit and watershed organizations. We work closely with underserved school districts in our region to conduct place-based outdoor watershed education experiences. We coordinate conferences and workshops throughout the year and are creating 3D mine pool models that not many non-profit organizations can create. We’re a small shop, but we are hands-on and get things done! Come join us!

As energy opportunities expand, coal and power facility jobs are declining across the United States. The Energy Communities AmeriCorps VISTA project will develop and advance programs that increase environmental awareness and stewardship, job training, employment pathways, and access to existing federal and community resources for low-income individuals living in energy transition communities. Energy Communities AmeriCorps members will serve low-income energy communities that are experiencing energy transformations. VISTA members will be placed with local organizations to help assess environmental impacts, identify existing supports, and develop economic transformation and revitalization goals with their communities. 

IMPORTANT:

Please note that this VISTA term is:

• Full time,
• 1-year in length,
• Begins in November 2024 and ends in November 2025

The living allowance for Energy Communities VISTAs is $88.39 per day (including weekends). This is equivalent to $15.51/hour ($32,262.35/year).

For more information about Energy Communities AmeriCorps, please visit our website.

For any questions, please contact Shelby Street at sstreet@conservationlegacy.org

To apply, please use the AmeriCorps link here.

About the Site and Position:

The general purpose of the Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation [EPCAMR] is to encourage the reclamation and redevelopment of land affected by past mining practices. This includes reducing hazards to health and safety, eliminating soil erosion, improving water quality, and returning land affected by past mining practices to productive use, thereby improving the economy of the region. We are located in Ashley, PA, in Luzerne County, the heart of the Northern Anthracite Coal Region. EPCAMR is looking to continue to build partnerships in Northeastern and North Central Pennsylvania around impacts not just from abandoned coal mines but also abandoned quarries, limestone, sand and gravel, and other natural resource extraction activities. We encourage membership from other organizations, conservation districts, individuals, and businesses to become involved with our regional organization to address the important issues associated with achieving clean water, land reclamation, economic development, job opportunities, and environmental education and outreach throughout the region. The VISTA Project will help us develop a process that we need to properly monitor our AMD and water quality issues in our mining impacted watersheds and to access federal resources. The project will allow for further education and outreach opportunities and capacity of our organization to reach additional schools that we currently cannot achieve with limited organizational capacity.

Member Duties:

The VISTA member will build the capacity of EPCAMR’s supporting organizations, enabling their long-term stability and success. They will:

• Help to create draft press releases, newsletters, brochures, and fact sheets to be finalized by the EPCAMR Staff before publicized.
• Work with EPCAMR to create opportunities for community volunteers, schools, and youth to serve and participate in programs, volunteer, and educational activities.
• Attend and help to facilitate relevant watershed, historic preservation, and community meetings.
• Network and collaborate with relevant stakeholders and assist in establishing and enhancing local and regional partnerships within EPCAMR.
• Develop content to the EPCAMR websites, other social media platforms, Patagonia Action Works, & FaceBook page.
• Recruit volunteers for cleanup and community service projects. Assist EPCAMR with watershed research, water-quality monitoring critical to future funding, and project development and implementation.

Program Benefits:

VISTA service provides an excellent opportunity for the member to develop professional skills and experience, build their network, and make a tangible impact on critical community needs. VISTAs also access the following benefits:

• Segal Education Award ($7,395) OR Cash Stipend (~$1,800) upon successful completion of service
• Living Allowance ($88.39/day, disbursed every 2 weeks)
• Relocation Allowance
• Regular Training and Professional Development Opportunities (free and virtual)
• Employee Wellness Program (access to a licensed, professional counselor and 24/7 in-moment support)
• Childcare*
• Healthcare*
• Non-Competitive Eligibility upon successful completion of the term*
• Networking and Mentorship
• Access to a nationwide cohort of like-minded peers

*For more information regarding the Segal Education Award, check out this link: https://americorps.gov/members-volunteers/segal-americorps-education-award.

*For more information regarding the AmeriCorps VISTA Childcare benefit, please visit https://americorpschildcare.com/.

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

*For details about Non-Competitive Eligibility, please see https://americorps.gov/sites/default/files/document/americorps-vista-alumni-nce-2023.pdf

What is an AmeriCorps VISTA?

AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members are dedicated individuals who serve full-time in their assigned communities to build capacity, support economic development, and foster sustainable programs. They receive various benefits, including a living allowance, education award, professional development, healthcare and childcare, and non-competitive eligibility for federal jobs after service completion.

What is Energy Communities AmeriCorps?

Energy Communities AmeriCorps offers technical support to help communities impacted by previous or pending coal mine and power plant closures. This program bridges the gap between environmental and economic concerns by focusing on a more diversified economic portfolio. Creating opportunities in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, small businesses, tourism and more strengthens communities and builds for the future.

The Basics:

• Funding: More than $12.5 million is available to support the project, funded by federal agencies and philanthropic sources.
• Duration: The initiative is set to run for three years, starting in fall 2024.
• Locations: Nine priority Energy Communities, including Appalachian Ohio, Eastern Kentucky, Illinois Coal Basin, Four Corners, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Wyoming, and Montana.

What is Stewards Individual Placements?

Stewards Individual Placements (Stewards) provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants work with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting ecosystem health.

Stewards VISTA Program is a national intermediary sponsor with 22 years of experience operating VISTA projects that support economic development and environmental stewardship in coal mining communities. Since 2002, Stewards has engaged over 1,200 VISTA members, securing $41 million in grants and in-kind resources, recruiting 100,000 volunteers, and developing capacity for organizations to strengthen mining communities.

Stewards Individual Placements is a program of Conservation Legacy, a national organization with a 25-year history of operating AmeriCorps VISTA and State and National programs.

For more information regarding Stewards, please visit our website.

Stewards Individual Placements does not and will not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application, interviewing, and/or onboarding process, please send your request to the hiring manager in your preferred method of communication.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Education
• Children/Youth
• Writing/Editing
• Storytelling
• Art/Graphic Design
• Fund raising/Grant Writing
• Research skills
• Community Organization
• Communications
• Computers/Technology, especially GIS
• Public Speaking
• Interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail

Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

Applicant must have earned an undergraduate degree.