Energy Communities VISTA: Solar Projects Coordinator

The Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia is bringing solar to the coalfields as a social and economic catalyst to the region while ensuring an equitable role in the national clean energy transition.

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:

Founded in 1997, Appalachian Voices works in Central and Southern Appalachia to bring people together to protect the land, air and water and advance a just transition to a generative and equitable clean energy economy. The New Economy for Appalachia program focuses on the key principles of community engagement, economic diversification, land restoration and growing the clean energy sector. Working with Appalachian Voices and the Workgroup provides a first-hand view of the challenges faced by low-income and energy communities while participating in the community-focused work revitalizing Central Appalachian coal communities. Between 2015 and 2020, 1,078 jobs were lost in mining industries, a 25% decline. Virginia’s coalfield counties have an average per capita income of $20,913 and a 21.84% poverty rate, compared to the national 14.1%. Each county ranks as “disadvantaged” in the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool. Four are categorized as “distressed,” two are “at-risk,” and one is “transitional,” per the Appalachian Regional Commission’s Economic Status and Distressed Areas map. This VISTA will provide meaningful capacity to the Solar Workgroup to further engage energy communities. This includes providing educational material and events on clean energy to community members, working to inform the next generation of energy workers, and developing new resources for the region. This ensures community members have a say in and benefit from the energy transition, including having opportunities to develop good-paying and lasting jobs in the clean energy industry.

Member Duties:

The VISTA will serve with the Solar Workgroup and Appalachian Voices to:

• identify and apply for solar and energy efficiency grant/prize funding;
• develop and implement solar energy and energy resilience education and outreach plans including tabling at local festivals and student education events;
• coordinate Workgroup public events, meetings and celebrations;
• serve directly with under-resourced communities on clean energy planning and benefits;
• and develop education materials, including flyers, webpages, presentations, videos, blogs, newsletters and social media posts.

One specific major project for the VISTA will be planning for and conducting a solar celebration or festival in the Summer of 2025 to include local communities, solar developers, educational institutions, local nonprofits, and other community stakeholders.

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
• Environment
• Community Organization
• Fund raising/Grant Writing
• Communications
• Writing/Editing
• Public Speaking
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Project management
• Interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail

Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

Applicant must have earned an undergraduate degree.