Stewards VISTA: Volunteer Coordinator: USFS Francis Marion and Sumter National Forest

About Stewards:

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.

For more information regarding Stewards, please visit our website.

About the Site:

The Francis Marion Ranger district is a particularly high opportunity district due to its proximity to urban spaces and rapidly growing population centers. 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.

This position is a 365 day (1 year) public service term lasting from June 3, 2024 – June 2, 2025.

Living Allowance: $62.69/day ($22,881.85/year)

Member Duties: 

• Support economic & community development by providing service opportunities & supporting sustainable recreation & tourism related to the national forest.
• Build capacity & create a legacy of long-term improvement & sustainability in communities by identifying fiscal support & community resources.
• Develop partnerships to secure projects that will compete well for internal funding opportunities & external grant proposals.
• Provide support & generate organizational interest through the engagement of community-based volunteers.
• Create the framework for a sustainable volunteers & service program that ensures the safety & effective engagement of all interested community members.
• Engage the community they serve to ensure awareness of organizational efforts & generate community commitment to impact-driven activities.
• Support recruitment & management to ensure diverse, equitable, and inclusive practices are employed when engaging members of the public.

Service Areas:

• Disaster Relief
• Community and Economic Development
• Community Outreach
• Children/Youth
• Environment

Recommended Skills:

• Recruitment
• Non-Profit Management
• Writing/Editing
• Teamwork
• Conflict Resolution
• Leadership
• Fund raising/Grant Writing
• Communications
• Public Speaking

Program Benefits:

• Segal Education Award ($6,895) OR Cash Stipend (~$1,800) upon successful completion of service
• Living Allowance (62.69/day, disbursed every 2 weeks)
• 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 as well as alternative uses for the award here.

*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 visit https://my.americorps.gov/trust/help/member_portal/non_competitive_eligibility_overview.htm.

APPLY HERE: My AmeriCorps – Home Page

For more information, please contact Addie Gilkerson (she/her) at agilkerson@conservationlegacy.org

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.