Energy Communities VISTA: Sustainable Energy Coordinator - Rural Action

Plan for and track increased participation in Sustainable Energy initiatives such as the Sustainable Energy Pledge Program, Meigs County Resilience Network, and Tablertown community solar planning

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 December 2024 and ends in December 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:

Over the course of our 32-year history of work in this region, Rural Action has developed a theory of change, rooted in the region’s culture and history, which emphasizes the cultivation of our local assets. The core of our theory of change, our approach to the work focuses on the following five elements: 1) engaging communities of place and communities of interest; 2) learning together; 3) understanding, valuing, and increasing control of our assets; 4) building infrastructure; and 5) connecting to markets. Generations of boom and bust cycles left scars on our landscapes and in our communities. The organization was founded by people who had been fighting against environmental threats, including the impacts of pre-regulatory coal-mining, subsidence from active mines, unregulated dumps, a proliferation of landfills and legacy pollution. The Sustainable Energy Program promotes the rapid, equitable, and adaptive transition to a clean energy economy. Our work prioritizes community well-being, environmental stewardship, and energy independence. Market shifts are changing job opportunities, with an urgent focus on sustainability and new energy. These are largely blue-collar skilled labor positions, with needs similar to former industry jobs, making them attractive to the regional workforce. Rural areas face high energy and transportation burdens as a percent of income. This project will increase capacity for low-income households/communities to lower energy costs, and empower workers to make careers in sustainable employment sectors.

Member Duties:

This VISTA will aid in transitioning Appalachian Ohio from an extraction economy to a diverse local system, including the growing industry of sustainable energy and ZE transportation for individuals and larger community entities. Their focus will be on program development, project management, and community outreach. The VISTA will be serving with rural community members to grow the Sustainable Energy Pledge Program, create an outreach and engagement strategy, and build capacity for clean energy initiatives. Specific responsibilities include:

• Assist participants with energy assessments and implementation plans. 
• Meet with representatives of the low-income communities who will benefit from the initiative 
• Review current and upcoming funding opportunities

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:

• 35-hr work week (for self-care, mental health), mentorship network
• 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*
• 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:

• Environment
• Education
• Youth Development
• Social Services
• Computers/Technology
• Community Organization  
• Communications
• Writing/Editing
• Leadership 
• Teamwork
• Project management
• Interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail

Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

Applicant must have earned an undergraduate degree.