Community Stewardship Fellow VISTA

Position Title: Community Stewardship Fellow VISTA

Organization: Great Peninsula Conservancy

Program: Land Labs

Service Location: Bremerton, Washington

Timeline for Service: *Start Date TBD (32 hours per week)

Teaser:
Great Peninsula Conservancy’s Land Labs program seeks a passionate environmental steward to help us make the outdoors a more welcoming and engaging space for everyone. Design volunteer opportunities that support conservation, stewardship, and outdoor education in west Puget Sound!

Program Description:
Great Peninsula Conservancy (GPC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit land trust dedicated to protecting the natural habitats, rural landscapes, and open spaces of the Great Peninsula region of west Puget Sound, Washington. GPC’s important work is accomplished through conservation, stewardship, and community engagement.

The GPC Land Labs program utilizes local protected lands to enhance the quality of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education in local schools. Hands-on science projects support the vision of the Washington State Environmental and Sustainability Literacy Plan and meet the requirements of Washington State Science and Learning Standards (WSSLS). The program engages students directly in big picture environmental concerns affecting their local communities and opens students’ eyes to professional opportunities in the environmental science field. The Land Labs program will help prepare students from low-income families and underachieving schools for success in post-secondary education and careers in STEM.

Member Duties:The Community Stewardship Fellow VISTA will create volunteer stewardship and youth engagement opportunities that support Great Peninsula Conservancy and the Land Labs program. The VISTA member will prepare GPC preserves for Land Labs field experiences; design opportunities for students to participate in community science and stewardship; and assist in evaluating Land Labs’ growing library of outdoor education lessons. Under the guidance of the Community Engagement Manager, the VISTA member will also assist in improving volunteer management procedures; designing and implementing habitat restoration projects; and activating preserves for community science and public enjoyment.

Primary Responsibilities:

· Design, organize, and manage volunteer stewardship activities related to habitat restoration, community science, and youth education;

· Develop volunteer management systems that ensure the sustainability of GPC programs;

· Promote engagement opportunities through GPC’s social media, website, and e-news;

· Build sustainable relationships with local organizations and community partners;

· Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team;

· Evaluate, enhance, and expand the Land Labs program; and

· Increase the organizational capacity of Great Peninsula Conservancy.

Qualifications:

· Passion for Great Peninsula Conservancy’s mission and vision;

· Exceptional verbal communication skills;

· Strong writing and organizational skills;

· Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment;

· High degree of initiative and spirit of service;

· Preferred: experience working in outdoor environments and using tools;

· Preferred: experience in volunteer management and recruitment;

· Preferred: experience in outreach and education; and

· Preferred: valid driver’s license and personal vehicle.

AmeriCorps VISTA:
This Great Peninsula Conservancy (GPC) VISTA position is funded by the Corporations for National and Community Service and will serve within the AmeriCorps VISTA program. AmeriCorps VISTA is the national service program designed specifically to fight poverty. Each VISTA member makes a year-long, full-time (32-hour work week) commitment to serve on a specific project at a nonprofit organization or public agency. To learn more about the AmeriCorps programs visit americorps.gov.

Compensation:In return for their service, AmeriCorps VISTA members receive a modest bi-weekly living allowance of $957.46 (effective September 8th, 2024), health benefits during their service, and have the option of receiving an AmeriCorps Education Award of $7,395.00 (current through September 30th, 2024) or post-service stipend of $1,800 after completing their service. A relocation travel and settling-in allowance may also apply if they are moving. In addition to AmeriCorps’ standard benefits, GPC provides VISTA members with a housing stipend of $4,000, reimbursement of work-related outdoor gear purchases up to $250, reimbursement of professional development and training opportunities up to $300, and coverage of costs for the member to obtain Wilderness First Aid certification.

To Apply:Send a cover letter and resume to GPC’s Operations Manager, Paige Morris ([email protected]). Applications are also accepted through AmeriCorps.gov but require that the applicant follow up with a cover letter and resume prior to receiving an interview. Deadline for applications is September 15, 2025. For more information, visit Great Peninsula Conservancy’s website (greatpeninsula.org).

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $1,000.00 - $2,000.00 per month

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person