Energy Communities VISTA: Community Planner

Help Floyd County become a model for transitioning coal communities across America–guide local innovators, attract investment, and boost community resilience. Apply now to make a difference!

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:

From 2022-2023, Floyd County, KY, was selected as one of eight teams in the Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities (BRECC) program. With support from the WV Hub, over 15 local stakeholders developed an Economic Diversification Plan focusing on Housing & Infrastructure, Local Business Development, and Workforce Development. In 2024, Floyd County joined the Capacity Building for Repurposing Existing Energy Assets program to implement these plans. Now Floyd County seeks to become a model for other coal communities in transition. The BRECC team is seeking an Energy Communities VISTA to help the group take next steps as they work with consultants and community partners to develop strategies for repurposing coal and brownfield sites, attracting investments, and securing grants. Projects include planning for affordable housing, creating a Community Resilience Hub, developing workforce programs, and implementing energy-saving initiatives for low-income residents.

The VISTA will play a crucial role in revitalizing Floyd County by coordinating BRECC Working Groups and supporting the Floyd County Fiscal Court in prioritizing projects that enhance local businesses, workforce, housing and infrastructure. They will strategize on funding and financing to ensure economic development projects maximize benefits for residents. Additionally, the VISTA will collaborate with partners to update the digital map, identifying potential redevelopment sites like Brownfields and former coal properties. Key objectives include developing a prioritized project list from the BRECC Floyd County Economic Diversification Plan, creating “Project Concept” documents for potential investors, and updating the Coal Asset Map with properties for potential reuse to attract companies and investors.

Member Duties:

The VISTA member will assess and develop an asset map of existing community supports and new federal opportunities available to the community. The VISTA will identify organizations serving the community and build partnerships and coalitions to align resources. The VISTA will develop strategic plans utilizing community input to identify anti-poverty initiatives needed by the community.

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*
• 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 jobshiringnearme.org 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:

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

Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

Applicant must have earned an undergraduate degree.