In partnership with Epicenter, Habitat for Humanity of Castle Country is seeking AmeriCorps VISTA national service applicants to live, work, and play in Green River, Utah, and to serve the rural communities of Carbon & Emery Counties. This rugged frontier in the San Rafael Desert, between the Rockies and the Wasatch Mountains, has a population of 32,000 people living in 19 small communities spread over 6,000 square miles. Working alongside citizen architects, designers, planners, and artists serving the needs of their community, you’ll build the capacity of a fledgling Habitat affiliate that has completed seven new construction homes, one home renovation, and sixteen critical home repairs. You’ll gain invaluable and one-of-a-kind experience within the realm of public interest design in this alternative model of professional practice. To succeed, you’ll need to possess ingrained idealism, self-motivation, and an enthusiasm for affordable housing.
Habitat for Humanity of Castle Country needs most a person interested in developing the organization as a whole, strengthening the A Brush With Kindness (ABWK) home repair program, and raising funds to build new affordable housing. This VISTA will work within a partner organization’s office in Green River (Epicenter), receiving support in weaving regional housing assistance programs. This VISTA member will also promote environmental stewardship through encouraging the use of sustainable/green construction materials and facilitating energy efficiency home repairs. In year one, this VISTA member will reassess community conditions and assets related to housing; perform resource development for new construction, home repairs, and to hire executive staff; develop the Board of Directors; recruit volunteers; and create a volunteer management system. Beyond the twelve months, either you or a new VISTA recruit will, in year two, focus on intense board development, utilize year-one resources for new construction and home repairs, and manage volunteers with the new system. Year three will ensure the sustainability of programs and secure funds for operational staff.
This position is a twelve-month, full-time position that is able to be extended up to two additional years, or with successful fundraising, become a full-time salaried position. VISTA members receive a living allowance, a health insurance benefit, a travel allowance, pre-service orientation training, assistance in finding housing, and an education award of $5,730 or cash award of $1,500 at successful completion of service.
Qualifications:
— College degree.
— US Citizen or work visa allowing national service.
— Passion for affordable housing and rural communities.
— Experience working with a non-profit charitable organization (specific experience with Habitat is a plus).
— Effective written and verbal communication (Spanish-language proficiency is a plus).
— Organizational, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
— Grant writing experience is a plus, but not required.
— Interest in rural issues, community development, affordable housing, and/or public interest design.
Workload and Compensation:
— Twelve months full-time employment beginning August 2015
— Living allowance of $973 per month
— 10 days paid vacation/10 days paid sick leave, for a total of 1960 work hours
— Up to $550 travel reimbursement
— Education award of $5,730 or cash award of $1,500
— Sunny summer days at the river beach just north of town
To apply, submit a letter of interest and resume/CV no later than June 3, 2015 to habitat@ruralandproud.org.
More information on Habitat for Humanity can be found at HFHCC.tumblr.com.