Engagement & Partnership Coordinator VISTA Position
The United States Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service Southern Region Volunteers & Service Programs increases Forest Service capacity by engaging diverse populations in volunteer opportunities, and further support workforce development service programs in conservation careers. These positions will provide benefits to the well-being of the public while volunteering and gaining valuable work experience in environmental stewardship. The COE anticipates revenue benefits to local rural communities from increases in forest visitation from sustainable recreation initiatives/community economic development/ecotourism and voluntourism activities. The VISTA Corps member will assist with recruiting volunteers and developing integrated projects for all resource areas in their assigned national forests throughout the Southern Region. The benefits to this program will be spread out amongst recreation, wildlife, and ecosystem restoration programs.
VISTAs will be identifying and pursuing innovative funding opportunities with strategic volunteer and service partners through grants and resource development. Other duties of the position will consist of creating best practices for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) in volunteer management and workforce programs. Members will understand the tie between environmental and economic health. They address community environmental needs and raise awareness of the environment’s role in human and community well-being through the creation of economic opportunities that benefit communities.
Stewards VISTA: USFS - Andrew Pickens - Chattooga Ranger Districts (Mountain Rest, SC or Lakemont, GA)
Stewards VISTA: USFS - Appalachian Ranger Ranger District (Mars Hill, NC)
Stewards VISTA: USFS – Bankhead Ranger District (Double Springs, AL)
Stewards VISTA: USFS - Blue Ridge – Conasauga Ranger District (Blairsville or Chatsworth, GA)
Stewards VISTA: USFS - Cheoah-Tusquittee Ranger Districts (Murphy or Robbinsville, NC)
Stewards VISTA: USFS - Cherokee National Forest South Zone (Benton, TN)
Stewards VISTA: USFS - Clinch Ranger Districts (Norton, VA)
Stewards VISTA: USFS - Daniel Boone National Forest (Winchester, KY)
Stewards VISTA: USFS - Desoto Ranger District (Wiggins, MS)
Stewards VISTA: USFS - North River Ranger District (Harrisonburg, VA)
Stewards VISTA: USFS – Osceola Ranger District (Lake City, FL)
VISTA will receive a non-competitive direct hiring authority once service year is completed.