Position Title: Communications and Outreach – VISTA Summer Associate
Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placement
Site Location: Southwest Conservation Corps
Based in Durango, CO Or Salida CO, depending on applicant preference.
701 Camino del Rio, Suite 101, Durango Colorado, 81301
701 Rainbow Blvd, Salida CO, 81201
Terms of Service:
- Start Date: 6/15/2026
- End Date: 8/21/2026
- AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 300 hours
Purpose:
The VISTA will support Southwest Conservation Corps in building capacity by developing tools, templates and systems focused on outreach initiatives. This role will support the organization in community engagement, fund diversification, and social media systems. The position will be based in one of SCC’s two offices but will provide capacity support for both.
Program Summary:
The Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) is a program of the non-profit service organization, Conservation Legacy, that is built on the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) that operated from 1933 – 1942. SCC provides youth and young adults opportunities to complete conservation projects on public lands. While serving with SCC, members receive training on job skills, conflict resolution, leadership, teamwork, and environmental stewardship. Programs are developed using a step ladder approach to provide a progression of skill development based on a member’s needs. Members receive a weekly living allowance, training, and an AmeriCorps Education Award (for qualifying individuals). SCC has offices in both Durango and Salida, Colorado.
Description of Duties:
Objective 1: Fund Development
The VISTA will help each office expand funding revenue through community connections, sponsorship opportunities, and exploring donor outreach.
- Create templates for sponsorship curation.
- Compile community resources for donor connections and solicitation.
- Develop and strengthen connections with individuals and organizations withing SCC’s service area to create giving and funding opportunities.
Objective 2: Story Collection and Sharing
The VISTA will develop internal outreach frameworks focused on information gathering and community engagement.
- Develop tools, templates, and systems for staff to collect and share impact stories.
- Develop communications templates, content calendars, and suggested messaging for SCC staff use.
- Compile resources around best practices for where and how to share impact stories in the community for increased visibility and engagement.
- Develop and implement Alumni Survey engagement activities, including post service surveys, to collect stories from Alumni and create systems for tracking SCC’s long-term impacts.
Objective 3: Recruitment
The VISTA will update and create systems for more efficient recruitment across programs:
- Review recruitment tools and processes and provide suggested updates to ensure recruitment best practices and consistent tracking recruitment efforts.
- Determine the most successful recruitment engagement mechanisms through applicant audits and develop systems for future tracking.
Qualifications:
- Valid Driver’s License and insurable driving record per personnel policies.
- A personal vehicle is not necessary but recommended for personal travel, an organization vehicle will be provided for all work-related travel.
- Willingness to travel between Salida, CO and Durango, CO offices and willingness to visit crews and other seasonal program personnel in the field is preferred.
- Language: English
- Prior communications and outreach experience are preferred, along with an interest in conservation and/or non-profit organizations.
- United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien.
- At least 17 years of age.
- Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant, and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award
- Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
Physical Requirements:
Conservation Legacy is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Some positions may require periodic overnight travel, non-traditional hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.
Time Requirements:
- Typically, this position is expected to serve full-time, 35-40 hours per week on a Monday through Friday schedule, but exact service schedule may vary. A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service.
- This position permits employment outside of service hours
- This position permits education outside of service hours
Orientation and Training:
- Member will receive an in-depth orientation provided by Southwest Conservation Corps that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
- Member will receive a Virtual Member Orientation (VMO) from VISTA on their first day of service.
Benefits:
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,565.08
- Living Allowance of $957.46 (taxable) every other week.
- Healthcare Coverage if Eligible
- Childcare Coverage if Eligible
- Loan forbearance if Eligible
- Interest Payments if Eligible
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Reduced cost housing opportunities may be available in both the Salida and Durango offices.
Evaluation and Reporting:
As an AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associate, performance will be evaluated on whether the Summer Associate has completed the required number of hours, whether the Summer Associate has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the Summer Associate has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service.
Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking.
Supervisor Name and Contact Information:
Erin Adams
eadams@conservationlegacy.org
330 Harper Park Drive
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 860-0578
Host Organization Contact:
Niki Antonio
nantonio@conservationlegacy.org
Teresa DiTore – SCC Durango Office
tditore@conservationlegacy.org
Kelly Monahon - SCC Salida Office
kmonahon@conservationlegacy.org
Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.
