Stewards VISTA: Freshwaters Illustrated, UT- AmeriCorps

This is an AmeriCorps Program dedicated to expanding educational opportunities in natural resource fields for underserved and rural communities across Tennessee. By partnering with Freshwaters Illustrated, UT Extension aims to equip K-12 teachers and 4-H Agents with hands-on learning experiences that inspire youth and prepare them for careers in conservation, watershed science, and environmental stewardship. This AmeriCorps Position will support the Water Teachers program by developing curriculum, coordinating outreach, organizing community events, and building partnerships to strengthen community engagement. The member will play a vital role in creating sustainable pathways for youth to explore careers in natural resources while fostering volunteer networks and expanding environmental education efforts in Tennessee’s underserved communities.

Job Overview

Position Title: Stewards VISTA: Freshwaters Illustrated, UT- AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements, East

Site Location: Knoxville, TN

City, State or Full Address: 2506 E J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996

Terms of Service:

Start Date: 06/02/25

End Date: 06/01/26

Must serve a 365-day (1 year) service term

Living Allowance: $68.39/day ($24,962.35/year)

PLEASE APPLY USING THIS LINK: My AmeriCorps – Home Page

The AmeriCorps VISTA member will build capacity and develop sustainable solutions to alleviate poverty in underserved communities.

Description of Duties:

• Work with teachers, 4-H agents, and community groups to bring hands-on environmental education to youth.
• Organize and promote events in rural and small-town communities across Southern Appalachia.
• Create engaging content for social media, flyers, and other outreach materials.
• Recruit and support volunteers to connect students with careers in conservation.
• Help evaluate program success and find funding through grants and sponsorships.
• Gain valuable experience in education, outreach, and community development while making a real impact!

Qualifications:

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien
• At least 18 years of age
• College Graduate
• 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) from 6/02/25 to 6/01/26, but exact schedules may vary.
• Member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.

Orientation and Training:

• Member will receive an orientation 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.

Evaluation and Reporting:

As an AmeriCorps VISTA member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed their required year of service; the member has satisfactorily completed assignments; and if the member 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, accomplishment tracking, and quarterly reporting.

Supervisor Name and Contact Information:

For VISTA related information, contact Addie Gilkerson, [email protected]

For site related information, contact Jeremy Monroe, [email protected]

PLEASE APPLY USING THIS LINK: My AmeriCorps – Home Page

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.

Special Benefits

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award* of $7,395.00
  • or choice of cash stipend of ~$1,800.00
• Living Allowance of $68.39 per day, disbursed every 2 weeks
• Relocation Allowance ($750) if Eligible
• Healthcare Coverage* if Eligible
• Childcare Coverage* if Eligible
• Loan forbearance if Eligible
• Interest Payments if Eligible
• Training and Professional Development Opportunities
• Employee Wellness Program (access to a licensed, professional counselor and 24/7 support)
• Non-Competitive Eligibility* (NCE) status upon successful completion of the term
• Networking and Mentorship

*For more information regarding the Segal Education Award, check out this link as well as alternative uses for the award here.

*For details about AmeriCorps VISTA healthcare benefits, please visit http://www.vistacampus.gov/healthcare.

*For more information regarding the AmeriCorps VISTA Childcare benefit, please visit https://americorpschildcare.com/.

*For details about Non-Competitive Eligibility, please visit https://my.americorps.gov/trust/help/member_portal/non_competitive_eligibility_overview.htm.