Stewards VISTA: Lake Fork Valley Conservancy

Job Overview

Position Title: Stewards VISTA: Lake Fork Valley Conservancy – AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements, East

Site Location: 188 Silver Street

City, State or Full Address: Lake City, CO 81235

Terms of Service:

Start Date: July 13, 2026

End Date: July 12, 2027

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

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

Purpose:

The Lake Fork Valley Conservancy (LFVC) is a Colorado-based nonprofit and an AmeriCorps Program that has worked since 1998 to protect, enhance, and advocate for the stunning natural landscapes of the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River Valley. Nestled in Lake City—one of the most remote and scenic communities in the continental United States—LFVC serves a small but passionate year-round population of about 400 residents in Hinsdale County, a place where over 90% of the land is publicly owned and intact ecosystems are the norm rather than the exception. Guided by the values of watershed stewardship, conservation education, and community-based environmental action, LFVC brings together residents, partners, and visitors to care for this remarkable landscape and ensure it remains healthy and accessible for generations to come.

The AmeriCorps VISTA member will serve with LFVC to help the organization grow its capacity to engage and mobilize the community around conservation and stewardship. In this AmeriCorps Position, the member will develop outreach resources and build volunteer management systems that make it easier for LFVC to connect with residents, coordinate supporters, and communicate its mission and impact effectively. By putting these tools and systems in place, the member will help LFVC deepen its roots in the Lake City community and expand its ability to protect one of Colorado’s most extraordinary natural landscapes for years to come..

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

Description of Duties:

• Research and develop new citizen science and environmental education programs
• Engage in business planning to determine economic feasibility
• Development of communications and resource development plans.
• Prepare outreach and marketing materials for programs and fundraising appeals.
• Develop and analyze program evaluations to measure impact and inform future strategic priorities.
• Develop a toolkit for staff to coordinate LFVC’s three annual fundraising events.
• Improve LFVC’s volunteer and donor database.
• Develop strategic plans for donor outreach and grant writing.

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), 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.

Benefits:

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award* of $7,395.00

o   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.

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 Camille Richard, [email protected]

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.