Community Food & Horticulture Outreach VISTA

Community Food & Horticulture Outreach VISTA

In recent years, many different types of disasters have seriously disrupted Nebraskans’ ways of life and created new challenges throughout our communities. This has resulted in devastating reduced income, limited access to food and supportive services, and heightened stress for citizens across the state. The vision of Nebraska Extension is “to be the trusted educational resource for every Nebraskan, inspiring fulfilled, prosperous and healthy lives.”

We are the public outreach and engagement branch of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), we develop and deliver meaningful educational resources and experiences to people of all ages. Our Ameri Corps VISTA program is committed to creating innovative disaster recovery and community resiliency projects that protect and support all Nebraskans in a localized, accessible way. We are looking for VISTA service members who are passionate about transforming lives through education and community outreach, as well as creating resilient communities across Nebraska.

Our ideal service member is ready to tackle exciting challenges, identify creative ways to solve problems, collaborate and self-motivate on projects, and turn innovative ideas into realities. Our members serve in a highly engaging academic environment where they collaborate with university experts, participate in hands‑on experiential learning opportunities, and take advantage of professional development and mentorship programming within the University system to create a relevant, dynamic skillset that ensures success within, as well as outside of, their service term.

The Community Food & Horticulture Outreach VISTA’s role will be to strengthen the educational and supportive projects of Nebraska Extension’s Health & Wellbeing and Horticultural programs with Extension staff and community partners. The VISTA will expand access to resources focused on resiliency for all Nebraskans—especially those with access and functional needs—through enhancing the Master Gardener program’s community partnerships, developing food safety and local foods communication strategies, ensuring Title II accessibility of educational media, developing collaborative tools and systems for long‑term use, and supporting overall program growth.

This position offers an opportunity for growth in community engagement and public outreach, as well as food systems and access work, within a dynamic environment that bridges academia with civic engagement. The project is located in Omaha, a vibrant metropolitan area with plenty to offer in the arts, recreation, and culture.

• Health Coverage*
• Living Allowance
• Relocation Allowance
• Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend
• Training
• Childcare assistance if eligible

• Car recommended
• Permits attendance at school during off hours
• Permits working at another job during off hours

• Neighborhood Revitalization
• Education
• Community Outreach
• Hunger
• Community and Economic Development
• Health

• Public Speaking
• Teaching/Tutoring
• Team Work
• Communications
• Leadership
• Public Health
• Education
• General Skills
• Writing/Editing
• Urban Planning
• Community Organization