Stewards VISTA: Western Slope Conservation Center -AmeriCorps

Position Title

Stewards VISTA:
Western Slope Conservation Center - Ameri Corps

Western Slope Conservation Center

204 Poplar Ave, Paonia, CO 81428

Start Date:

September 8, 2026
End Date:
September 7, 2027
Must serve a 365‑day (1 year) service term
Living Allowance: $68.39/day ($24,962.35/year)

The Western Slope Conservation Center, an Ameri Corps Program, is dedicated to protecting the lands, air, water, and wildlife of western Colorado through conservation, education, and community engagement. Serving the rural communities of the North Fork Valley and surrounding region, the program supports environmental stewardship while strengthening local economies and quality of life rooted in the area’s agricultural, mining, and cultural heritage.

Guided by values of stewardship, collaboration, sustainability, and community responsibility, the program seeks to build resilient communities and foster long‑term environmental and economic well‑being.

This Ameri Corps Position focuses on building organizational capacity by supporting environmental initiatives, developing grant and fundraising strategies, expanding community partnerships, and strengthening volunteer systems. The member will create tools and resources that enhance outreach, education, and engagement with conservation efforts and skill‑building opportunities. Through this service, the member contributes to advancing the organization’s mission by improving systems that support lasting community impact and environmental stewardship.

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

• Plan a minimum of six community environmental stewardship and outreach projects throughout our watershed for staff to lead volunteers with hands‑on environmental education and job‑skill building experiences that support the sustainability and resiliency of rural Colorado’s natural resource base.
• Grow WSCC’s organizational resources by researching funding opportunities, contributing to a minimum of four grant proposals, developing new partnership and sponsorship strategies, and strengthening fundraising capacity for special campaigns.
• Strengthen WSCC’s volunteer program by creating a toolkit for staff for recruiting, stewarding and transitioning responsibilities to volunteer leaders, developing position descriptions for future paid staff, and creating orientation materials and standard operating procedures to ensure program continuity.

• Segal Ameri Corps Education Award of $7,395.00 or choice of cash stipend of approximately $1,800.00.
• Living Allowance of $68.39 per day, disbursed every two weeks.
• Relocation Allowance of $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 status upon successful completion of the term.
• Networking and mentorship.

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• College graduate.
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.

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…