Stewards VISTA: Northfork Local Food -AmeriCorps

Position Title: Stewards VISTA:
Northfork Local Food
-Ameri Corps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements, East

Site

Location:

Northfork Local Food

City, State or Full Address: 420 Main Street, Hazard, Kentucky 41701

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)

Northfork Local Food, an Ameri Corps Program, is dedicated to strengthening the local food system in Southeast Kentucky by connecting farmers, producers, and consumers and supporting a regional transition toward agriculture, land stewardship, and agritourism. The program serves rural Appalachian communities with deep cultural roots, working to sustain farming traditions, support local economies, and increase the availability of locally sourced food.

Guided by values of collaboration, stewardship, cultural preservation, and community resilience, the program seeks to build strong partnerships and sustainable systems that honor regional heritage while fostering long‑term growth.

This Ameri Corps Position focuses on building organizational capacity as Northfork Local Food transitions from a volunteer‑led model to one supported by full‑time staff. The member will develop resources and systems to strengthen partnerships, support regional collaboration, enhance community education, and build fund development and resource‑sharing efforts. Through this service, the member plays a key role in advancing the organization’s mission to sustain local foodways and strengthen community‑driven economic opportunity.

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

Build out internal nonprofit infrastructure through strategic planning; research and develop funding proposals (public & private); develop toolkits for staff to engage in coalition building. Most of all, be a part of our community with a passion for food, environment, and good health.

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien
• Must be 18 years of age
• Some College Required
• 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 hiring manager.

• 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.

• Member will receive an orientation that includes training on Ameri Corps prohibited and unallowable activities.
• Member will receive a Virtual Member Orientation (VMO) from VISTA on their first day of service.

• Segal Ameri Corps 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…