Stewards VISTA: Friends Dunes Y1

For over 44 years, Friends of the Dunes (FOD) has protected and restored coastal ecosystems while connecting people to nature through community-supported education and stewardship programs. Based on the Samoa Peninsula in Humboldt County, California, FOD operates the Humboldt Coastal Nature Center (HCNC), a free visitor center situated between Humboldt Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The HCNC serves as a gateway to more than 2,000 acres of conserved coastal dunes, offering public programs, interpretive exhibits, and access to a 130-acre land trust with an extensive trail system.

The Ameri Corps VISTA member will be based at the HCNC and support a new 6.52-acre land acquisition at 150 Stamps Lane. They will develop plans for staff to improve public access and restore sensitive habitat. Key activities include outreach plans for staff to coordinate community engagement, build partnerships, support master planning efforts, and early project development. We seek a motivated, organized, and community-oriented individual with strong communication, partnership-building, and project coordination skills, and an interest in conservation and public access.

The project timeline aligns with standard Ameri Corps VISTA service terms. For more information, contact Stewards Individual Placements. Those relocating will find a welcoming coastal community with a mild climate, strong environmental values, and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities.

In this role, the Ameri Corps VISTA member will be integral to the Humboldt Coastal Nature Center's growth. They will engage in collaborative strategic and master planning activities to create a vision for the HCNC expansion that aligns with community needs. The Ameri Corps VISTA member will enhance operational effectiveness through institutional capacity-building efforts that support sustainable growth. A key responsibility will be grant‑writing, researching funding opportunities, and crafting proposals to secure resources.

They will develop plans for project management. Additionally, they will develop outreach plans for staff to build relationships with local organizations and residents for gathering community feedback to inform conceptual planning. This position offers a unique chance to make a lasting impact in a coastal community dedicated to environmental stewardship.

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

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

• Environment
• Community Outreach
• Community and Economic Development

• Communications
• General Skills
• Environment
• Non-Profit Management
• Writing/Editing
• Community Organization
• Leadership
• Public Speaking
• Team Work
• Fund raising/Grant Writing