Stewards VISTA: Northfork Local Food -AmeriCorps

Position Title:

Stewards VISTA:

Northfork Local Food -

AmeriCorps Conservation Legacy Program:

Stewards Individual Placements, East Site Location:

Northfork Local Food City, State or Full Address:

420 Main Street, Hazard, Kentucky 41701

Terms of Service:

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)

Purpose:

Northfork Local Food, an AmeriCorps 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 AmeriCorps 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 AmeriCorps VISTA member will build capacity and develop sustainable solutions to alleviate poverty in underserved communities.

Description of Duties:

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.

Qualifications:

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 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, agilkerson@conservationlegacy.org For site related information, contact Jennifer Weeber, jennifer@cfaky.org 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.