Louisiana Water Network News

Groundwork New Orleans is currently recruiting for a VISTA position that will provide programmatic support and development for the Green Team program, our youth job training and development program. The Vista assists the Green Team Coordinator and students by helping them improve at-risk ecosystems and increase green job opportunities. Duties of this position include writing grants, resource development, working with youth to develop and enhance Green Team programming, meeting with community stakeholders to collect program ideas and promote partnerships, and developing programs for youth employment, education, and volunteer outreach.    

Groundwork New Orleans (GWNO) was established through a significant partnership between the National Park Service and the City of New Orleans and continues to be an active partner in the NPS Groundwork Program. Groundwork New Orleans works to bring about the sustained regeneration, improvement, and management of the physical environment by developing community-based partnerships that empower people, businesses, and organizations to promote environmental, economic and social well-being. During the first 6 years of operation our accomplishments include: completing 15 rain gardens; building one bioswale which drains storm water from 4 industrial sized roofs; piloting an Earth Lab outdoor classroom program; creating a science based research program in the Lower Ninth Ward, called the Green Slice, to aid in the recovery of the area; establishing and expanding the Green Team program; and leveraging private, public, and in–kind contributions to ensure the success and expansion of programs. Major categories of projects have been storm water management, soil remediation, Green Team service learning and urban watershed restoration.     

The DOI/VISTA Team is committed to serving youth, especially at-risk youth, by building early connections to public lands and the environment, and teaching job-skills and experience that will last a lifetime and prepare participants for future employment in conservation related fields.  

The DOI/VISTA Team is an innovative partnership between the Department of the Interior (DOI), and VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America). Focusing on the systemic causes of poverty in underserved communities, VISTAs commit to one year of full-time service as they address specific issues that propel the cycle of poverty in the communities they serve.    

Roles & Responsibilities: 

• VISTAs write grants, attend community meetings, conduct outreach and education, develop resources, fundraise, conduct research, develop strategic planning, build partnerships, etc. 
• VISTAs commit to a full year of National Service with a single sponsoring organization

Benefits:

• Monthly Living Stipend – Based on the cost of living in the community served. (roughly $1000 a month)
• $5,645 AmeriCorps Segal Education Award (Upon Completion of Service)
• Includes Health insurance and child care assistance
• Student Loan Forbearance during Service (Interest Paid by CNCS upon completion of service)
• Professional development; Focus Area Training; and hands-on experience 
• Relocation expenses for members traveling over 50 miles to serve are covered by CNCS

Qualifications:

• Must be a US Citizen, National, or Lawful Permanent Resident.  
• Must have received at least a Bachelor’s Degree.  
• Must submit to a Criminal Background Screening.  
• Must demonstrate a commitment to community service. 
• Strong writing skills, public speaking, and computer literacy.
• Experience in grant writing and fundraising is preferred.
• Experience working with partners, community groups, and in volunteer recruitment.
• Environmental and youth experience highly preferred.    

The position will begin in June/July 2015 and includes a one year commitment to the position  

Please submit a COVER LETTER and RESUME to Alicia@groundworknola.org by June 23rd.

All DOI/VISTA applicants must complete an AmeriCorps application and submit it to the DOI/VISTA Team at the following link:  https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=61407