Stewards VISTA: NM Forest & Watershed Restoration Institute-Collaboration Specialist– AmeriCorps

The Stewards VISTA Collaboration Specialist position at Conservation Legacy focuses on enhancing community-based collaborative conservation efforts in New Mexico. The role involves expanding networks, improving resource accessibility, and supporting training initiatives. The position requires a one-year commitment starting July 14, 2025, with a living allowance of $68.39/day. It is based in Las Vegas or Rio Rancho, NM, indicating that it is not a remote job.
Position Title: Stewards VISTA: NM Forest & Watershed Restoration Institute-Collaboration Specialist– AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements, East
Site Location: Las Vegas, NM or Rio Rancho, NM (near Albuquerque)
City, State or Full Address: 810 National Ave, Las Vegas, NM 87701 OR 1700 Grande Ct SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124

PLEASE APPLY USING THIS LINK: My AmeriCorps - Home Page

Terms of Service:

Start Date: 07/14/25
End Date: 07/13/26
Must serve a 365-day (1 year) service term
Living Allowance: $68.39/day ($24,962.35/year)

Purpose:
This AmeriCorps Program aims to strengthen community-based collaborative conservation (CBCC) efforts in New Mexico, supporting ecological resilience, adaptive forest management, and restoration-based economic development in rural areas. Guided by values of collaboration, capacity building, and sustainability, the program addresses critical land, air, and water and economic challenges by fostering partnerships and empowering local communities to reduce wildfire risks and promote conservation.
The VISTA Collaboration Specialist, an AmeriCorps Position, will expand and enhance networks of CBCC organizations, improve access to resources, and lead training initiatives in collaborative techniques, financial development, and problem-solving. By bridging local and statewide efforts, the member’s service will connect ecological conservation with rural economic growth, creating lasting impacts on forest health and community vitality.

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

Description of Duties:
The VISTA Collaboration Specialist will:

Expand Collaborative Networks:

Strengthen and grow the existing network of community-based collaborative conservation (CBCC) organizations in New Mexico.
Facilitate connections between regional CBCC groups to enhance collaborative capacity and knowledge sharing.

Create New Resource Networks:

Develop a new network to improve the accessibility of financial, informational, and technical resources for CBCC groups.
Establish partnerships and coordinate with stakeholders to address resource gaps.

Support Training and Skill Development:

Assist in creating and delivering training programs focused on collaboration techniques, adaptive management practices, conflict resolution, and leadership development.
Promote skill-building initiatives to empower community members in collaborative conservation efforts.

Engage in Economic Development:

Support restoration-based economic development projects in rural communities by connecting CBCC efforts with local economic opportunities.
Participate in planning and implementing strategies that align ecological restoration with job creation and poverty reduction.

Collaborate on Statewide and Multi-State Initiatives:

Contribute to broader efforts aimed at developing resources and tools to support CBCC organizations across New Mexico and beyond.
Represent the program at CBCC meetings and training sessions, both in-person and through virtual platforms.

Qualifications:

United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien
At least 18 years of age
Has received a four-year college degree
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) from 7/14/25 to 7/13/26, 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.

The VISTA will primarily serve in a hybrid environment, requiring occasional travel to CBCC meetings and trainings to ensure active engagement and effective program delivery.

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

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 (she/her), agilkerson@conservationlegacy.org
For site related information, contact Crystal Medina (she/her), camedina@nmhu.edu

PLEASE APPLY USING THIS LINK: My AmeriCorps - Home Page

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.