The VISTA  (Volunteers in Service to America) position at Sustainable Living Systems will be full time work on a Community Food Assessment, as part of our project to build a Local Food System in the Bitterroot Valley.

VISTA Duties : The AmeriCorps*VISTA placed with Sustainable Living Systems will work initially on a community food assessment as part of a Community Food Project grant, the goals of which are to improve access to fresh, healthy, locally produced food for low-income folks, schools, seniors and residents of the Bitterroot Valley and to provide improved markets for farmers with a fair return for their products.
        The VISTA will help to interview and survey farmers, ranchers, consumers, students, seniors, restaurants, schools and other institutions in the valley and write a report on the assessment results.   Then the project will engage the community in facilitated meetings to develop a Plan for building a local food system and achieving improved community food security. 
        The project will help to stimulate the start up of new businesses in food production, processing and distribution. The VISTA will help to identify infrastructure and facilities needed for a secure community food system in the Bitterroot Valley and to identify policy changes that will enhance the program as a whole.

 

Applicants must have:
   ~ Bachelor¹s degree or equivalent combination of work experience and education
   ~ Willingness to work with diverse community partners, to listen and to learn
   ~ Familiarity with food systems, sustainable or organic agriculture and ag. policies
   ~ Computer skills and knowledge of basic software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
   ~ Demonstrated work history of completing projects
   ~ Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team
   ~ Good communication skills, including listening, writing and public speaking
   ~ Passion for building community food security and helping low-income people
  
To apply please send a resume and cover letter by e-mail to jill@sustainablelivingsystem.org with "VISTA" in the subject line.   Applications will be taken through mid-June.  For more information, call Jill:  642-3601. 

Compensation: $833/month pre-tax, college loan forbearance, Education Award $4725 upon completion and health care.

Once approved by SLS, all Vista applications must also go through the Montana VISTA coordinator and the application process on the following website:   www.my.americorps.gov