AmeriCorps/VISTA Flood Recovery Project Job Opportunities in Iowa

The school year is nearly finished, and many young adults are looking for work in a depressed job market. They’re not alone. Unemployment is at a record high across the nation. People who’ve had the same job for decades are out of work and wondering what to do next. Some are now changing career paths and considering opportunities they would never have imagined if they hadn’t been laid off.

Perhaps you, too, are a job seeker. Perhaps you are looking for a challenge unlike any you’ve tried before. Maybe you’re even looking for an adventure and a way to help others.

Volunteers display some of the debris they found. Photo © 2007 Corporation for National and Community Service, Office of Public Affairs

If you are a U.S. citizen or a “lawful permanent resident above the age of 17,”  love the outdoors, and care about the environment, then consider joining the Americorps or VISTA.

You’ll learn new skills, make new friends, and earn a bit for your work. You won’t get rich, if money is how you count your riches, but you will be wealthy beyond imagination through the experiences you’ll have and the memories you’ll make.

As Linda Yanney, a 50+ volunteer told me when she asked me to run the following announcement for jobs in Iowa, “I’m having the time of my life!” You don’t have to be from Iowa to apply for the Flood Recovery team, but you do have to hurry. Hiring begins soon.

The following is just a sample of the many jobs available. Check the AmeriCorps website for other opportunities to serve throughout the U.S.  — Publisher

The Americorps/VISTA Corridor Flood Recovery team in Johnson County is currently recruiting 20 people for 8-10 week summer assignments and 12 people for year-long positions. It would be great to have people on the team who are involved in green projects, sustainability, recycling — the whole spectrum, really. Our team will continue to help with flood recovery, as we did last summer, but we’ll also be working with a number of local neighborhood projects and agencies who have been helping individuals recover from the flood and other economic factors, like the Food Bank, Shelter House, and the Neighborhood Centers. We’re open to other ideas for projects as well.

The hiring window is pretty narrow, so anyone who might be interested should apply as soon as possible.

To apply, go to http://www.AmeriCorps.gov/. In the “Join AmeriCorps!” box, choose “Disaster Relief” from the drop-down menu. Then choose “IA” from the drop-down box, and click “search.” Click on “VISTA Flood Recovery.” Click on “Apply Now!”  Tech support is available between the hours of 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday at (866) 473-5733.

The VISTA Flood Recovery project includes Iowa’s Linn and Johnson Counties, and there are openings on both teams.  Please let our team know if you want to be assigned here, so we can follow your application.  I’ll be happy to answer questions about projects in either area.

Linda J. Yanney
VISTA Corridor Flood Recovery
Johnson County Team
Iowa City, IA 52240
Office: (319) 625-2117
iowacity@vistacorridorrecovery.org
Facebook: Americorps VISTA Iowa City

Blue Planet Green Living (Home Page)