Ecological Sustainability Program Assistant

Qualifications & Requirements: Team player • good communicator • flexible attitude • eager to learn • physically active able to work in all weather conditions • ability to lift at least 30 lbs with stooping or bending • interact inter-generationally & inter-culturally • teach and lead others in land stewardship • handle and store herbicides in a responsible manner • able to take direction & accept constructive criticism • able to prioritize & handle multiple tasks • attention to detail and organizational skills • strong sense of responsibility and follow-through

Duties & Responsibilities:

The AmeriCorps member will work in three overall areas 1) community engagement and education, 2) natural areas management, and 3) research and program development. Within those categories, job responsibilities include:

• Teaching or leading workshops to the congregation and broader community on the benefits of sustainable and regenerative practices, including the importance of native habitats
• Developing educational materials such as videos or written articles for internal and external publication
• Facilitating one to two educational workshops or outreach programs to the Nelson County/Bardstown community.
• Leading volunteer groups to remove invasive plant species on campus
• Collecting and tracking the congregation’s greenhouse gas emissions
• Researching sustainable and regenerative practices to support congregational activities
• Building relationships with community members and stakeholders to continue to advance the Sisters’ mission to “care for Earth”; act as community outreach liaison to educate the broader public through seasonal workshops.
• Disaster Relief Team—respond to occasional disasters within a radius of 500 miles

Gardens and Grounds Assistant

Qualifications & Requirements: Team player • good communicator • flexible attitude • eager to learn • physically active able to work in all weather conditions • able to lift at least 50 lbs with stooping or bending • interact inter-generationally and inter-culturally • teach and lead others in land stewardship • handle and store herbicides in a responsible manner • able to take direction & accept constructive criticism • able to prioritize & handle multiple tasks • attention to detail and organizational skills • strong sense of responsibility and follow-through

Duties & Responsibilities:

The AmeriCorps member will work in three overall areas 1) community garden administration and assisting in the management of the Sister’s cafeteria garden production 2) horticultural management of campus grounds and installations, and 3) education and engagement with the immediate and greater community about initiatives at SCN. Within those categories, job responsibilities include:

• Liaison between Grounds Director and community garden members including start/end of season, special events, requests for assistance.
• Assist garden manager with all aspects of production from seed and input sourcing to harvest and post-harvest storage and delivery of fruits, vegetables and herbs to cafeteria.
•  Work as part of grounds crew to maintain aesthetic and safe campus environment. Horticultural duties include installing and/ or maintaining new or existing flower, shrub and tree plantings. Other duties may include weather event cleanup, snow removal and cemetery maintenance as well as mowing and weed eating.
•  Facilitate information workshops/session to both on-campus and off-campus groups regarding initiatives and efforts relating to overall mission and vision of organization
• Disaster Relief Team—respond to occasional disasters within a radius of 500 miles

Learn More

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Covid-19 FAQs:

1. Will I be able to start service this fall?
Yes! Though our worlds’ most immediate needs may have changed, our values remain the same, and our work continues. While the 2021-22 service year may look different than in years past, we look forward to welcoming your heart and flexibility to the SCN Volunteer and NDMVA teams.

General FAQs:

1. What are the requirements of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth (SCN) Volunteer Program & Notre Dame Mission Volunteers AmeriCorps (NDMVA) program?
We accept and encourage applications from individuals who have a high school diploma, college education, and/or work experience.

2. Can I still serve if I have a criminal record?
A criminal record is not automatically disqualifying. All applicants are required to complete a criminal history background check. Our staff reviews criminal checks on an individual basis, and will follow up with you if there are any questions.

3. How long is my commitment? What will my day-to-day schedule typically look like?
Members serve for 11 months, from approximately September 1 through July. In order to be eligible for the education award, members must complete 1700 hours, about 40 hours per week. Members can also earn hours by volunteering with other organizations and/or projects during their free time.

4. What are the financial arrangements and/or benefits of the AmeriCorps program?
Members are provided with health insurance and a living allowance of $16,502 for the year, which is distributed bi-weekly. Childcare assistance is available for members who may need it. Members also receive an education award of $6,495 (before taxes) after completing their year of service, which may be applied to qualified loans or future education.

5. If I relocate from my home to Nazareth, KY, will I be reimbursed for travel expenses?
As a regular AmeriCorps member, you will be responsible for transportation to and from your service city, and for daily transportation to and from your site. The AmeriCorps program will pay for transportation to and from the February mid-year conference, and other workshops held throughout the year.

6. Is housing provided for me, or is this my responsibility?
We offer the option housing on the SCN campus in our volunteer house. This house is used throughout the year for volunteers attending mission trips, summer volunteers, volunteer visitors, and AmeriCorps volunteers. Individuals rooms with shared kitchen, living room, bathrooms. A donation can be offered for the use of this space.

7. What kind of training do members receive?
Our program kicks off each September with a local or regional orientation. This initial orientation is conducted in an atmosphere of friendship, fellowship, and learning. Orientations vary by city, but all include an introduction to national service, local issues, and practical training. Site Directors provide additional training and supervision and keep members informed of opportunities for further training. In addition to the orientation in September, there is a national mid-year training in February and workshops are offered throughout the service year.

8. Is it possible to defer my student loans during my AmeriCorps service?
By filling out a request form (instructions provided at orientation), you may request loan forbearance for your federal student loans. You will not have to make payments during your period of forbearance, although interest continues to accumulate on your loans. If you qualify for loan forbearance and receive an education award, you can submit another request at the end of your service term for the National Service Trust to pay any interest that accrued during your service. This amount is in addition to your education award.

9. How does the education award work? What can it be used for?
Upon completing your 1700 hours of service with the SCN Volunteer and NDA Programs, you will receive an education award that can be used to repay student loans and/or attend college. You will be taxed on the education award in the year that you use it. The award is good for up to seven years after you receive it, and you can earn up to two awards. For more information, please visit the education award page at the AmeriCorps website: www.americorps.gov.

10. Am I allowed to have a part-time job and/or take college courses part-time during my year of service?
Members do have the option to have a part-time job or take classes during their year of service as long as it does not conflict with their service hours. This is a personal choice for each member, but it should also be discussed with and approved by your Site Director. No matter what you do with your free time, remember that the quality of your service as an AmeriCorps member is most important, and you should consider this in making any scheduling choices.

11. Can I join if I am not a US citizen?
In order to be an AmeriCorps member, you must be a US citizen, national, or legal permanent resident of the US. However, you may be able to join our Summer Internship Program or join in on a short-term/long-term mission experience with our SCN Lay Mission Volunteer Program. You will not be eligible for some benefits available only to AmeriCorps members, but you may still have the opportunity to give a year of your life to serving others. Please contact us if you would like to know more about the Lay Mission Volunteer Program or visit scnfamily.org/volunteer.