Common Roots, Inc. AmeriCorps VISTA – Volunteer & Community Engagement Systems South Burlington, VT · Full time Company website

Apply for AmeriCorps VISTA – Volunteer & Community Engagement Systems

Common Roots is a nonprofit organization based in South Burlington, Vermont, working at the intersection of farming, nutrition education, and community food access. Our mission is to build a thriving local food system and healthy community through farming and nutrition education for all ages, where every person has equitable access to nourishing food they enjoy. We operate a diversified organic farm and a range of community-based programs that connect people to fresh food, hands-on learning, and each other. Our work includes Farm to School education, community meals, youth programming, and partnerships with local organizations to expand access to healthy food. As an organization, we are focused on building systems that create long-term impact—strengthening how food is grown, distributed, and accessed across our community.

About the Role

The Volunteer & Community Engagement Systems VISTA will strengthen how Common Roots recruits, engages, and retains volunteers. This role focuses on building systems that expand organizational capacity and support programs that increase access to healthy food.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop strategies to recruit volunteers from schools, businesses, and community organizations
• Improve volunteer roles and structures across farm, kitchen, and education programs
• Build systems to track volunteer participation, retention, and engagement
• Create orientation and training materials
• Support development of long-term engagement pathways

Example Projects

• Build a volunteer tracking system and engagement dashboard
• Develop recruitment pipelines with UVM and local organizations
• Create a pathway from first-time volunteer to leadership roles

Required Skills & Experience

• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work with a wide range of people
• Interest in community engagement and volunteer coordination
• Ability to manage projects and systems

Preferred / Desired Skills

• Experience working with volunteers or community groups
• Interest in nonprofit work, food systems, or education
• Experience with event coordination or outreach

What You’ll Gain

• Experience building volunteer systems at an organizational level
• Skills in leadership development and community engagement
• Exposure to nonprofit operations and program delivery

About Common Roots

Common Roots is building a thriving local food system and healthy community through farming and nutrition education for all ages, where every person has equitable access to nourishing food they enjoy.

Compensation & Benefits

This is an AmeriCorps VISTA position. Members receive a living allowance (~$1,800–$2,000/month), a Segal Education Award (~$7,395) or end-of-service stipend, health coverage, and professional development opportunities.