RamCorps Member Chaffee County Fairgrounds Development

Colorado State University • Salida, CO

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This AmeriCorps Member will be based in Salida, Colorado at the Chaffee County Fairgrounds and County Extension Office. The Member will play a key role in community engagement and infrastructure planning to support the Fairgrounds and Extension programs. Primary responsibilities include developing, administering, and interpreting public input through surveys, focus groups, and forums to prioritize elements from past Fairgrounds master plans that address the needs of county residents and current users. The Member will compile findings into a comprehensive report for Chaffee County Government to guide future Fairgrounds investments. We are seeking applicants who are professional, detail-oriented, and enthusiastic about community development and engagement. Ideal candidates will be self-directed, innovative, and comfortable working with diverse groups of people. Applicants who demonstrate strong communication skills, critical thinking, and the ability to collaborate effectively are especially encouraged to apply.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old at start of service.
• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
• The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date; OEE will not sponsor a visa for this position.
• Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States
• Able to pass a National Service Criminal History Check (state, FBI, and National Sex Offender Public Website checks) per 45 CFR 2540.202.
• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Experience with office management tools such as Microsoft Office suite, Google suite, and others.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Completed bachelor's degree.
• Experience gathering public input through surveys, focus groups, etc.
• Demonstrated experience working in and supporting a collaborative team environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, administer and interpret public input feedback through focus groups, forums or surveys of current fairgrounds users and county residents to assist in prioritizing elements included in past Fairgrounds master plans to address County residents needs
• Develop a report for Chaffee County Government on public and current users expressed priorities for Fairgrounds investments.
• Research expected returns with fee for service use of facilities (event centers with variety of amenities, bathrooms), campgrounds with and without electric, and incubator farm and Community Barn programs.
• Develop a report for Chaffee County Government with the Return on Investment of proposed infrastructure improvements.
• Work with Extension Director and Chaffee County Fair Board on aspects of Fair that have proposed infrastructure improvements (vendors, camping, activities at the Demonstration Garden)
• Strengthen community aspects and public-facing events at the County Fair, and gather data from Fair vendors and contractors on infrastructure needs.
• Take CSU Landscape Architecture students’ garden designs for the demonstration garden and host feedback sessions in person or virtually to gather community buy in on what residents, program participants and neighbors want.
• collected input on garden design will be put into practice with $5,000 award from the Colorado Garden Foundation in the fall.
• Accurately complete and submit enrollment paperwork, timesheets; report data as requested.
• Wear official CSU / AmeriCorps identity items and represent AmeriCorps and Colorado State University Extension professionally.

Benefits

• A living allowance of approximately $941.53 for half-time members per pay period on a bi-weekly cycle for an approximate total of $12,240 for the term of service.
• Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member.
• An education award of $3,697.50 earned upon successful completion of term of service.
• It is possible to temporarily postpone repayment of qualified student loans through forbearance while serving as an AmeriCorps member.
• Possible mileage reimbursement for travel to required trainings and days of service.
• Access to ongoing professional development trainings and resources through the university.
• Experience working with professionals in the field with on the ground training.
• Non-tangible benefits including making a difference in a community, valuable networking opportunities, and serving the local community in an identified area of need.
• Alumni benefits include priority hiring with organizations that are part of Employers of National Service and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to eliminate educational debt.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED