Construction Systems Specialist VISTA

For one year, get paid to build sustainable solutions in a community, gain valuable hands on experience and prepare for your future. This full-time AmeriCorps service position offers a great opportunity to make an impact in the lives of others while building your own knowledge and skillset.

AmeriCorps VISTA members are Volunteers in Service to America who perform indirect service to build capacity and sustainable solutions.

What will you do?

The construction systems specialist will create, document, and implement a plan to improve construction operations. This will include the development of formalized construction spec sheets, a land decision calculator, and migrating our invoice system to Procore. Each strategy will be documented, tested, and evaluated to ensure sustainability beyond the year of service.

• Evaluate current construction procedures and develop and implement a plan to improve or expand the organization's construction operations.
• Research land purchase decsiion making and best practices with the Director of Porject Development to develop and implement a land inventory strategy for the affiliate. Formalize the process with step-by-step instructions.
• Research construction software, specifically Procore, and how the systems will interact with current programs. Develop a strategy to implement new software and develop training materials on how to operate the invoicing system.

This position will focus on systems development, research, monitoring, and evaluation aspects of Habitat affiliate operations.

Where will you serve?

• Organization name: Habitat for Humanity Portland Region
• Nearest metropolitan area: Portland, OR
• Full-time staff: 69
• Expected number of AmeriCorps members: 7
• Activities and attractions: NW OR presents an array of activities that are sure to appeal to AmeriCorps members seeking engaging assignments. Washington County offers dozens of parks/hiking trails with beautiful views. Wine aficionados will be delighted with dozens of wineries to visit. Historic Hillsboro adds a touch of charm with its shops and cultural events. In Multnomah County the breathtaking Multnomah Falls stands as a natural marvel and boasts an extensive network of hiking trails. Sports fans can catch the excitement of a Blazer game, see the Portland Timbers & Thorns in action, and check out the AZ Diamondback farm team, the Hillsboro Hops. Both counties boast a vibrant food scene from diverse food cart pods to craft breweries (in 2023 we won more James Beard awards than any other city!). Let's ski Mt. Hood in the AM and swim into the sunset in the Pacific Ocean the same day. Whatever your passion, AmeriCorps members will find a surplus of options for personal and professional growth.
• Unique projects: Green building techniques are used, and many neighborhoods are now being build solar ready. Neighborhoods are wired for electric vehicles, and we are installing charging stations for private/public use. We were recently awarded the Earth Advantage Green Builder of the Year award in the low-income housing category.

Benefits of AmeriCorps service

• Living allowance of $22,881.85 for one year of service.
• Segal Education Award of $7,395 (lifetime maximum of two full education awards) OR end-of-service cash stipend of approximately $1,800, upon successful completion of service.
• Forbearance for most federally-guaranteed student loans.
• Health care benefits and enrollment in Employee Assistance Plan.
• 10 personal and 10 medical leave days.
• Personal and professional development opportunities.
• Childcare benefits, if you qualify.
• Noncompetitive eligibility status for federal employment for one year after successful completion of service.
• Relocation assistance: Mileage and a $750 settling in allowance for members relocating more than 50 miles to serve.

Supplemental Benefits

• Housing stipend paid directly to your landlord ($550 per month)

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must hold one of the following citizenship statuses: US citizen, US National, Lawful Permanent Resident Aliens or is a person residing in a state that have the following legal residency classifications: refugee, asylum or asylee, temporary protected status, or deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status. Applicants must be at least 18 or older and have a high school diploma or GED.

What are we looking for?

Our ideal candidates:

• Are passionate about serving the community through direct service.
• Demonstrate respect for diversity of opinion, experience, and background.
• Desire to gain hands-on experience in the affordable housing and nonprofit sector.
• Have experience working on a team.
• Possess stellar interpersonal communication skills.
• Are motivated and committed to serve full time and in person.