Rich Earth Institute

About Rich Earth

The Rich Earth Institute reclaims human urine as a safe, sustainable fertilizer that prevents watershed pollution and conserves clean water. We demonstrate urine recycling is possible through our community-scale program, and support others in completing the nutrient cycle through research, education, and technological development.

About SerVermont AmeriCorps VISTA

The SerVermont AmeriCorps VISTA Program is a statewide national service program. Founded in 1965, Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) is an anti-poverty program designed to provide needed resources to nonprofit organizations and public agencies to increase their capacity to lift communities out of poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA provides opportunities for Americans 18 years or older from diverse backgrounds to dedicate a year of full-time service with an organization to create or expand programs designed to empower individuals and communities in overcoming poverty.

Responsibilities

• Strengthen Rich Earth’s capacity to support resilient housing, sanitation management, and disaster preparedness in Windham County, Vermont.
• Improve affordability of creating new housing by providing more affordable, disaster-resilient, and environmentally friendly sanitation options for homeowners, housing developers, and community housing projects.
• Communications focused on outreach, networking, and relationship-building.
• Coordinate, publicize, and support the launching of a compost toilet service.
• Document the compost toilet service operations and outcomes to create new resources.
• Expand the scope, content, and reach of Rich Earth’s education programs.

Qualifications

• Experience with or interest in architectural or urban planning.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with a team, take initiative, and engage in open communication.
• Capable of communicating about science to different audiences, including writing and presenting about research in an engaging way.
• Enthusiasm for creative approaches to community engagement and storytelling.
• Good organization skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with or interest in disaster preparedness.

Pay

Living Allowance: Paid bi-weekly, totaling $24,962 (pre-Federal taxes) for the full year of service.

Schedule

VISTAs serve full-time (35 – 40 hours per week) for one year (365 days). Position dates: 10/1/2026 – 08/09/2027.

Benefits

• End-of-Service Award (choice of one):
  • Segal Education Award: $7,395 to pay for future tuition or pay off qualified student loans. Good for 7 years.
  • Cash Stipend: A $1,800 cash payment (taxable) upon completion.
• Healthcare Coverage: Members without coverage can join the VISTA Health Benefit Plan through IMG Global (not insurance), covering office visits, labs, emergency care, and some dental/vision.
• Relocation Allowance: Members moving over 50 miles for service may receive a settling-in allowance and travel assistance up to $750.
• Non-Competitive Eligibility (NCE): VISTA alumni gain special status that makes it easier to get hired for federal jobs for one year after service.
• Loan Forbearance: Qualified student loans may be deferred or put into forbearance during the service term.