Pittsburgh City Planning Vacant Land Program VISTA

Gain valuable nonprofit operations experience while making a difference as an AmeriCorps VISTA serving with the Pittsburgh Department of City Planning.   

The Department of City Planning (DCP) is looking for a dedicated VISTA volunteer to join our team and help elevate our vacant land stewardship programs. This position is a fantastic opportunity for individuals passionate about urban planning and community development to make a significant impact on how vacant lands are managed and utilized in our city. 

As a VISTA volunteer with the Department of City Planning (DCP), you will start by conducting research to identify best practices in vacant land stewardship, engaging with local community groups through surveys and interviews to gather valuable insights and feedback, and analyzing this data to pinpoint gaps and opportunities in existing programs. In the program development and capacity-building phase, you will work closely with DCP staff to enhance current programs and assist in launching new initiatives. This includes developing and refining processes and systems to improve vacant land stewardship and piloting two new initiatives to evaluate their effectiveness. Lastly, you will create and implement a marketing and education strategy aimed at boosting public awareness and communication about vacant land stewardship programs, including developing outreach materials and coordinating community engagement efforts. 

The PCRG VISTA program has been successful in advancing the careers of its VISTA members, who are given opportunities for professional development (i.e., classes, conferences, etc.) while gaining experience in nonprofit operations. About 70% of VISTAs that complete their year with one of PCRG’s host sites go on to staff positions at community non-profits, while the other 30% have pursued higher education, often supported by the end-of-service education award. A VISTA year also provides benefits such as student loan deferment, healthcare, childcare assistance, relocation assistance, and more. Learn more about VISTA benefits on the AmeriCorps website: https://americorps.gov/members-volunteers/vista/benefits .