Construction Systems Development VISTA - 2026-27
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 development VISTA member creates, documents and implements a plan to improve construction operations. Explore construction processes and systems currently in place to help identify best practices and areas for improvement. Develop and implement an enhanced construction operations plan that addresses preparation, planning, scheduling, home repairs, green building techniques and work site safety. Test, evaluate and revise the project plan; develop manuals and training to ensure sustainability beyond your service.
- Evaluate current construction procedures and develop and implement a plan to improve or expand the organization’s construction operations.
- Research green building techniques that would benefit the local Habitat and, in collaboration with construction staff, develop and document green and sustainable building practices for the construction department.
- Research and develop systems for improvement regarding work safety and training for onsite volunteers.
Organization name: Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana
Nearest metropolitan area: Chicago
Full-time staff: 4
Expected number of AmeriCorps members: 4
Number of homes to be built: 6
Activities and attractions: Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, the Gary, Indiana area offers a unique blend of outdoor recreation and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore the beautiful Indiana Dunes National and State Parks, known for their sandy beaches and spectacular lake views. The region is also rich in history and local culture, with museums, historic sites, and community events throughout Northwest Indiana. For even more entertainment and attractions, downtown Chicago is just 30 minutes from our local office, providing easy access to world-class museums, theaters, restaurants, and iconic landmarks.
Unique projects: The Construction Systems Development VISTA will help Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana expand affordable housing by creating standardized construction, safety, training, and project management systems. The role will strengthen organizational capacity, improve efficiency, support volunteer engagement, and leave sustainable resources that enable the affiliate to build more homes and serve more families throughout Lake County.
When will you serve?
Start dates are flexible and based on this location’s availability. Talk to the hiring manager for this position about start dates during your interview process. The start date will be 4-6 weeks from receiving an offer and no earlier than September 2026.
Benefits of AmeriCorps service
• Annual living allowance range from $24,962 to $40,869, determined by the service location; most locations are on the lower end of this range.
• Segal Education Award of $7,395, upon successful completion of service.
• Forbearance for most federally guaranteed student loans.
• Health care benefits and enrollment in Employee Assistance Plan.
• Ten 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 travel assistance for members relocating more than 50 miles to serve
Supplemental Benefits
Housing stipend paid directly to your landlord - $400 per month
Grocery gift card - $100 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 developing sustainable solutions for a nonprofit organization.
• 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.
• A personal vehicle is required for service.
About Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity, founded in 1976, is a global, Christian-based nonprofit organization that grew out of an intentionally multi-racial community in rural Georgia. Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat brings together people of all faiths and people of no faith to build homes, communities and hope. Working alongside each other, we help families and individuals build and improve places to call home and achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Habitat seeks individuals who have a willingness to affirm these principles and values.
At Habitat for Humanity International, we are compelled by our Koinonia roots to put God’s love for all into action and pursue housing equity and opportunity by bringing all people together to build community and drive impact. We strive to build a culture rooted in learning, accountability and trust, attracting and retaining mission-driven talent reflective of the global communities we serve.
As an equal opportunity employer, we realize our success depends on courageously committing to being a workplace where all staff feel safe, welcome, visible, respected, supported and valued, and building a workforce that reflects a variety of lived experiences, backgrounds and perspectives, in which every person experiences dignity and respect.
We also require that all staff take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguarding our intended beneficiaries, their communities (especially children) and all those with whom we work. In line with the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse, all staff must pass a thorough background screening and will be held accountable to upholding our policies around ethical behavior, including safeguarding and whistleblowing.