In recent years, many different types of disasters have seriously disrupted Nebraskans’ ways of life and created new challenges throughout our communities. This has resulted in devastating reduced income, limited access to food and supportive services, and heightened stress for citizens across the state. The vision of Nebraska Extension is “to be the trusted educational resource for every Nebraskan, inspiring fulfilled, prosperous and healthy lives.” We are the public outreach and engagement branch of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), we develop and deliver meaningful educational resources and experiences to people of all ages. Our AmeriCorps VISTA program is committed to creating innovative disaster recovery and community resiliency projects that protect and support all Nebraskans in a localized, accessible way. We are looking for VISTA service members who are passionate about transforming lives through research and innovation, as well as creating resilient communities across Nebraska. Our ideal service member is ready to tackle exciting challenges, identify creative ways to solve problems, collaborate and self-motivate on projects, and turn innovative ideas into realities. Our members serve in a highly engaging academic environment where they collaborate with university experts, participate in hands-on experiential learning opportunities, and take advantage of professional development and mentorship programming within the University system to create a relevant, dynamic skillset that ensures success within, as well as outside of, their service term.
Member Duties : The Childcare Disaster Resource Mapping VISTA will strengthen the educational and supportive projects of Nebraska Extension’s Disaster Education and Early Childhood Education programs with Extension staff, community partners, and local agencies. The VISTA will ensure access to resources focused on community resiliency for all Nebraskans through: conducting heatmapping of licensed childcare centers to identify vulnerabilities, analyzing geographical risks using heatmapping overlay to identify “resource desert” and “childcare desert” areas, and presenting findings to local agencies, Extension networks, and community partners to guide future planning. This position offers an opportunity for growth in geographic systems mapping and community data analysis, as well as disaster-focused planning, within a dynamic environment that bridges academia with civic engagement. The project is located in Omaha, a vibrant metropolitan area with plenty to offer in the arts, recreation, and culture.
Program Benefits : Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend , Living Allowance , Training , Childcare assistance if eligible , Relocation Allowance , Health Coverage* .
Terms :
Permits attendance at school during off hours , Permits working at another job during off hours , Car recommended .
Service Areas :
Public Safety , Community and Economic Development , Children/Youth , Neighborhood Revitalization , Technology , Health , Disaster Relief .
Skills :
Urban Planning , Communications , Leadership , Disaster Services , Public Health , Public Speaking , Writing/Editing , Team Work , Social Services , Computers/Technology , Community Organization , General Skills .
Childcare Disaster Resource Mapping VISTA
Minimum: 18 Maximum: None
Program Locations
NEBRASKA
From 07/01/2026 To 07/17/2026
1915 N 38th St. Office #111
https://extension.unl.edu/
