Position Title:  WV Rural Engagement Ambassador for Development and Youth (WV Ready) – AmeriCorps Member 

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: Multiple locations throughout West Virginia 
Including:
   - City of Smithers, WV
   - Guardians of West Fork Watershed, Mount Clare, WV
   -Harrison County Parks & Rec, Clarksburg, WV
   -New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, Glen Jean, WV

Terms of Service: 32 week AmeriCorps Service Member position

• Start Date: 05/11/2026
• End Date: 12/18/2026
• Application Deadline: 04/12/2026
• Number of Positions Available: 5
• AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 1200 Hours

Purpose:
Stewards Individual Placements, a program of Conservation Legacy, provides individuals with AmeriCorps service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural and cultural resources. The West Virginia Rural Engagement Ambassadors for Development and Youth (WV READY) is a new collaborative AmeriCorps program sponsored by Stewards Individual Placements. Stewards, in partnership with Volunteer WV, and local community organizations, is working to support West Virginia’s developing tourism, and outdoor recreation economies.

Qualifications:

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien
• At least 18 years of age
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
• Able to commit to 32 weeks of service
• Must serve in West Virginia
• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a program in Parks & Recreation Management, Urban/Regional Planning, Public Administration, Community Development, Tourism & Hospitality, Environmental Studies, or related field
• Strong research, writing, and communication skills; comfortable facilitating public meetings
• Experience with project management, data collection (surveys/interviews), and basic analytics
• Proficiency with productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft 365), and basic mapping/visualization (e.g., ArcGIS Online/QGIS, or willingness to learn)
• Ability to conduct field work on the trail (walking/biking), including occasional evenings/weekends for community events

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Must serve in West Virginia, West Virginia resident preferred
• Experience with recreation programming and event planning
• Familiarity with economic development concepts
• Skills in graphic design/communications (Canva, basic Adobe) and social media strategy
• Knowledge of inclusive, accessible programming and ADA considerations
• Grant writing or sponsorship packaging experience
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Professional communication skills: written, presentation, and public speaking

Our Commitment:
Conservation Legacy is committed to the full consideration of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential job functions. Physical requirements may include periodic overnight travel, non-traditional work hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. The ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.

 Time Requirements:

• Typically, this position is expected to serve Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm, but exact service schedules may vary. A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service
• Member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term
• The Member will be included in the WV Ready Member cohort; this cohort will meet on a bi-weekly basis for 1.5 hours and Members are expected to attend

Benefits:

Although each WV READY Member’s project will look different depending on host site needs, they will still be able to lean on a cohort-style model for support, shared experiences, and professional development. Ideal candidates for this initiative are young adults looking to build a career and be a part of this larger movement in the Mountain State!  Additional benefits include:

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award
• Living Allowance of $600 per week
• Receive tuition and fee waivers at West Virginia institutions of higher education
• • Learn how to maximize your education award in West Virginia!
• Paid Training & Professional Development
• Access to all member and alumni benefits of Conservation Legacy
• Opportunity to make a HUGE impact on your community
• Service opportunities can help propel your career forward with intentional experience and professional connections

Application, Resume and Cover Letter:
When uploading and attaching your resume to this application, please also upload and attach a cover letter.  In your cover letter, please note your interest and qualifications in this position.

Recruiter & Program Coordinator Contact Information:
Susie Schroer
Stewards Individual Placements Program Coordinator
sschroer@conservationlegacy.org
970-317-9131