Position Title:  WV Rural Engagement Ambassador for Development and Youth (WV Ready) – AmeriCorps Member with the Capital Conservation District

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: Capitol Conservation District
418 Goff Mountain Rd.
Cross Lanes, WV 25313

 Terms of Service:

• Start Date: 05/12/2025
• End Date: 11/21/2025
• Application Deadline: 04/07/2025
• Number of Positions Available: 1
• AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 900 Hours

Purpose:

Stewards Individual Placements 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 such the Capitol Conservation District, are working to support WV’s transition to grow eco-tourism and outdoor recreation opportunities.

The Capitol Conservation District is comprised of a board of Elected Conservation Supervisors that work throughout the community to bring education, awareness, and best practices to conservation, soil, and water topics. The Capitol Conservation District advocates for best practices in conservation and natural resources and offers innovative programs and cost share assistance for reimbursement to both rural and urban farmers and producers.

The WV Rural Engagement Ambassador for Development and Youth (WV Ready) AmeriCorps Member at Capitol Conservation District will work directly with District Supervisors and office staff to promote programs and outreach for new partners and cooperators through a variety of events, marketing, and farm, site, or community visits. The WV Ready member will be working partners of the Capitol Conservation District for technical assistance support for conservation planning. The WV Ready member will also work with office staff on planning and coordinating workshops and outreach events to promote best conservation practices. Last but not least, the WV Ready member will also be responsible for coordinating with staff for the District’s Annual Fall Conference: Homesteading-ish.

Description of Duties:

To achieve the goals of this WV Ready position, the member will:

• Work with partnering staff to help complete conservation planning practices with District cooperating farmers
  • Go on designated site visits, promote programs with landowners, and provide a point of contact for technical and financial assistance programs
• Plan and coordinate upcoming events and workshops
  • Schedule at least 3 workshops or community events
• Plan, prepare, coordinate, and execute annual Fall conference: Homesteading-ish
  • Work with District staff to learn how to plan and execute a large-scale event with excellence; this event spans multiple days and includes coordination of vendors, demonstrations, sponsors, almost 30 guest speakers, and over 36 teaching sessions. It is a ticketed event and requires a tremendous amount of oversight as a team. On the job guidance will be provided. This will require good communication, organization, and people skills.
• Report at monthly District board meetings on activities throughout the previous month and assist the District Board to promote a succession plan through associate supervisory programs to the board
• Community outreach and engagement to promote conservation efforts.
• Working with partnering staff for conservation planning assistance, field and farm site visits
• Working with local urban and rural agricultural producers to promote programs
• Planning and coordinating workshops and local events for conservation education, outreach, and best practices
• Other duties as assigned: Assignments and work may vary by need. This will be on an as needed basis in alignment with current grant funding and Conservation Stewardship program guidelines

Qualifications:

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien
• At least 18 years of age
• Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check
• Able to commit to 28 weeks of service
• Willing to serve in West Virginia West Virginia resident preferred

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Professional communication skills: written, presentation, and public speaking
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Outlook, Excel, and Forms
• Event Planning
• Facilitating group conversations
• Managing/supporting volunteers
• Passion for outdoor recreation
• West Virginia resident with a valid West Virginia Driver’s License, preferred

Physical Requirements:

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Some positions may require periodic overnight travel, non-traditional 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. Ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.

 Time Requirements:

• Typically, this position is expected to serve regular work-week days and hours, 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.

Orientation and Training:

• Member will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
• Member will receive training on Community Asset Mapping (CAM)

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 of $3697.50, pre-tax
• 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

Evaluation and Reporting:

As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service.

Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking.

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 

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.