Stewards VISTA: WVDEP- Project WET- AmeriCorps

The Project WET AmeriCorps Program is dedicated to expanding water education and environmental stewardship in Appalachian communities, with a focus on underserved areas. Through hands-on programming, community engagement, and educator support, this AmeriCorps Program promotes clean water initiatives, environmental restoration, and career pathways in conservation. Guided by principles of sustainability, equity, and collaboration, the program empowers communities to protect and celebrate their water resources. This AmeriCorps Position will enhance Project WET’s impact by training facilitators, leading educational activities, supporting water-use and conservation programs, and engaging educators and community leaders in wetland-focused initiatives. By fostering partnerships and expanding outreach, the member will play a key role in strengthening environmental education and community revitalization efforts across West Virginia.

Job Overview

Position Title: Stewards VISTA: WVDEP- Project WET- AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements, East

Site Location: Charleston, WV or Fayetteville, WV

City, State or Full Address: 601 57th Street SE, Charleston, WV 25304 or 1159 Nick Rahall Greenway, Fayetteville, WV 25840

Terms of Service:

Start Date: 06/02/25

End Date: 06/01/26

Must serve a 365-day (1 year) service term

Living Allowance: $68.39/day ($24,962.35/year)

Housing Assistance: $700/month

PLEASE APPLY USING THIS LINK: My AmeriCorps – Home Page

The AmeriCorps VISTA member will build capacity and develop sustainable solutions to alleviate poverty in underserved communities.

Description of Duties:

• Expand the Project WET Network – Recruit and train new partners and educators to bring water education to more communities. Gather feedback from existing facilitators to improve resources and support.
• Lead Hands-On Water Education – Facilitate engaging activities at conferences, camps, workshops, STEM events, and schools. Highlight the connection between clean water, healthy communities, and careers in environmental fields.
• Launch a Water Conservation Program – Introduce rain barrels and Project WET resources to schools and nonprofits with community or school gardens, helping them manage water use effectively.
• Engage Educators & Communities – Organize wetland-focused activities, tours, and outreach programs to teach about local water resources, with a focus on southern West Virginia.
• Support Community Projects – Help develop grant proposals and educational materials to fund local water stewardship initiatives and celebrate Appalachian water resources.

Qualifications:

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien
• At least 18 years of age
• Some college required
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check

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 full-time (35-40 hours) from 6/02/25 to 6/01/26, but exact schedules may vary.
• 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 a Virtual Member Orientation (VMO) from VISTA on their first day of service.

Evaluation and Reporting:

As an AmeriCorps VISTA member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed their required year of service; 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, accomplishment tracking, and quarterly reporting.

Supervisor Name and Contact Information:

For VISTA related information, contact Addie Gilkerson, [email protected]

For site related information, contact Tomi Bergstrom, [email protected]

PLEASE APPLY USING THIS LINK: My AmeriCorps – Home Page

Conservation Legacy is 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.

Special Benefits

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award* of $7,395.00
  • or choice of cash stipend of ~$1,800.00
• Living Allowance of $68.39 per day, disbursed every 2 weeks
• Housing assistance of $700/month
• Relocation Allowance ($750) if Eligible
• Healthcare Coverage* if Eligible
• Childcare Coverage* if Eligible
• Loan forbearance if Eligible
• Interest Payments if Eligible
• Training and Professional Development Opportunities
• Employee Wellness Program (access to a licensed, professional counselor and 24/7 support)
• Non-Competitive Eligibility* (NCE) status upon successful completion of the term
• Networking and Mentorship

*For more information regarding the Segal Education Award, check out this link as well as alternative uses for the award here.

*For details about AmeriCorps VISTA healthcare benefits, please visit http://www.vistacampus.gov/healthcare.

*For more information regarding the AmeriCorps VISTA Childcare benefit, please visit https://americorpschildcare.com/.

*For details about Non-Competitive Eligibility, please visit https://my.americorps.gov/trust/help/member_portal/non_competitive_eligibility_overview.htm.