Length – 01/22/2024 – 08/30/2024, 32 weeks, full-time
Location – Hinton, WV
Living Allowance – $600/week
AmeriCorps Award – Position is eligible for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the program. Value of education award is $4,826, pre-tax.
Application Due Date – Preference will be given to applicants that submit their application by 12/08/2023
Title of Position – WV Rural Engagement Ambassador for Development and Youth (WV READY) – Explore Summers County
Keywords – Environmental Stewardship, Trail Development Planning, Conservation, Volunteer Recruitment and Management, Grant Writing, Asset Mapping, Event Planning, Outdoor Recreation, Ecotourism, Communications, Data Collection and Reporting, Community Outreach, Community Engagement, Professional Networking, Career Development
WV READY
Launched in 2022, the West Virginia Rural Engagement Ambassadors for Development and Youth (WV READY) is a collaborative AmeriCorps program. Stewards Individual Placements, in partnership with Appalachian Conservation Corps, Volunteer WV, and local community organizations, is working to support WV’s transition to eco-tourism, outdoor recreation, and increasing outdoor accessibility.
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!
Explore Summers County
New River Gateway Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) dba Explore Summers County is the official marketing organization for Summers County, and it is our mission to strengthen the community by advancing economic growth and vitality through tourism.
CVBs are a key resource for visitors, convention, meeting, and event planners, tour operators, and visitors. Our main purpose is to promote tourism in our county through marketing our assets, including advertising, creating and distributing brochures, maintaining a website and social media accounts, and managing a local Visitor Center for travelers.
Position Details
Explore Summers County is looking to expand their community outreach to build up trail organization, increase education and outreach, and grow opportunities for outdoor trail recreation. This person will play a crucial role in creating and developing our trail organization, focusing on the planning, coordination, and execution of trail development projects. They will work closely with our team to ensure that our mission and goals are met. This role offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the field of environmental conservation and outdoor recreation. An ideal candidate would be an individual interested in pursuing a career in conservation or tourism in West Virginia.
Project Responsibilities
- Trail Development Planning: Collaborate with stakeholders to identify suitable locations for new trails, considering environmental impact, user accessibility, and community needs.
- Project Management: Manage trail development projects from inception to completion, including planning, budgeting, resource allocation, and overseeing construction or improvement activities.
- Volunteer Recruitment and Engagement: Recruit, train, and coordinate volunteers to assist with trail development and maintenance activities.
- Community Outreach: Build strong relationships with local communities and organizations to garner support, secure funding, and raise awareness of trail development initiatives.
- Environmental Stewardship: Ensure that all trail development activities adhere to environmental regulations and best practices.
- Trail Maintenance: Develop and implement trail maintenance plans to ensure the longevity and safety of existing trails.
- Data Collection and Reporting: Collect data on trail usage, environmental impact, and volunteer contributions. Prepare reports to track progress and impact.
- Fundraising and Grant Writing: Assist in seeking grants and other funding opportunities to support trail development projects.
Minimum Requirements
- Must be a US Citizen, National, or Lawful Permanent Resident
- Able to commit to 32 weeks of service
- Must be 18 years old or older
- High School Diploma or GED, degree seeking in related fields of marketing, outdoor adventure, tourism preferred
- Must be able to pass federal background check
- Willing to serve in West Virginia, West Virginia resident preferred
Qualifications and Skills
- Love of Learning
- Social Media Savvy
- Organizational and Time Management abilities
- Experience with Microsoft Suite
- Ability to work independently and with a team
- Strong Interpersonal Skills
- Grant or creative writing experience
- Leadership Skills
- Ability to walk a potential trail
Benefits
- $600/week living stipend
- Paid training
- Segal Education Award upon completion of term $4,826 (pre-tax)
- Receive tuition and fee waivers at West Virginia institutions of higher education
- Professional development
- Access to all member and alumni benefits of Conservation Legacy
- Make a HUGE impact in your community
- Propel your career forward with intentional experience and professional connections
Please be prepared to upload a resume and cover letter as part of this application.
For More Information
Raquel Fagundo
West Virginia Programs Manager
304-860-8190
rfagundo@conservationlegacy.org
www.stewardslegacy.org/wvready
Stewards Individual Placements – A program of Conservation Legacy
Mission
Providing individual opportunities through service that build career-based experience, strengthen communities, and preserve our natural resources.
Values
- We promote excellence in national service and strive to create optimal service terms for participants and organizational partners.
- We strive for consistency, transparency, and efficiency in our organizational systems and processes.
- We are committed to a collegiate environment that promotes personal development, individuality, professionalism, and fun.
- We respect the legacy of our organization while embracing the need to adapt our systems to better serve participants and partners.
- We are committed to actively participating in efforts to preserve and restore the global environment for future generations.
Stewards Individual Placements Program does not and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
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