Position Title: WV Rural Engagement Ambassador for Development and Youth (WV Ready) – AmeriCorps Member with City of Beckley Parks & Recreation

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: City of Beckley Parks & Recreation
513 Ewart Ave., Beckley, WV 25801

Terms of Service: 30 Weeks

• Start Date: 06/01/2026
• End Date: 12/25/2026
• Application Deadline: 05/03/2026 (or until filled)
• 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 partners such as the City of Beckley’s Park and Recreation Department, is working to support WV’s transition to eco-tourism, outdoor recreation, and increasing outdoor access.

The mission of the City of Beckley Parks and Recreation Department is to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors by providing safe, accessible parks, recreational facilities, and cultural attractions. The department is responsible for maintaining public parks, trail systems, and historic assets such as the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, while supporting outdoor recreation and tourism initiatives that contribute to community well-being and economic development.

The WV Rural Engagement Ambassador for Development and Youth (WV Ready) AmeriCorps Member with the City of Beckley’s Park and Recreation Department will assist with preservation and restoration efforts of historic coal camp buildings at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, helping protect an important cultural and tourism resource that tells the story of southern West Virginia’s coal heritage. Maintaining and enhancing these structures supports heritage tourism and strengthens the site’s long-term viability as a visitor destination. Additionally, this WV Ready Member will support maintenance of the New River Park Loop Trail, contributing to the quality and access to local outdoor recreation infrastructure. This role will help ensure safe, well-maintained trail conditions for residents and visitors while supporting the continued growth of Beckley’s outdoor recreation economy.

Description of Duties:

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

• Assist with the restoration and stabilization of coal camp buildings, including painting, carpentry, cleaning, and structural upkeep
• Perform routine trail maintenance including clearing debris, trimming vegetation, improving drainage, repairing trail surfaces, and installing signage
• Maintain grounds at both sites, including mowing, debris removal, vegetation management, and general upkeep
• Assist with preservation and restoration of historic coal camp buildings at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
• Perform basic carpentry, painting, debris removal, and general site upkeep
• Conduct routine maintenance on the New River Park Loop Trail, including clearing debris and trimming vegetation
• Address trail drainage and erosion issues to improve sustainability
• Maintain and repair trail signage and infrastructure
• Support groundskeeping activities at both project sites
• Use hand and power tools safely and effectively
• Document maintenance activities and identify ongoing site needs
• Follow all safety protocols and participate in required trainings

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
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check
• Able to commit to 30 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
• Experience/familiarity with trail maintenance and/or trial construction
• Passion for outdoor recreation
• Open-minded and collaborative spirit
• Ability and willingness to work actively outdoors for several hours

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 M-F, 8: 00-5: 00, 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)
• Training on basic historic preservation practices, safe tool use, and guidance on working with older structures
• Training on basic trail building and maintenance techniques, tool safety, erosion control practices, and safe use of hand and power tools
• Training on equipment operation (as appropriate), landscape maintenance techniques, and safety training

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

o Learn how to maximize your education award in West Virginia!

• 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.