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

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: City of Smithers
GATEWAY Center, #2 Greyhound Ln.
Smithers, WV 25186

Terms of Service: 32 week AmeriCorps Service position

• Start Date: 05/04/2026
• End Date: 12/11/2026
• Application Deadline: 03/28/2026
• Number of Positions Available: 1
• 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 collaborative AmeriCorps program sponsored by Stewards Individual Placements. Stewards, in partnership with Volunteer WV, and local community organizations such as the City of Smithers, is working to support West Virginia’s developing tourism, and outdoor recreation economies.

City of Smithers incorporated in 1938 from 6 coal camps along Great Kanawha River northside, parallel to Rt. 60 in Upper Kanawha Valley in westernmost Fayette County in southern WV. Its mission is to provide an umbrella of municipal government, taxation, public health & safety, economic development, beautification, and other community quality of life betterment. Located in the middle of the state’s eastern and western boarders, with the Capital of Charleston 30 minutes to the NW, and New River Gorge National Park about 30 minutes SE (which the NPS reports drawing close to 2-million visitors annually), the City of Smithers is in a “sweet spot” to attract and service the growing number of regional visitors.

The WV Ready AmeriCorps Member at the City of Smithers, will build upon efforts of previous AmeriCorps members by supporting city staff and partners overseeing the construction of one riverfront park, as well as support the economic redevelopment of a larger city-owned brownfields river's edge property which is slated to include public outdoor recreation attractions. Additionally, this position will also contribute to communication and outreach efforts to increase public and stake-holder buy-in and usage of these and other related development sites.

Description of Duties:

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

• Serve at Mayor’s right-hand representative to bolster and help oversee the construction and opening and public use of Oakland Riverfront Park

o Support the research, planning, and communication efforts about the public opening and use of city-owned Oakland Riverfront Park

• Act as Mayor’s right-hand representative to bolster and help oversee the planning and development of outdoor recreation-focused economic developments, such as the Longacre Development site

o Support the research, planning, and communication efforts about the public opening and use of city-owned Longacre Development site

• Support communication efforts (via research, planning, scheduling, writing, and creating social media content) that promotes public and partner understanding of economic development sites and future planning to enhance stakeholder buy-in
  
• Take a leadership role in implementing and facilitating programs approved by the Mayor (such as conservation educational programming for school groups, public disaster readiness education, Winter coat drive, city-sponsored walking groups, and/or city-wide clean-up programs)
  
• Build institutional capacity: Work with city leadership to identify and apply for appropriate funding to build institutional capacity and create guidelines, manuals, and lists of contacts and ideas for the future
  
• Develop community relationships: Regularly engage with residents by conducting surveys, engaging online, using social media, and attending events and activities

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 32 weeks of AmeriCorps service
• Ability to self-direct and multi-task
  
  

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Professional written and verbal communication skills appropriate for grant reporting, media releases, social media outreach, and public engagement
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Outlook, Excel, and Forms
• Experience/familiarity with trail maintenance and construction
• Environmental remediation knowledge or experience is a plus
• Possess a valid driver’s license with an insurable driving history
• Open-minded and collaborative spirit

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, 9: 00am – 5: 00pm 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

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:

• Eligible for the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful service term completion
• 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!
• 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.