Stewards VISTA: WV DEP Western Basin Year 3

Overview

Are you looking for an opportunity to live and serve closely in unique Appalachian communities of West Virginia? Our state is home to over 10,000 streams and 46 rivers with over 30 watershed associations dedicated to protecting them and enhancing the communities they flow through with environmental restoration projects and outreach. This program will provide the opportunity for career experience with state, federal and nonprofit programs that provide technical assistance and grant funds for environmental restoration efforts.

You will be paired with a WV Department of Environmental Protection mentor to create systems for innovative projects that improve water quality, habitat, health, recreation, water monitoring, youth programs and community revitalization. The VISTA will contribute to the development of internal resource databases, community development planning tools, and a multi-year community engagement implementation guide. These products will be used by staff to guide external engagement, coordinate partners, and pursue programmatic funding after the VISTA term.

• Identify community assets that projects can be built around to enhance community.
• Develop a toolkit for staff to promote existing watershed associations’ success stories through websites, apps, and publications.
• Develop a plan for staff to prepare and submit grant applications to enhance a priority community asset.
• Develop a toolkit to facilitate a Project Team for a successful project for staff to increase organizational capacity and enhance environmental stewardship and community revitalization in WV.
• Develop a volunteer recognition program.
• Create a database to identify new organizations that could benefit from the project partnership.
• Develop a plan for staff to recruit volunteers and new members for the organization’s Board of Directors.

• Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend
• Housing
• Professional Development, travel funds
• Living Allowance, Training, Relocation Allowance
• Health Coverage*
• Stipend
• Childcare assistance if eligible
• Education award upon successful completion of service

For details about Ameri Corps VISTA healthcare benefits, please visit

Car recommended;
Permits attendance at school during off hours;
Permits working at another job during off hours.

• Education
• Environment
• Community and Economic Development
• Community Outreach

• Team Work
• Fund raising/Grant Writing
• Public Speaking
• General Skills
• Conflict Resolution
• Writing/Editing
• Computers/Technology
• Recruitment
• Leadership
• Community Organization
• Communications
• Education
• Youth Development
• Environment
• Non-Profit Management

Program Type:
Ameri Corps VISTA
Program:
Stewards VISTA: WV DEP Western Basin Year 3
Start/End: 05/04/2026 - 05/03/2027

Work Schedule:

Full Time
Education level:
Some college
Age Requirement: 18+

Location:

WEST VIRGINIA

Languages:

English
Accepting Applications: 01/15/2026 - 05/01/2026
Contact:
Addie Gilkerson, 330 Harper Park Dr, Beckley WV 25801, , (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).,.org