Length – 04/8/2024 – 11/25/2024, 32 weeks, full-time

Hours: Monday – Thursday 12:30pm-9:00pm, Friday 11:30am-8:00pm

Location – Bluefield, 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. Still working on a degree at a West Virginia school? Learn how to maximize your education award!

WV READY

Launched in 2022, the West Virginia Rural Engagement Ambassadors for Development and Youth (WV READY) is a new 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! Find our current recruiting projects here.

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City of Bluefield

The City of Bluefield was incorporated in 1889. Once a booming city referred to as “Little New York”, has become a small town with big dreams. The mission of the City is to provide the community with opportunities to enjoy a healthy life while improving our community.

Position Details

The City of Bluefield Parks and Recreation Department is seeking an ambassador who will increase engagement and participation of community members and visitors in recreational programming. The individual in this position will be pivotal in propelling the department’s online presence and community engagement. A successful candidate will be interested in pursuing a career in marketing, community event planning, or just wanting to gain experience working on a dynamic team in a professional setting.

Project Responsibilities

• Build a robust web presence for the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Bluefield
• Work in collaboration with partner organizations and local businesses to organize community programming opportunities throughout the year.
• Collaborate on grant writing initiatives to expand youth and outdoor programing.
• Create a community asset map to determine best avenues to spur outdoor economy in assigned communities.
• Utilize online marketing and social media engagement to increase local and statewide awareness of and participation in City of Bluefield events.
• Create engaging and strategic promotional event materials.
• Be a frontline ambassador for the community members and visitors to the City of Bluefield.
• Train and participate in all areas of parks and recreation economic development.

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 (by start of service)
• Must be able to pass federal background check
• Must be able to pass drug screening
• Willing to serve in West Virginia, West Virginia resident preferred

Qualifications and Skills

• Preferred Bachelor degree (marketing/communications) or equivalent experience. Students welcome to apply
• Website design experience or desire to learn
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Organizational abilities
• Proficiency in social media platforms
• Ability to work independently and with a team
• Experience with Microsoft applications or ability to learn

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 – a national conservation non-profit
• 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.

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For More Information

John-Michael Aurednik (he/him)
West Virginia Programs Coordinator
681-238-0963
jmaurednik@conservationlegacy.org
www.stewardslegacy.org/wvready

Stewards Individual Placements – A program of Conservation Legacy

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Mission

Providing individual opportunities through service that build career-based experience, strengthen communities, and preserve our natural resources.

Values

1. We promote excellence in national service and strive to create the optimal service terms for our participants and organizational partners.
2. We strive for consistency, transparency, and efficiency in our organizational systems and processes.
3. We are committed to a collegiate environment that promotes personal development, individuality, professionalism, and fun.
4. We respect the legacy of our organization while embracing the need to adapt our systems to better serve participants and partners.
5. We are committed to actively participating in efforts to preserve and restore the global environment and ecosystem 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.

Required Skills

Required Experience

• High School graduate or GED required.

• Computer classes preferred.