PLEASE NOTE: Applicants will need to apply here: https://form.jotform.com/StewardsIPP/cva-member-application-2026 Application form requires a resume, cover letter, professional references.

Position Title: Community Volunteer Ambassador, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park – AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements Program

Site Location: Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

11710 MacArthur Blvd, Potomac, Maryland 20854

Terms of Service:

• Start Date: 2/23/2026
• End Date: 2/5/2027
• AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 1700 Hour Slot

Purpose:

Stewards Individual Placements, a program of Conservation Legacy, provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. The Community Volunteer Ambassador (CVA) Program combines the strength of a national leader in conservation service with the National Park Service to train emerging leaders to assist park units in building lasting connections to communities.

The Interpretation and Volunteer Program at Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (CHOH) connects visitors to the park’s rich natural, cultural, and historical resources through engaging educational experiences and meaningful service opportunities. Interpretive staff deliver programs, tours, and exhibits that highlight the canal’s role in American history, transportation, and conservation.

The volunteer program supports park operations through a wide range of roles, including trail and resource stewardship, visitor services, education, and special events. Volunteers contribute thousands of hours annually, helping to preserve the park and enhance the visitor experience. Together, these programs foster stewardship, build community partnerships, and inspire lifelong connections to public lands.

The Community Volunteer Ambassador (CVA) at Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (CHOH) will play a key role in strengthening community engagement and volunteerism at the Great Falls site. Through a blend of public outreach, partnership development, and volunteer program support, the CVA will help expand the park’s capacity to serve visitors and steward its resources.

The CVA will lead and support a variety of initiatives, including tabling at community events, coordinating national stewardship days, and developing new volunteer opportunities. They will collaborate with park staff, partners, and volunteers across multiple programs—from interpretive services to trail stewardship and special events. Additionally, the CVA will receive mentorship, training, and professional development opportunities to support their growth as a future conservation leader.

Description of Duties:

· Community Engagement & Partnerships

o Table at park and community events to promote stewardship and volunteerism

o Represent the park at job fairs, career fairs, and public outreach events

o Collaborate with existing partners (e.g., C&O Canal Trust, National Park Trust) and help develop new partnerships

o Host and support events tied to national stewardship days (e.g., National Public Lands Day, MLK Day of Service)

· Volunteer Program Development

o Expand and enhance volunteer opportunities across park divisions (e.g., maintenance, interpretation)

o Draft and propose new volunteer roles (e.g., River Trail/Gold Mine Steward)

o Assist with recruitment strategies targeting local universities, colleges, and libraries

o Serve as the primary point of contact for volunteers at Great Falls, including onboarding and orientation

· Training & Resource Development

o Create volunteer resources such as a Mule Volunteer Handbook and Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs)

o Help transition volunteer programs to Volunteer.gov

o Develop and deliver hands-on training for new volunteers

o Assist in updating the site’s safety plan

· Program Leadership & Interpretation

o Oversee and expand the B.A.R.K. Ranger program

o Participate in interpretive training and deliver educational programming (e.g., mules, lock demos, boat tours)

o Support recreational and interpretive programming in collaboration with interns and rangers

· Professional Development

o Participate in regional site visits and networking opportunities with other parks

o Shadow various park divisions (e.g., maintenance, law enforcement, partnerships)

o Receive mentorship and follow a structured training plan to build skills in interpretation, volunteer management, and public engagement

Qualifications:

• Education & Experience
• • Some college coursework or degree in environmental studies, history, education, communications, or related field preferred
  • Previous experience in customer service, education, volunteer coordination, or public engagement is a plus
• Skills & Abilities
• • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Comfortable speaking with the public and working in team settings
  • Ability to work independently and take initiative on projects
  • Basic computer proficiency (email, word processing, data entry)
• Work Ethic & Attitude
• • Outgoing, friendly, and approachable demeanor
  • Willingness to learn and adapt in a dynamic park environment
  • Dependable, punctual, and organized
  • Enthusiastic about public lands, conservation, and community service
• Other Requirements
• • Must be able to pass a federal background check
  • Willingness to work some weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings for events
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather
• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien
• At least 17 years of age
• Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant, and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.

Preferred Qualifications:

· Local applicants or those with knowledge of the Potomac, Maryland, and D.C. area

· Experience engaging with the general public in educational, interpretive, or customer service settings

· Strong public speaking and presentation skills

· Effective written and verbal communication abilities

· Experience working with volunteers or in community outreach roles

· Familiarity with National Park Service mission and values

· Ability to work with varied audiences and in multilingual environments

· Comfort with outdoor work and leading programs in various weather conditions

· Demonstrated initiative, creativity, and problem-solving skills

· Interest in pursuing a career in public lands, conservation, education, or volunteer management

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 40 hours per week, 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.
• Week-long, in-person training on NPS volunteer program management and leadership skills
• Year-long continuum of learning supporting professional development
• $750.00 in Professional Development Funds for travel and training

Additional Position and Community Information:

Work in the Busiest Section of the Park

The CVA will be based at the Great Falls Tavern area, the most heavily visited section of the park, offering high visibility and dynamic public engagement opportunities.

Proximity to Washington, D.C.

While the site is away from park headquarters, it is located just outside the nation’s capital, providing opportunities for a wide range of cultural, historical, and professional development.

Mule Program Involvement

The CVA will receive training and participate in the park’s historic mule-drawn canal boat program, a rare and immersive interpretive experience unique to CHOH.

Weekend and Evening Work

The position includes a flexible schedule with some weekend and evening responsibilities, especially during special events and community programs.

Collaborative Opportunities Across the Region

The CVA will have the chance to network and collaborate with other National Park Service sites in the National Capital Region through site visits and shared programming.

Varied Volunteer Programs

The CVA will engage with a variety of volunteer groups, including trail stewards, mule handlers, visitor services volunteers, and bike patrol, offering a broad and enriching experience in volunteer coordination.

Immersive Training and Mentorship

The CVA will follow a comprehensive interpretive training plan, receive mentorship from multiple staff members, and have opportunities to shadow other park divisions such as maintenance, law enforcement, and partnerships.

Benefits:

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $7,395.00
• Living Allowance of $600.00 per week.
• Additional Benefit of $150.00 per week if housing is NOT provided by NPS host site at no cost to the participant.
• Healthcare Coverage if Eligible
• Childcare Coverage if Eligible
• Loan forbearance if Eligible
• Interest Payments if Eligible
• 10 Federal Holidays, 13 days Personal Leave, 13 days Sick Leave

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.

How to Apply
Please visit Community Volunteer Ambassador (cvainternships.org) to review “Member Positions” by region and find instructions on how to apply.

The CVA position will start on Monday, February 23, 2026 and run for 50 weeks until Friday, February 5, 2027.

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants will need to apply here: https://form.jotform.com/StewardsIPP/cva-member-application-2026

Application form requires a resume, cover letter, professional references.

Please ensure your cover letter addresses how your experience aligns with the CVA program, your experience working with different populations, and position details for this park/position. You may submit one application for multiple positions by selecting all sites you are interested in.

Application Timeline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Final deadline is Friday, January 9, 2026.

For Application Questions:

Please contact James Gasaway, Program Director at jgasaway@conservationlegacy.org

Conservation Legacy is 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.