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, Cuyahoga Valley National Park – AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements Program

Site Location: Cuyahoga Valley National Park

15610 Vaughn Road, Brecksville, Ohio 44141

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.

Though a short distance from the urban areas of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park seems worlds away. The park is a refuge for native plants and wildlife and provides routes of discovery for visitors. Cuyahoga Valley's close proximity to urban and suburban populations creates ample opportunity for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to get involved through volunteering. The park's robust volunteer program consistently welcomes an excess of 4000 volunteers annually through reoccurring positions, drop-in events, youth service, and corporate volunteer opportunities.

The Community Volunteer Ambassador (CVA) at Cuyahoga Valley National Park will support and build invaluable community connections and engagement through volunteerism. The CVA will provide capacity in the park's volunteer office to attract new volunteers, work with school and scout groups, and highlight and celebrate America 250 through service events.

Description of Duties:

· Provide capacity for a wide array of service activities.

· Volunteer recruitment - through in-person events, website, social media.

· Assist with the planning and execution of five large scale national service day events.

· Expand the park's citizen science program.

· Assist with the planning and execution of events tied to celebrating America 250.

· Planning and promotion for the return of the park's alternative spring break program.

Qualifications:

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong work ethic.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Outgoing, fun, and energetic personality.
• Able to learn.
• Emerging leadership skills.
• Knowledgeable in web and social media platforms.
• Familiarity with the National Park Service.
• Undergraduate degree completed.
• • College degree in park applicable majors: history, science, communications, anthropology, cultural/natural interpretation, geography
• Ability to work with youth.
• Ability to work with adults.
• 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:

· Ability to drive a motor vehicle.

· Experience working in conservation and/or a park setting.

· Experience with data systems

· Experience with social media and web-based platforms

· Strong verbal and written communication skills

· Experience working with people from different backgrounds

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:

NPS Host Site provides housing at no cost to CVA.

Daily work hours are generally 8:00-4:30

Schedule can and does include working weekends.

Position requires a driver's license and a personal vehicle

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.