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, Prince William Forest Park – AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements Program

Site Location: Prince William Forest Park

18100 Park Headquarters Road, Triangle, Virginia 22172

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.

Prince William Forest Park (PRWI) is located 34 miles south of Washington, D.C. and protects the largest piedmont forest in the National Park Service as well as the largest greenspace in the Washington metropolitan region. The park offers residents and visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in varied natural features, ecosystems, and wildlife while exploring 37 miles of hiking trails or camping under the stars in one of our eight campgrounds.

PRWI’s volunteer program includes nearly 500 volunteers annually through both community involvement and long-standing partnerships. In FY2025, the park recorded 15,710 volunteer hours. The Volunteer-In-Parks (VIP) program includes a number of host positions, campground hosts, visitor center hosts, and hosts at our five cabin camps, where volunteers live on-site and assist visitors as needed. Additional volunteer roles include routine visitor center volunteers, B.A.R.K. Ranger ambassadors, and trail stewards.

PRWI also maintains strong partnerships with the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) and the Virginia Master Naturalist, Merrimac Farm Chapter (VMNMFC). PATC supports the maintenance of the park’s 37 miles of trails, while VMNMFC contributes to interpretive programs and special events.

The Community Volunteer Ambassador (CVA) at Prince William Forest Park will play a key role in strengthening and expanding the park’s volunteer program through community outreach and program support. The CVA will help recruit, engage, and coordinate volunteers; develop outreach materials; support in person volunteer events; and enhance communication with local communities, partners, and park staff. The CVA will serve as a vital link between the park and the community it serves.

Description of Duties:

· Support recruitment efforts by developing outreach materials and engaging with local schools, organizations, and community groups.

· Coordinate with volunteer partners such as Potomac Appalachian Trail Crew (PATC) and Virginia Master Naturalist, Merrimac Farm Chapter (VMNMFC) to support ongoing volunteer projects and events.

· Assist with planning, organizing, and leading volunteer activities, service days, and stewardship projects, including annual park cleanups and America 250th events.

· Maintain regular communication with volunteers, partners, and park staff to ensure smooth operations and positive experiences.

· Update and enhance the park’s volunteer website and contribute content for social media and promotional materials.

· Attend community events, fairs, and outreach programs to represent the park and share volunteer opportunities.

· Provide onboarding support and orientation for new volunteers, including campground hosts, trail stewards, BARK Ranger ambassadors, and visitor center volunteers.

· Track volunteer participation, hours, and project data to support reporting and program evaluation.

· Help foster a welcoming, open, and service-oriented volunteer culture.

Qualifications:

• Outgoing, enthusiastic, and high-energy attitude with strong interpersonal skills.
• Goal-oriented, self-motivated, and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Comfortable engaging with the public; community groups, volunteers, and partner organizations.
• Willingness to learn about park operations, volunteer management, and community engagement.
• Ability to represent the park professionally in public settings and outreach events.
• 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:

· Experience with public speaking, presentations, or group facilitation.

· Strong communication skills and comfort engaging with the general public.

· Prior experience working with volunteers, youth programs, or community organizations.

· Background or interest in environmental stewardship, outdoor recreation, or conservation.

· Basic computer skills, including familiarity with email, spreadsheets, and social media platforms.

· Ability to build partnerships and maintain positive relationships with local community groups.

· Ability to work some weekends or evenings for volunteer events as needed.

· Bilingual applicants encouraged.

· Experience in event planning or coordinating community programs.

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:

Prince William Forest Park offers several unique benefits and opportunities for CVA applicants. The position follows a Monday–Friday schedule with occasional weekend work to support volunteer events and community programs. Housing is available on-site within the park for those who need it, providing convenient location near trails, facilities, and daily operations.

PRWI’s proximity to Washington, D.C., and its location among numerous other National Park Service sites create valuable opportunities for collaboration, professional networking, and participation in regional initiatives. Additionally, the park is actively preparing for the America 250th commemoration in 2026, offering the CVA the chance to support special events, programs, and community engagement efforts tied to this historic milestone.

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.