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, Shenandoah National Park – AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements Program

Site Location: Shenandoah National Park

3655 US Hwy 211 E, Luray, VA 22835

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.

Shenandoah National Park runs along the ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. The park features hundreds of miles of trails, many waterfalls, and dense forests. The large and dedicated volunteer program includes both position-based volunteers in nearly every park workgroup and many visiting service groups. The Volunteer Program is highly collaborative. We work closely with all park divisions and with partner organizations including volunteer service organizations, friends groups, and organizations which serve youth.

The 2026 Community Volunteer Ambassador (CVA) at Shenandoah National Park will lead efforts to improve training and safety routines for members of volunteer service organizations, particularly trail maintenance volunteers. They will work closely with the park's volunteer coordinators, NPS trail crew, and service organization leaders. The CVA will lead volunteers in service, lead small-group training, and develop SOPs on service work and administrative processes. The CVA will work with special populations including youth and seniors. The CVA will build upon existing work with partner groups to use volunteer.gov and lead the administrative needs for the trail maintenance service groups. In addition to supporting the trail maintenance volunteer program, the CVA will also be invited to participate in, coordinate, and lead other service projects as they are interested.

Prior experience on trail crews is not required. Thorough field training will be provided.

 
Description of Duties:

·       Develop training and SOPs for a variety of trail maintenance projects

·       Assist in developing and implementing a standard safety plan for service groups

·       Perform heavy physical work, typically on trails, including hiking on varied terrain while carrying gear

·       Collaborate with NPS colleagues and partner organizations to host training, service events, and meet administrative needs

·       Build relationships and connections with service organization members

·       Lead youth and adult volunteers in field service projects while prioritizing safety

·       Use Volunteer.gov to recruit volunteers and maintain records

·       Communicate the importance and impact of service-work

 
Qualifications:

• Readiness to perform and lead others in strenuous outdoor work
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Outgoing nature and eagerness to collaborate
• 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:

·       Outdoor leadership

·       Trail maintenance

·       Public speaking

·       First Aid certification(s)

·       Patience, flexibility, adaptability

·       Engaging youth and senior citizens

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:

Housing within a five-minute walk of the office provided. A room may be shared with one other participant.

The work schedule will be flexible and include at least one working Saturday each month.

A valid driver's license is required.

Opportunities to get involved in search and rescue operations, wildland fire operations, and first aid instruction will be available

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.

Salary : $150 - $600