AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassadors Program

AmeriCorps is a national service program that engages more than 75,000 Americans each year in community service to meet critical needs in education, public safety, health, homeland security and the environment. Created in 1993, AmeriCorps is part of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which engages more than 2 million Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service each year. For more information on AmeriCorps, visit the website listed below. 

Program Overview:

The AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassadors Program is looking for enthusiastic and dedicated members to protect NJ's waterways! Hosted by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), the NJ Watershed Ambassadors Program addresses diverse environmental needs of the state by raising awareness about NJ's watersheds.

The purpose of the program is to improve local waterways by encouraging residents to become better stewards of their waterways. By nurturing community-based environmental activities and providing educational programs and community service opportunities, Watershed Ambassadors empower residents to make responsible and informed decisions regarding their watershed.

Responsibilities:

• Through this program, twenty AmeriCorps members are placed in watershed management areas across the state at twenty different host agencies.
• Over the course of 1700 hours from September 2013 to July 2014, members make presentations to community organizations and schools, in order to cultivate an informed citizenry about water and watershed issues.
• Members also engage the community in watershed stewardship and restoration projects, such as stream clean ups, water festivals, invasive species removals, tree plantings, restoration projects, and numerous other water quality enhancement projects.
• In addition, members assist the NJDEP in monitoring the rivers of NJ through visual and biological assessment volunteer monitoring protocols. Members train community volunteers to participate in these monitoring programs.

Note: This position is a great first job in the environmental field! More information can be found here.

Program Logistics:

• The program will commence mid-September 2013.
• Members will receive training at the start and throughout their term of service.
• The job duties include field work, environmental education, and working with the community.
• A driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle for field assignments is required.
• Please note: You must be a U.S. Citizen, national or legal permanent resident and have a college degree to participate in this Program.

Compensation: Members will complete 1700 hours of service in a 10 to 12 month period and receive a living allowance of $12,100 over the course of their term of service.

Upon completion of the program, members are eligible to receive a $5,550 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, which can be used to repay qualified student loans or for further education costs at qualified institutions of higher education. Members are eligible for health and child care benefits during their term of service.

To Apply:

• If interested in the 2013-2014 Program, please click here to download the application and reference forms.
• Then, applicants should click below: "Apply Now Online!" to submit their application, résumé and cover letter. 
• For additional information, please contact Kim Cenno or Jennifer Noblejas, Co-Program Managers.