Overview
Title: Conservation Field Assistants with the Shenandoah Valley Conservation Collaborative
Location: Positions available in either Strasburg, VA or Verona, VA
Dates of Service: October 28th, 2024 – September 19th, 2025 (47 weeks)
Pay: $600/week AmeriCorps living allowance, plus $100/week additional benefit ($700/week, pre-tax)
Status: This is a full-time AmeriCorps National Service position, Position is eligible for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the program. Value of education award is $6,895 (pre-tax).
Questions? Contact [email protected]
Appalachian Conservation Corps’ Individual Placement program works to connect young people to conservation service work across Appalachia and neighboring communities in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, DC, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. ACC is a program of Conservation Legacy, a nationwide network of conservation organizations.
In partnership with the Shenandoah Valley Conservation Collaborative, we are seeking two Working Lands Climate Corps (WLCC) Members. The WLCC will train the next generation of conservation leaders for Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry. The WLCC is a part of the American Climate Corps (ACC), and service members will receive technical skills training, education awards, and career pathway opportunities. WLCC members will receive on-the-ground experience with partners and organizations who conduct programming to support the adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry practices and systems.
The WLCC Members will serve as Conservation Field Assistants in either the Strasburg or Verona Virginia Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) field office The Field Assistant will advance regional conservation goals by assisting the NRCS and Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD’s) staff with their on-the-ground work assisting landowners to implement best management practices on their farm or forest land. The Conservation Field Assistants report directly to the NRCS District Conservationists that will provide direction on day-to-day responsibilities.
Position Responsibilities will include:
Support District Conservationists in Strasburg or Verona field offices to implement Farm Bill conservation programs, such as EQIP, CSP and easement programs.
Utilizing NRCS software systems to create maps, conservation plans, conduct planning assessments using CART and Conservation Desktop;
Follow up with producers who are behind schedule on their contracts and provide technical assistance needed to get back on schedule;
Learn basic engineering design to plan and design conservation practices;
Carries out any assigned duties, including administrative, that enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of soil conservation and water quality operations conducted by the field office.
Cross-training with SVCC agency and nonprofit partners on conservation easements, state and federal agricultural cost share programs
Qualifications:
To qualify, you must be between the ages of 21 and 30, and a US citizen that has received a high school diploma or GED. All offers of employment are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and federal criminal background check. Must be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award.
Must be able to serve a full-time schedule for the duration of the term.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Preferred Skills:
Bachelor's degree in conservation, agriculture, or related field or 2 years agricultural experience and associates degree.
GIS experience, familiarity with federal conservation programs.
Farming or agriculture experience.
Willingness to endure inclement weather conditions and hike over rough terrain.
About Appalachian Conservation Corps and Shenandoah Valley Conservation Collaborative
Appalachian Conservation Corps (ACC) works to connect young people to critical conservation service work across Appalachia and neighboring communities in Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, DC, and Pennsylvania. As a corps program, ACC partners with public land managers to identify, plan, and complete projects that improve public access, habitat quality, and economic development. ACC is a program of Conservation Legacy, a nationwide network of conservation service organizations. Our programs focus on service, place-based learning, life skills development, appreciation of diversity, civic responsibility, and career development. ACC also provides an opportunity for members to learn about the local environment and issues affecting it and introduces individuals to recreation and resource management careers. ACC welcomes national applicants, but also emphasizes the engagement of local individuals who represent the communities in which they serve.
