We are excited to host an AmeriCorps member in 2027! Please review the below details about the position and the VHCB AmeriCorps Program. To apply, please visit: Apply Here!

 

2026-2027 VHCB AmeriCorps

Conservation Assistant Member Position Description

Windham County Natural Resources Conservation District

Position Information

The Conservation Assistant is a Full Time AmeriCorps position requiring a minimum of 1720 hours. The position begins January 12, 2027 and ends December 10, 2027.

Program Overview

This position is part of the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board AmeriCorps (VHCB AmeriCorps). The VHCB AmeriCorps program supports the innovative dual-goal approach of creating stable affordable housing opportunities for Vermont residents while preserving the natural and working landscape. VHCB AmeriCorps is a national service program that places members with non-profit housing or land conservation organizations around the state. Serving on the front lines of community-based organizations, VHCB AmeriCorps members energize, engage, and empower residents to address unmet needs at the local level, collectively creating positive change and building a healthy future for Vermont. 

Host Site

This position is based at Windham County Natural Resources Conservation District, 209 Austine Drive, Thomas Hall, Suite 112, Brattleboro, VT. The member will be supervised and supported by Cory Ross, Executive Director, ross.wcnrcd@gmail.com.

The mission of the Windham County Natural Resources Conservation District (WCNRCD) is to engage the community in being good stewards of the natural environment. The organization does this by coordinating technical, financial, and educational resources for land users throughout Windham County. The Conservation Assistant will support the district in meeting its statutory obligations through more effective outreach and community engagement. This will be accomplished by continuing and expanding the district's community engagement programming to ensure our programming meets the needs of all the communities we serve.

 

Description of Duties

Essential Functions

• Lead implementation of WCNRCD’s community engagement plan; develop recommendations for revisions based on feedback and strategic goals. 
• Develop and distribute outreach materials to increase public awareness of programs and best practices to support water quality, soil health and flood resiliency and recovery.
• Produce and distribute email newsletters, social media, and other communication platforms as it relates to public education and community engagement. 
• Plan and implement public outreach at community events through tabling and use of the interactive stream table.
• Lead WCNRCD’s stakeholder engagement and public survey.
• Attend and represent WCNRCD at partner organizations and municipal meetings, sharing information and collecting feedback.
• Participate in an Independent Service Project under the guidance of VHCB AmeriCorps.
• Participate in all VHCB AmeriCorps Program Initiatives & outreach efforts, and storytelling activities that promote AmeriCorps.
• Engage in professional and personal development activities and networking opportunities. 
• Submit bi-weekly timesheets.
• Complete all enrollment and exit requirements.

 

Secondary Functions

• Assist WCNRCD staff with soil sampling on farms
• Conduct invasive species removal at project sites, prioritizing invasive species: Water Chestnut and Japanese Stilt-grass.
• Assist with development of outreach materials for annual Native Plant Festival.
• Assist staff with site visits to landowners throughout Windham County. 
• Participate in disaster response and recovery activities. AmeriCorps members may be asked on a volunteer basis or requested by SerVermont to assist in disaster response and recovery activities. This may involve virtual or in-person service opportunities. This may include service opportunities outside of standard service hours or in place of standard service duties. Disaster response activities must be approved and reported to SerVermont by the program.

 

Orientation and Training

• Participate in all VHCB AmeriCorps Trainings, Service Days and Events.
• Attend SerVermont training, conferences, and events.
• Complete Mandated Reporter and On3Learn training required by SerVermont.
• No more than 20% of aggregate hours can be training hours.
• No more than 10% of the originally agreed-upon term of service can be fundraising activities.

 

Evaluation and Reporting

• Complete a mid-term evaluation.
• Complete an end of term evaluation.
• Complete quarterly progress reports for VHCB AmeriCorps.

 

Time & Service Requirements

The individual in this role must be able to serve independently and collaboratively. Some nights and weekends required. Member must have a valid driver's license and access to a vehicle for travel (mileage provided). This is a hybrid position with some remote service in accordance with the VHCB AmeriCorps remote service policy, however member will need to regularly attend in person meetings and field work throughout the year. Windham NRCD strongly encourages staff and members to prioritize service life balance. While this position allows for flexible service hours, we request that all staff set boundaries on when they read and respond to emails. In addition to the required AmeriCorps background check, member will need undergo an additional federal background check to use the USDA NRCS computer system.

Benefits

• A living allowance of $31,000 (pre-tax).
• An education award of $7,395 (pre-tax) upon successful completion of term of service
• Healthcare coverage
• Childcare assistance (must meet qualifications) 
• Loan forbearance for federally backed student loans, if qualified 

 

Qualifications

AmeriCorps Qualifications (45 CFR §2522.200(a)) 

1. Eligibility. An AmeriCorps participant must—
   1.  
      1. Be at least 17 years of age at the commencement of service; or
      2. Be an out-of-school youth 16 years of age at the commencement of service participating in a program described in § 2522.110(b)(3) or (g);
   2.  
      1. Have a high school diploma or its equivalent; or
      2. Not have dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant and must agree to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award; or
      3. Obtain a waiver from AmeriCorps of the requirements in paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) of this section based on an independent evaluation secured by the program demonstrating that the individual is not capable of obtaining a high school diploma or its equivalent; or
      4. Be enrolled in an institution of higher education on an ability to benefit basis and be considered eligible for funds under section 484 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1091);
   3. Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States;
   4.  Satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check eligibility criteria pursuant to 45 CFR 2540.202.

Additional Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in natural resources management, fisheries and wildlife science, biology or a related field.
• Experience in non-profit and/or government environments
• Experience with hands-on field tasks, including data collection using mobile tools
• Strong research skills, survey development, data collection and detail-oriented project tracking and reporting skills.
• Graphic design and web management skills
• A basic understanding of natural resources and water quality issues in Vermont
• Ability to identify common native and invasive plant species in Vermont. Ability to learn to identify less common/new invasive species in Vermont.
• Comfortable with public speaking, both one on one and in groups
• Self-organized and able to set goals, detail-oriented, strong interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Comfort with performing manual service outside in variable weather conditions
• A strong interest in the natural world and a desire to learn more about current natural resources issues and opportunities
• Pass Vermont AHS Child Protection and Adult Abuse Registry Checks
• Commitment to the VHCB AmeriCorps program’s ethic of service, participant professional development, and respect for diverse experiences and perspectives.
• Ability and enthusiasm to attend and actively participate in required trainings and events, including driving up to 2 - 3 hours each way. 
• Availability to serve 40 hours per week on a regular basis

 

Signatures

The member, host site, and program hereby acknowledge by their signatures that they have read, understand, and agree to all terms and conditions of this position description. If the member is under the age of 18 years old, the member’s parent or legal guardian must also sign.

Amendments to this Member Position Description shall be made in writing and must be signed by the member, the member’s guardian (if applicable), host site supervisor, and program staff. 

_____________________________ ________________________      __________

Member Name                                         Member Signature Date Signed

 

_____________________________ ________________________      __________

Parent/Legal Guardian, if under 18         Parent/Legal Guardian Signature Date Signed

 

_____________________________ ________________________      __________

Supervisor Name                                 Supervisor Signature                 Date Signed

 

_____________________________ ________________________      __________

Program Staff Name                                Program Staff Signature Date Signed

 

This program is available to all, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, religion, age, national origin, genetic information, disability, military status, familial status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law.