Stewards Individual Placements 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 in order to train a diverse group of emerging leaders to assist park units in building lasting connections to local communities.

The CVA Leaders demonstrate experience and leadership as they provide peer-like support to members at host sites and are an advocate for CVA interests in volunteer program operations. Working closely with NPS staff and partnering organizations, the CVA Leaders are assigned project work that assists with the development and implementation of structured programming and training activities related to CVA operations and support of the Volunteers-In-Parks program, both in their region and service-wide. The CVA Leaders model professionalism and reports directly to the Servicewide Volunteers-In-Parks Program Manager or Regional Coordinator within their region.

The Community Volunteer Ambassador program seeks interested applicants who have prior National Service (such as AmeriCorps, AmeriCorps NCCC, AmeriCorps VISTA, and Peace Corps) and/or conservation corps or government experience and who have demonstrated leadership and facilitation skills. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30 years old; be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or lawful permanent resident alien; and have a valid U.S. driver's license. Preference is given to applicants with at least one year prior experience in the CVA Program. The position will be offered either remotely or for a blend of in-person and telework; candidate preference will be discussed at interview.

CVA Leader positions are available with the National Capital Regional and Southeast Office and Washington Support office of the National Park Service.

Benefits 

• CVA leader will receive a weekly stipend of $570-580
• Limited health care/childcare benefits 
• The position is eligible for an AmeriCorps Education Award $6,495.00 (pre-tax) upon successful completion of the program 
• Eligibility for Public Land Corps hiring authority upon successful completion of service term and required hours.   
• National CVA Leader will have the opportunity to support a nationwide program and will be exposed to a variety of NPS staff and operations. Selected candidate will gain valuable peer leadership, management, and administrative experience 
• Professional development funds equaling $3,000 allocated toward appropriate professional development opportunities throughout your service 
• Networking opportunities within the National Park Service and partnering organizations 
• Attendance and leadership role at National Early Service Training (location TBD) 
• The position will be offered either remotely or for a blend of in-person and telework; candidate preference will be discussed at interview. 

CVA Leader Minimum Requirements: 

• Participate in the CVA National Early Service Training in  April 2023 (exact dates TBD)  
• Must be willing to plan occasional safe travel to important events and potential site visits (including a work trip to Washington, DC and other potential travel) 
• Make a full-time, 1-year/52-week commitment, with the ability to start in January 2023 
• Serve with diverse groups of people and manage conflicts 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills 
• The ability to work independently as well as on a team 
• Strong organizational skills 
• Submit proof of a Driver’s License and undergo a Federal Background Check, upon selection 
• US Citizen, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien of the United States 
• Must possess a valid Social Security Card and Driver’s License 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience serving in the Community Volunteer Ambassador Program (preference for graduates of program within the past 3 years) 
• Experience managing projects and following through on assigned tasks 
• Experience in an office setting, particularly one in federal government 
• Bachelor’s degree preferred, but can be substituted for relevant experience