Stewards VISTA: Marys River Watershed Council- AmeriCorps

Position Title: Stewards VISTA: Marys River Watershed Council- AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements, East

Site Location: Corvallis, OR

City, State or Full Address: 101 SW Western Blvd Ste 105, Corvallis, OR 97333

Terms of Service:

Start Date: 06/02/25

End Date: 06/01/26

Must serve a 365-day (1 year) service term

Living Allowance: $68.39/day ($24,962.35/year)

PLEASE APPLY USING THIS LINK: My AmeriCorps - Home Page

Purpose:

The Marys River Watershed Council (MRWC) AmeriCorps Program is dedicated to restoring watershed health and fostering environmental stewardship through education, outreach, and community engagement. Serving communities within the Marys River Watershed, this program values collaboration, sustainability, and hands-on learning to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. Guided by principles of equity, accessibility, and scientific integrity, MRWC works to strengthen local partnerships and empower individuals to take an active role in conservation.

This AmeriCorps Position will expand environmental education programs, engage students in grades 3-12 in hands-on restoration activities, and enhance MRWC’s capacity through fundraising, grant writing, and outreach initiatives. The member will coordinate events such as Tap Talks and fundraising campaigns, develop educational resources, and build partnerships that support long-term program sustainability. Through this role, the AmeriCorps member will gain valuable nonprofit experience while making a meaningful impact on environmental conservation and community engagement.

The AmeriCorps VISTA member will build capacity and develop sustainable solutions to alleviate poverty in underserved communities.

Description of Duties:

• Lead Environmental Education – Work with students (grades 3-12) in schools and summer programs, leading fun, hands-on activities about watershed health and restoration.
• Expand Community Engagement – Organize and host Tap Talks, a monthly event where community members learn about important local environmental issues.
• Plan and Execute a Fundraising Event – Develop creative fundraising ideas, work with local businesses and partners, and handle event logistics from start to finish.
• Develop Outreach Materials – Create content that educates and excites the public about MRWC’s mission, including flyers, social media posts, and educational resources.
• Support Grant Writing & Fundraising – Research potential funding opportunities, write grant proposals, and help secure financial support for MRWC’s programs.
• Build & Strengthen Partnerships – Connect with schools, businesses, and community organizations to expand MRWC’s reach and impact.
• Gain Professional Experience – Participate in networking events, workshops, and training sessions to build skills for a career in environmental conservation, education, or nonprofits.
• Optional: Hands-on Restoration Work – Get outside and work alongside MRWC staff on projects that restore watershed health.

This role is a great opportunity to gain real-world nonprofit experience while making a difference in environmental conservation!

Qualifications:

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien
• At least 18 years of age
• College Graduate
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check

Physical Requirements:

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Some positions may require periodic overnight travel, non-traditional 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. Ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.

Time Requirements:

• Typically, this position is expected to serve full-time (35-40 hours) from 6/02/25 to 6/01/26, but exact schedules may vary.
• 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.
• Member will receive a Virtual Member Orientation (VMO) from VISTA on their first day of service.

Benefits:

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award* of $7,395.00
  • or choice of cash stipend of ~$1,800.00
• Living Allowance of $68.39 per day, disbursed every 2 weeks
• PD funds available
• Relocation Allowance ($750) if Eligible
• Healthcare Coverage* if Eligible
• Childcare Coverage* if Eligible
• Loan forbearance if Eligible
• Interest Payments if Eligible
• Training and Professional Development Opportunities
• Employee Wellness Program (access to a licensed, professional counselor and 24/7 support)
• Non-Competitive Eligibility* (NCE) status upon successful completion of the term
• Networking and Mentorship

• For more information regarding the Segal Education Award, check out this link as well as alternative uses for the award here.

• For details about AmeriCorps VISTA healthcare benefits, please visit http://www.vistacampus.gov/healthcare.

• For more information regarding the AmeriCorps VISTA Childcare benefit, please visit https://americorpschildcare.com/.

• For details about Non-Competitive Eligibility, please visit https://my.americorps.gov/trust/help/member_portal/non_competitive_eligibility_overview.htm.

Evaluation and Reporting:

As an AmeriCorps VISTA member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed their required year of service; 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, accomplishment tracking, and quarterly reporting.

Supervisor Name and Contact Information:

For VISTA related information, contact Addie Gilkerson, agilkerson@conservationlegacy.org

For site related information, contact Holly Purpura, holly@mrwc.org

PLEASE APPLY USING THIS LINK: My AmeriCorps - Home Page

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.