WV READY: Morgan County Commission - Public Engagement Coordinator

Length –  06/24/2024 – 11/22/2024, 22 weeks, full-time (40 hr/week) 

Location – Berkeley Springs, WV

Living Allowance - $600/week

AmeriCorps Award – Position is eligible for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the program. Value of education award is $3,447.50, pre-tax. Still working on a degree at a West Virginia school? Learn how to maximize your education award in West Virginia!

Application Due Date – Preference will be given to applicants that submit their application by 5/15/2024 

Title of Position – WV Rural Engagement Ambassador for Development and Youth (WV READY) – Morgan County Commission

Position Details

The Morgan County Commission, in partnership with Stewards Individual Placements (Stewards) seeks a WV READY AmeriCorps Member for a 22-week (4.5 months) term to serve as an outdoor recreation development coordinator. The member will perform a variety of administrative and professional work to enhance the outdoor recreation economy and opportunities in Morgan County, increasing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

This person will play a crucial role in creating and developing our trail organization, serving as the outdoor recreation development coordinator. 

Project Responsibilities

• Under supervision and direction of the Morgan County administrator and Morgan County Economic Development Authority’s executive director, the WV READY member will:
• Become knowledgeable about Morgan County’s outdoor recreation economy, assets, and related business programs as well as current activities 
• Research potential funding resources and assist in preparing funding requests/grant applications to expand outdoor recreation infrastructure and programming in Morgan County 
• Compile information and prepare reports regarding the planning, construction, and completion status of various outdoor recreation economic development projects
• Create and maintain an inventory/spreadsheet of outdoor recreation assets, related businesses, and program/activities available in Morgan County 
• Collaborate with the Morgan County Parks and Recreation Board to expand outdoor recreation programming
• Assist in the development of an outdoor recreation marketing campaign to promote local outdoor recreation assets, businesses, activities/events, etc. 
• Support volunteer efforts of various community groups working on outdoor recreation projects within Morgan County 

Benefits 

• $600/week living stipend 
  
• Segal Education Award upon completion of term $3,447.50 (pre-tax) 
• Receive tuition and fee waivers at West Virginia institutions of higher education  
• Professional development  
• Access to all member and alumni benefits of Conservation Legacy – a national conservation non-profit 
• Make a HUGE impact in your community 
• Propel your career forward with intentional experience and professional connections 

Minimum Requirements

• Must be a US Citizen, National, or Lawful Permanent Resident
• Able to commit to 22 weeks of service 
• Must be 18 years old or older 
• Bachelors Degree Preferred 
• Must be able to pass federal background check 
• Willing to serve in West Virginia, West Virginia resident preferred 

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Professional communication skills: written, presentation, and public speaking 
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Outlook, Excel, and Forms 
• Event Planning 
• Facilitating group conversations 
• Managing/supporting volunteers 
• Experience/familiarity with trail maintenance and/or trial construction 
• Passion for outdoor recreation 
• Leadership 
• Open-minded and collaborative spirit 
• Ability and willingness to work actively outdoors for several hours 
• Valid West Virginia Driver’s License

WV READY

Launched in 2022, the West Virginia Rural Engagement Ambassadors for Development and Youth (WV READY) is a new collaborative AmeriCorps program sponsored by Stewards Individual Placements (Stewards). Stewards, in partnership with Appalachian Conservation Corps, Volunteer WV and local community organizations, is working to support WV’s transition to eco-tourism, outdoor recreation, and increasing outdoor accessibility. 

Although each WV READY member’s project will look different depending on host site needs, they will still be able to lean on a cohort-style model for support, shared experiences, and professional development. Ideal candidates for this initiative are young adults looking to build a career and be a part of this larger movement in the Mountain State! Find our current recruiting projects here. 

Morgan County Commission 

The Morgan County Commission has a long history of governance in the Eastern Panhandle region of West Virginia. Founded in 1820, Morgan County is a small, rural county of 230 square miles with a population of approximately 18,000 residents. The Morgan County Commission’s mission is to provide the mandated government services as well as those services that help make our community a great place to live, work, and play.

While the Eastern Panhandle and the surrounding counties in the four-state region are considered a growing and thriving area, Morgan county has the weakest economy in the region due to its more rural environment. With two state parks located within Morgan County, tourism has always been a large sector of our economy, and outdoor recreation opportunities play a dominant role in attracting visitors to the county and encouraging residents to stay.

Bolstering the county’s parks and outdoor recreation offerings for both residents and visitors is one of the top items on the Morgan County Commission’s extensive list of goals. Many additions to our outdoor recreation economic development plans are underway, but assistance is needed to help coordinate the various levels of planning, construction, and promotion of these projects.  

For more information about the Morgan County Commission, please visit: https://morgancountywv.gov/county-commission/ 

AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps provides opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds to serve their country, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, and improve lives and communities.

For more information, please visit https://americorps.gov/about 

Stewards Individual Placements – A program of Conservation Legacy 

Mission 

Providing individual opportunities through service that build career-based experience, strengthen communities, and preserve our natural resources. 

Values

1. We promote excellence in national service and strive to create the optimal service terms for our participants and organizational partners. 
2. We strive for consistency, transparency, and efficiency in our organizational systems and processes. 
3. We are committed to a collegiate environment that promotes personal development, individuality, professionalism, and fun. 
4. We respect the legacy of our organization while embracing the need to adapt our systems to better serve participants and partners. 
5. We are committed to actively participating in efforts to preserve and restore the global environment and ecosystem for future generations. 

Stewards Individual Placements Program does not and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. 

For More Information 

John-Michael Aurednik (ore-ed-nik) (he/him) 
West Virginia Programs Coordinator 
681.238.0963 
jmaurednik@conservationlegacy.org 
www.stewardslegacy.org/wvready