AmeriCorps Steward VISTA

Marys River Watershed Council, a nonprofit watershed group in Corvallis, Oregon, is seeking an energetic and self-motivated individual that can help expand their environmental education and restoration programs. The MRWC VISTA will have the opportunity to serve while gaining a breadth of experience assisting with 1) project planning, 2) grant writing, 3) environmental education, 4) community engagement, 5) watershed restoration and enhancement, 6) event organization, and 7) nonprofit administration.

Rolling application deadline until position filled. Preference given to applications received before April 17.

Term Length: June 2, 2025– June 1, 2026

Position Responsibilities:

• Assist in environmental education and restoration efforts alongside MRWC staff
• Maintain existing and build new partnerships and programs with schools, area youth-groups, and other local organizations
• Perform grant research and grant writing
• Help organize fundraising events and expand community outreach efforts
• Aid in volunteer coordination, administrative support, and other duties as needed
• Help create outreach materials, including e-newsletters, web and social media content, & print materials

Qualifications, Skills, and Attributes:

• Self-motivated individual who is apt at multitasking and is able to work under pressure
• Must have a commitment to working with the community to improve the quality of our rivers and lands
• Must have an interest in K-12 education
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office required, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Strong leadership ability and a commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity required
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience in public speaking
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to drive

Not required, but a plus:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred
• Prior work experience in environmental restoration and/or K-12 education preferred
• Proficiency in social media platforms preferred, including Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter
• Fluency in Spanish is a major plus
• Proficiency in ArcGIS and/or other GIS platforms
• Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop
• Knowledge of ecological principles and experience monitoring water quality, fish, and macroinvertebrates
• Grant writing, event coordination, and fundraising experience
• Document design and web design experience

The AmeriCorps VISTA will report to the MRWC Executive Director.

About MRWC: Marys River Watershed Council is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that works to inspire and support voluntary stewardship of the Marys River watershed. We partner with landowners to enhance and steward our streams, forests, and prairies, and we also partner with our local schools to provide outdoor education opportunities for children to learn more about Oregon’s wonderful natural resource legacy. The Council was formed in 1998 by residents in the community who had deep concerns about the quality of our water, the floodplains adjacent to these waters, and the native habitat and species associated with these streams and wetlands. We have a small staff of 6 full-time employees and engage with an active group of volunteers, partners, and landowners to complete our mission and strategic goals.

Marys River Watershed Council is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity as a core organizational value. Applicants who represent and demonstrate a strong commitment to issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit our website at www.mrwc.org.

About AmeriCorps VISTA Positions: A Volunteer In Service To America (VISTA) member is a year-long, full-time position through AmeriCorps to build capacity for nonprofit groups. Learn more about the VISTA program on the AmeriCorps website. The VISTA compensation summary can be found here.

For more information on the position, contact Holly Purpura, MRWC Executive Director, at 541-758-7597 or at Recruit@mrwc.org or Program contact Addie Gilkerson, agilkerson@conservationlegacy.org.