Working Lands Climate Corps – Shenandoah Valley Conservation Collaborative

Title: Conservation Field Assistants with the Shenandoah Valley Conservation Collaborative 

Location: Positions available in either Strasburg, VA or Verona, VA 

Dates of Service: October 28th, 2024 – September 19th, 2025 (47 weeks) 

Pay: $600/week AmeriCorps living allowance, plus $100/week additional benefit ($700/week, pre-tax) 

Status: This is a full-time AmeriCorps National Service position, Position is eligible for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the program. Value of education award is $6,895 (pre-tax). 

Questions? Contact ACCrecruiting@conservationlegacy.org  

How to Apply: 

In addition to your resume, please submit a one-page cover letter highlighting why you are interested in this position and how your background and experience will help you succeed in this position. Applications are only accepted through our website, www.appalachiancc.org/individualplacements. Preference given to applicants that submit application by August 16th 

Position Details 

Appalachian Conservation Corps’ Individual Placement program works to connect young people to conservation service work across Appalachia and neighboring communities in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, DC, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. ACC is a program of Conservation Legacy, a nationwide network of conservation organizations.  

In partnership with the Shenandoah Valley Conservation Collaborative, we are seeking two Working Lands Climate Corps (WLCC) Members. The WLCC will train the next generation of conservation leaders for Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry. The WLCC is a part of the American Climate Corps (ACC), and service members will receive technical skills training, education awards, and career pathway opportunities. WLCC members will receive on-the-ground experience with partners and organizations who conduct programming to support the adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry practices and systems. 

The WLCC Members will serve as Conservation Field Assistants in either the Strasburg or Verona Virginia Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) field office The Field Assistant will advance regional conservation goals by assisting the NRCS and Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD’s) staff with their on-the-ground work assisting landowners to implement best management practices on their farm or forest land. The Conservation Field Assistants report directly to the NRCS District Conservationists that will provide direction on day-to-day responsibilities.  

Position Responsibilities will include: 

• Support District Conservationists in Strasburg or Verona field offices to implement Farm Bill conservation programs, such as EQIP, CSP and easement programs.
• Utilizing NRCS software systems to create maps, conservation plans, conduct planning assessments using CART and Conservation Desktop;
• Follow up with producers who are behind schedule on their contracts and provide technical assistance needed to get back on schedule;
• Learn basic engineering design to plan and design conservation practices;
• Carries out any assigned duties, including administrative, that enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of soil conservation and water quality operations conducted by the field office.
• Cross-training with SVCC agency and nonprofit partners on conservation easements, state and federal agricultural cost share programs

During their term, the members will receive valuable training in conservation planning, mapping, on-farm environmental evaluations and identification of resource concerns, communicating with rural landowners about conservation topics, understanding of federal conservation programs, understanding of climate-smart agriculture as it is implemented in real-life. Depending on the needs of the NRCS service center, they will receive training in NRCS processes and programs (conservation desktop, Conservation Assessment Ranking Tool, Federal program requirements (EQIP, CSP, RCPP, ACEP) that make them competitive for future federal positions. 

Minimum Requirements: 

To qualify, you must be between the ages of 21 and 30, and a US citizen that has received a high school diploma or GED. All offers of employment are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and federal criminal background check. Must be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award. 

• Must be able to serve a full-time schedule for the duration of the term.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in conservation, agriculture, or related field or 2 years agricultural experience and associates degree.
• GIS experience, familiarity with federal conservation programs.
• Farming or agriculture experience.
• Willingness to endure inclement weather conditions and hike over rough terrain.

Benefits:  

• Position is eligible for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful program completion. Value of education award is $6,895 (pre-tax).
• AmeriCorps Living Stipend: $600/week (pre-tax)
• Additional Benefit: $100/week (pre-tax)
• Option to enroll in free health, vision, dental and mental health benefits
• Childcare coverage (if qualified)
• Student loan forbearance and interest payments (if qualified)
• $1,500 in professional development and training funds for use during the term of service.
• $800 in supplies for use during the term of service (must be returned at end of position)
• Ability to obtain at least one recognized credential or certification during term of service.
• On-the-job training and development opportunities.

Our Promise 

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, political affiliation, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.