Community Volunteer Ambassador Program

 

UPDATES: Hiring for the 2022 cohort!

 

Hiring:

 
 

Community Volunteer Ambassador (CVA) Program


 

The CVA program partners 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. Over sixty young professionals will serve as CVA members for 50 week terms at NPS sites across the country from Alaska to Florida, starting on February 7th, 2022. 

“Every Community Volunteer Ambassador dedicates a year of service to build enduring relationships between their national parks and local communities. By collaborating with park partners and diverse local voices to support the Volunteers-In-Parks program, these interns create and maintain efforts that are inclusive, equitable, and accessible to all who wish to volunteer. The impact of the Community Volunteer Ambassador program is evident in each park where these interns are serving. I am thankful for and proud to work alongside this new generation of public lands stewards”

- Thomas R. Medema, Acting Associate Director for Interpretation, Education, & Volunteers National Park Service

Hiring for the February 2022 CVA Cohort! We have over 30 position openings still recruiting at National Park Service sites across the United States.

 

Length: Position is 50 weeks, 40 hours/week 

Start Date: Monday, February 7th 2022 

Living Allowance: Baseline allowance of $500/week, up to $65/week may be allocated to support rent for sites who do not provide housing 

AmeriCorps Education Award: $6,345 (pre-tax) 

Application Due Date: Friday, December 17th or Until Filled 

  • CVA members will attend a week-long, nationwide, National Early Service Training (location TBD) 

  • CVA members will receive the Public Lands Corps Hiring Authority, upon completion of the program 

Minimum Qualifications: 

  • Education: High School diploma/GED required 

  • Must be outgoing and friendly and willing to work with a broad array of people 

  • Must have strong organizational skills 

  • Must be open to new experiences and disciplines 

  • Must be a self-motivated individual, able to complete projects on time with only periodic supervision 

  • Must be able and willing to work outdoors for long periods in all kinds of weather and terrain

  • Between the ages of 18-30 years old (35 years old if you are a veteran) 

  • Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident 

  • Submit proof of a Driver’s License and undergo a Federal Background Check, upon selection

  • All participants of the CVA Program must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by the first day of employment and have the ability to provide proof of vaccination before starting  

Site Highlight- Big Cypress National Preserve

The freshwaters of the Big Cypress Swamp, essential to the health of the neighboring Everglades, support the rich marine estuaries along Florida's southwest coast. Conserving over 729,000 acres of this vast swamp, Big Cypress National Preserve contains a mixture of tropical and temperate plant communities that are home to diverse wildlife, including the Endangered Florida panther. 

Position Summary: 

The Community Volunteer Ambassador will play a critical role in integrating the Preserve into the greater Naples community by leveraging current community partnerships and helping to forge new ones. They will assist the Volunteer Coordinator in their efforts to expand the volunteer corps at Big Cypress National Preserve. This position will regularly work networking within the community, recruiting new volunteers, having discussions about creative service projects, and generally sharing information about the Preserve, especially with under-represented communities.

Position Responsibilities: 

Through outreach efforts, create awareness of the Preserve within the community as a place to learn and recreate 

Network with the broader community to recruit volunteers and invite visitors to the Preserve 

Work closely with the Off-Preserve Support Team to set up for special volunteer events and staff tables 

Provide administrative support to the Volunteer Coordinator 

Assist the Volunteer Coordinator in the planning and execution of the Annual Volunteer Recognition Event

Check out nearby site Everglades National Park who are also looking for their next Community Volunteer Ambassador!