Join the Preserve WV AmeriCorps Team!
Updated 11/14/2025 - Now Recruiting Preserve WV AmeriCorps for the 2025-2026 Program Year. Next start date is 12/01/2025. All positions must start by January 5, 2026.
Current positions for which we are recruiting include:
Current positions for which we are recruiting include:
- Historic Trades Team with the Monongahela National Forest, based in Elkins
- New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, based in Glen Jean
- Maintenance Division, Thurmond Historic District
- Resource Management Division, Kaymoor No. 1 Mine
Historic Trades Team Member
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Location: Elkins (Randolph County) - regional travel and overnight camping expected
3 Full-time Opportunities, each 35-40 hours/week for one year of service The Monongahela National Forest is a unit of the USDA Forest Service and includes approximately 920,000 acres throughout the Allegheny Highlands region of West Virginia - an area world renowned for its rugged landscape and spectacular views. The Heritage Program is tasked with the management of a wealth of cultural resources throughout the forest including transportation resources, homesites, recreation resources from the mid-century and CCC-era, and more. The AmeriCorps Historic Trades Team Member will serve approximately 35-40 hours per week. The team will primarily serve as a unit conducting hands-on historic preservation repairs and maintenance on cultural resources and will be based at the Forest Service headquarters in Elkins. Regional travel will be required to complete projects. The Forest Service may provide transportation for team activities requiring regional travel. Overnight camping trips to facilitate projects are expected. Team activities will primarily focus on three programmatic areas with the goal of enhancing the stewardship and use of cultural resources, including: (1) Hands-on Historic Trades to Address Deferred Maintenance
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New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
Thurmond, West Virginia
Established in 1978, New River Gorge National River was redesignated as New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in 2020. The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along 53 miles of the New River from Bluestone Dam to Hawk's Nest Lake. A rugged, whitewater river flowing northward through deep and spectacular canyons, the New River is actually among the oldest rivers on Earth. Here in southern West Virginia, the New River has carved and continues to carve the deepest and longest river gorge in the Appalachian Mountains.
Opportunity #1: Historic Preservation AmeriCorps Member - Maintenance Division (Thurmond Historic District)
The Preserve WV AmeriCorps member will serve with the Maintenance Division to continue preservation efforts in the historic railroad town of Thurmond, a key cultural resource within the park. Building on the work of previous Preserve WV AmeriCorps members, this position will support research, assessment, and preservation planning for Thurmond’s historic structures and cultural landscape.
The member will assist the park and local partners in identifying and developing the next phase of preservation projects to stabilize and restore the town’s historic buildings and infrastructure. After completing an intensive orientation with Park staff, the member’s primary tasks will be to:
The Preserve WV AmeriCorps member will serve with the Resource Management Division to support the preservation and stabilization of historic structures at the Kaymoor No. 1 Mine site. This service will build upon previous work by a former Preserve WV AmeriCorps member and continues the Park’s efforts to protect and interpret this nationally significant site. Once the member completes an intensive orientation with Park staff, their duties will be the following:
Opportunity #1: Historic Preservation AmeriCorps Member - Maintenance Division (Thurmond Historic District)
The Preserve WV AmeriCorps member will serve with the Maintenance Division to continue preservation efforts in the historic railroad town of Thurmond, a key cultural resource within the park. Building on the work of previous Preserve WV AmeriCorps members, this position will support research, assessment, and preservation planning for Thurmond’s historic structures and cultural landscape.
The member will assist the park and local partners in identifying and developing the next phase of preservation projects to stabilize and restore the town’s historic buildings and infrastructure. After completing an intensive orientation with Park staff, the member’s primary tasks will be to:
- Conduct detailed building assessments of identified historic structures in the Thurmond Historic District.
- Collect and input data into the NPS data management systems.
- Work with NPS staff to evaluate building conditions and develop repair and rehabilitation project proposals.
- Produce a comprehensive assessment report summarizing findings and recommendations.
The Preserve WV AmeriCorps member will serve with the Resource Management Division to support the preservation and stabilization of historic structures at the Kaymoor No. 1 Mine site. This service will build upon previous work by a former Preserve WV AmeriCorps member and continues the Park’s efforts to protect and interpret this nationally significant site. Once the member completes an intensive orientation with Park staff, their duties will be the following:
- Conduct background research using existing reports and documentation.
- Assess and document current conditions of historic mine structures and related features.
- Develop prescriptions for stabilization and vegetation management, in collaboration with park specialists.
- Plan and coordinate at least one service project to improve conditions at priority structures.
- Work with the Abandoned Mine Land Coordinator to integrate preservation into mine drainage mitigation and spoil pile stabilization projects.
- Collaborate with the park Biologist to develop short- and long-term vegetation management strategies that protect historic resources and visitor access.
AMERICORPS REQUIREMENTS PRIOR TO SERVICE
In order to qualify as an AmeriCorps member, candidates must
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AMERICORPS SERVICE EXPECTATIONS
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AMERICORPS MEMBER BENEFITS
- STIPEND: AmeriCorps members receive an annual stipend that is disbursed on a bi-monthly payment schedule over the course of the year. The amount of the stipend is based on the type of service slot.
- Full-time (35-40 hours/week) - $22,000 annual stipend
- Half-time members (15-20 hours/week) - $11,000 annual stipend - EDUCATION AWARD: AmeriCorps members will receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award upon the successful completion of their term of service. The educational award can be used for tuition at most colleges, technical, and vocational schools, or for the repayment of qualified, federal student loans. Members 55 or older may choose to transfer their award to a child, stepchild, or grandchild. AmeriCorps members can receive educational awards for the equivalent of 2 full-time service terms. The value of the educational award for the upcoming term is:
- Full-time - $7,395.00
- Half-time - $3,697.50 - AUTOMATIC STUDENT LOAN DEFERMENT & INTEREST PAID: Members’ qualified student loans can be deferred during AmeriCorps service, with the accumulated loan interest paid by AmeriCorps at the end of the deferred period.
- WV UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE TUITION & FEE WAIVER: For every 600 hours of service, AmeriCorps members will receive a waiver for one semester’s tuition and fees to undergraduate or graduate programs at public colleges and universities in West Virginia. AmeriCorps members are eligible for up to 8 semesters of tuition waivers, meaning that after you have accepted every other form of financial aid available to you (not including loans and work study), the WV AmeriCorps Tuition Waiver can be applied to cover your remaining balance of tuition and fees. You are not required to accept offers of student loans or work study assistance before applying the tuition waiver.
- HEALTH INSURANCE: Group health insurance is available for full-time members who do not have health insurance or do not qualify for Medicaid.
- CHILDCARE SUBSIDY: Full-time AmeriCorps members have the option to apply for childcare coverage provided by AmeriCorps
SKILLS SUGGESTED FOR THIS PROGRAM
- Demonstrable historical research abilities
- Good written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking
- Good organizational skills, required to work on multiple tasks for event coordination and volunteer management purposes
- Comfortable working with different types of people
- Responsible and able to be self-directed and take the initiative
- Experience with historical resources, public history, or historic preservation (or ability to prove you can learn)
- Some leadership experience
- Computer experience: online research, email, Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Google Drive, and social media
- Must be willing and able to travel statewide for various trainings and for service at some sites
HOW TO APPLY
1.) Send a written cover letter and your resume with contact information for two professional references to AmeriCorps program director at [email protected].
The cover letter should directly reference the description of the position the applicant is applying to and speak to how the applicant's interests, experience, and career goals are a good match for that particular service opportunity. Position descriptions for all available service opportunities can be found below. If interested, applicants may use the cover letter to apply for more than one position.
2.) Submit an AmeriCorps application under the "Preserve WV AmeriCorps" listing. You will need to create an account to submit this application. For problems creating and submitting an application, contact the National Service hotline at 1-800-942-2677.
1.) Send a written cover letter and your resume with contact information for two professional references to AmeriCorps program director at [email protected].
The cover letter should directly reference the description of the position the applicant is applying to and speak to how the applicant's interests, experience, and career goals are a good match for that particular service opportunity. Position descriptions for all available service opportunities can be found below. If interested, applicants may use the cover letter to apply for more than one position.
2.) Submit an AmeriCorps application under the "Preserve WV AmeriCorps" listing. You will need to create an account to submit this application. For problems creating and submitting an application, contact the National Service hotline at 1-800-942-2677.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION?
If an applicant looks like a good fit for the Preserve WV program, program staff will reach out via email to set up a “get to know you” phone interview. After this initial phone interview, program staff will then pass along all application materials to the site supervisors of the individual service opportunities the applicant expressed interest in.
If a supervisor believes an applicant is a good candidate for their site, the supervisor will reach out to set up an additional interview (either by phone, Skype, or in person).
n order to be selected to serve at a site, you will need to be approved both by the program staff and the site supervisor.
Following your interviews, completion of all application paperwork, and the checking of your references (from the MyAmeriCorps application form), program staff will make offers to selected candidates on a rolling basis. The program may be able to hold your offer open for a limited time if you are considering multiple options; please let program staff know if you have time constraints. Service opportunities will be filled on an ongoing basis throughout the summer (and, if necessary, the fall) until none remain open.
If you are accepted into the program, program staff will then let you know other steps required for enrollment (such as background checks and paperwork) and can (if necessary) provide helpful information for relocating.
If an applicant looks like a good fit for the Preserve WV program, program staff will reach out via email to set up a “get to know you” phone interview. After this initial phone interview, program staff will then pass along all application materials to the site supervisors of the individual service opportunities the applicant expressed interest in.
If a supervisor believes an applicant is a good candidate for their site, the supervisor will reach out to set up an additional interview (either by phone, Skype, or in person).
n order to be selected to serve at a site, you will need to be approved both by the program staff and the site supervisor.
Following your interviews, completion of all application paperwork, and the checking of your references (from the MyAmeriCorps application form), program staff will make offers to selected candidates on a rolling basis. The program may be able to hold your offer open for a limited time if you are considering multiple options; please let program staff know if you have time constraints. Service opportunities will be filled on an ongoing basis throughout the summer (and, if necessary, the fall) until none remain open.
If you are accepted into the program, program staff will then let you know other steps required for enrollment (such as background checks and paperwork) and can (if necessary) provide helpful information for relocating.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY NOTICE
Participation in the Preserve WV AmeriCorps (or any other CNCS) program is based on merit and equal opportunity for all, without regard to factors such as race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, political affiliation, marital or parental status, military service, or religious, community, or social affiliations. You have a right to reasonable accommodation for disabilities. Programs must furnish reasonable accommodations for the known physical and mental limitations of qualified AmeriCorps members.
If you believe your rights have been violated, you may report such violations to the directors of your program of whom must establish and maintain a procedure for filing and adjudicating certain grievances. You may also file discrimination-related grievances with the Equal Opportunity Counselor of AmeriCorps at (202) 606-5000, ext. 312 (voice), or 1 (800) 942-2677.
Participation in the Preserve WV AmeriCorps (or any other CNCS) program is based on merit and equal opportunity for all, without regard to factors such as race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, political affiliation, marital or parental status, military service, or religious, community, or social affiliations. You have a right to reasonable accommodation for disabilities. Programs must furnish reasonable accommodations for the known physical and mental limitations of qualified AmeriCorps members.
If you believe your rights have been violated, you may report such violations to the directors of your program of whom must establish and maintain a procedure for filing and adjudicating certain grievances. You may also file discrimination-related grievances with the Equal Opportunity Counselor of AmeriCorps at (202) 606-5000, ext. 312 (voice), or 1 (800) 942-2677.