Stewards VISTA: Piney Creek Watershed Association Y1 - AmeriCorps : Job Details

Stewards VISTA: Piney Creek Watershed Association Y1

Piney Creek Watershed Association was founded in 2004 by a small group of concerned citizens who wished to make a difference in their community by improving the water quality in our local streams. This group realized that stream quality reflects the surrounding environment and that improved stream quality would come from efforts to control polluted runoff, faulty sewage treatment, erosion, litter, and other environmental detriments. Our non-profit group has made progress over the years by raising awareness of the environment through education and outreach activities, including stream cleanups, rain barrel and rain garden workshops, water monitoring efforts, storm drain marking, developing outdoor recreation opportunities, informative member meetings, and our annual Earth Day and watershed celebrations. We have managed barren-land revegetation, wetland development, and storm water management projects to reduce sediment and bacterial contamination of our streams. PCWA has a unique position as the only locally-focused, non-profit organization in the area. By advocating for streams, our work leads to a cleaner, healthier. and more vibrant community. Leveraging partners and connecting dots are where much of the leg-work and passion are ignited for this group of conservationists. We are always willing to get dirt under our nails and water in our waders to do what's best for the Piney Creek Watershed and our community. Further help on this page can be found by clicking here.

Member Duties : PCWA received 319 grant funds to improve water quality within Piney Creek Watershed. The project provides financial assistance to homeowners in the coal communities. The goal is to provide a significant cost share to eligible homeowners to keep their costs at a minimum. Studies have shown that poverty is a major cause of environmental degradation, and with a substantial number of residents in these communities on fixed incomes as a result of the coal economy vanishing, the viable way to have septic remediation work done is if it is offset. PCWA will educate homeowners in the communities on proper septic care and maintenance and the importance of clean water. The VISTA will assist PCWA staff with this work, as well as with the work of contacting homeowners and assisting them through the application process for financial assistance.

Program Benefits : Childcare assistance if eligible , Training , Living Allowance , Relocation Allowance , Stipend , Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend , Education award upon successful completion of service , Health Coverage* .

Terms :

Uniforms provided and required , Car recommended , Permits attendance at school during off hours , Permits working at another job during off hours .

Service Areas :

Environment , Neighborhood Revitalization , Housing , Community Outreach , Community and Economic Development , Education .

Skills :

Fund raising/Grant Writing , Leadership , Social Services , Team Work , Counseling , Non-Profit Management , General Skills , Community Organization .