Watershed Ambassadors help keep the environment clean.
TRENTON – The Department of Environmental Protection is seeking recruits for its 24th year of the AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassadors Program which helps protect New Jersey watersheds while creating environmental career opportunities for young people, Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced Monday.
Applications for the 2023-2024 program are being accepted through Aug. 31 or until all positions are filled. The next class of Ambassadors begins in September.
“The AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassadors Program embodies the spirit of stewardship, from educating the public about how to protect their local watersheds to developing the next generation of New Jersey’s environmental leaders,” LaTourette said in a release. “When we empower others to protect the environment, we enhance the quality of life across New Jersey.”
Watershed Ambassadors are placed at local host sites in 20 Watershed Management Areas across the state to serve their local communities, including the Great Egg Harbor River and Mullica River watersheds in Atlantic County.
Three part-time ambassadors will be recruited to serve as Source Water Protection Ambassadors in northern, central, and southern locations to work on outreach and education campaigns that will lead to the protection of drinking water sources.
The skills learned by Watershed Ambassadors will serve them well as they advance in their careers.
Ambassadors are required to complete 1,700 hours of service over 10 months. Compensation includes an annual stipend of up to $25,000 for full-time positions and up to $13,235 for part-time positions. Members may qualify for health insurance benefits while serving as an ambassador, childcare assistance, SNAP benefits, and deferment of qualified student loans during service. They will receive extensive training throughout the program year. In addition, members are eligible to receive an education award of up to $6,895 for full-time and up to $3,447.50 for part-time positions.
Visit the program’s recruitment page to learn more about program eligibility.
