Purpose

The Brownfields Assistance Center is a West Virginia-based nonprofit and an AmeriCorps Program that helps communities across the state breathe new life into abandoned or contaminated properties—known as brownfields—by turning them into productive spaces that support economic growth, environmental health, and community well-being. From old industrial sites to vacant lots, these properties often hold untapped potential, and the Brownfields Assistance Center works alongside local governments, nonprofits, and residents to unlock that potential through technical assistance, planning support, and capacity building. Rooted in the values of environmental stewardship, community collaboration, and broad-based development, the program has grown into a nationally recognized leader in rural brownfield revitalization, serving small towns and rural communities that might otherwise lack the resources to tackle these complex redevelopment challenges.

The AmeriCorps VISTA member will serve with the Brownfields Assistance Center to help strengthen the organization’s ability to track projects and measure the real-world impact of its work across West Virginia. In this AmeriCorps Position, the member will build and improve internal tools and processes—such as data tracking systems and outcome reporting templates—that help the organization stay organized and tell the story of its community impact more effectively. By improving these behind-the-scenes systems, the member plays a vital role in helping the Brownfields Assistance Center serve more communities, more efficiently, for years to come.

The AmeriCorps VISTA member will build capacity and develop sustainable solutions to alleviate poverty in underserved communities.

Description of Duties

• Develop and implement systems to track the impact and outcomes of brownfield redevelopment projects
• Design and test program evaluation tools to better measure community and program success
• Create project intake processes to improve efficiency and consistency
• Organize and develop a plan to maintain data systems to track projects across their full lifecycle
• Collaborate with staff and partners to refine tracking and evaluation methods
• Develop educational curriculum tailored to low-capacity communities
• Pilot new tools and processes, gather feedback, and recommend improvements
• Strengthen internal capacity to document, communicate, and leverage program impact

Qualifications

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien
• At least 18 years of age
• College graduate
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check

Terms of Service

Start Date: July 13, 2026
End Date: July 12, 2027
Must serve a 365-day (1 year) service term
Living Allowance: $68.39/day ($24,962.35/year)

Physical Requirements

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Some positions may require periodic overnight travel, non-traditional hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.

Benefits

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award* of $7,395.00 or choice of cash stipend of ~$1,800.00
• Living Allowance of $68.39 per day, disbursed every 2 weeks
• Park Housing/Housing Stipend
• Relocation Allowance ($750) if Eligible
• Healthcare Coverage* if Eligible
• Childcare Coverage* if Eligible
• Loan forbearance if Eligible
• Interest Payments if Eligible
• Training and Professional Development Opportunities
• Employee Wellness Program (access to a licensed, professional counselor and 24/7 support)
• Non-Competitive Eligibility* (NCE) status upon successful completion of the term
• Networking and Mentorship