Economic Development Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description
Position Title: OSMRE AmeriCorps Member with City of Beckley Office of Outdoor Economic Development
Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: City of Beckley Office of Outdoor Economic Development
513 Ewart Ave.
Beckley, WV 25801
Terms of Service: 10 weeks

• Start Date: 09/28/2026
• End Date: 12/04/2026
• Application Deadline: 08/24/2026
• Number of Positions Available: 1
• AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 300 Hours

Stewards Individual Placements
Stewards Individual Placements, a division of Conservation Legacy, provides individuals with AmeriCorps service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural and cultural resources. Participants serve with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits to build institutional capacity, develop community relationships, and support ecosystem health.
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE)The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) is a bureau within the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI). Established in 1977 under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA), OSMRE's primary mission is to ensure that coal mining activities are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner and that the land is restored to beneficial use following mining operations. The office provides oversight and assistance to state and tribal regulatory programs, promotes reclamation of abandoned mine lands, and supports research and training to improve reclamation techniques. OSMRE is committed to balancing the nation's need for coal as an energy source with the need to protect and restore the environment.
The City of Beckley Office of Outdoor Economic DevelopmentThe City of Beckley Office of Outdoor Economic Development works to improve quality of life and strengthen the local economy by developing, promoting, and enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities. Guided by the community-driven Beckley Outdoors Economic Action Plan, the Office leads initiatives that expand trail and recreation infrastructure, foster partnerships, support outdoor-related businesses, increase tourism, and encourage healthy, active lifestyles. Through collaboration with public, private, and nonprofit partners, the Office seeks to position Beckley as a premier outdoor recreation destination while creating lasting economic and community benefits.
Position RoleStewards Individual Placements, in partnership with the City of Beckley, WV, is seeking a 10-week AmeriCorps Member to fill the role of an Outdoor Recreation & Trail Development Associate position. This Member will support trail development, stewardship, and community engagement at the Piney Creek Preserve, a former abandoned mine land that is being transformed into a community outdoor recreation destination. The Member will assist with sustainable trail construction and maintenance, volunteer engagement, and public outreach while supporting additional outdoor recreation initiatives throughout the Beckley area.
The Piney Creek Preserve is located on land directly impacted by historic coal mining and includes areas of formerly abandoned mine land that have undergone reclamation. While no active reclamation work will occur during this service term, the project focuses on the long-term reuse and stewardship of reclaimed lands by developing sustainable outdoor recreation infrastructure that provides lasting economic and environmental benefits. By improving public access to reclaimed lands and expanding outdoor recreation opportunities, the project will help diversify the local economy, improve quality of life, and demonstrate the long-term benefits of converting former mining landscapes into community assets.
Description of Duties:
To achieve the goals of this position, the Member will:

• Sustainable Trail Construction and Maintenance

o Assist with construction of sustainable natural surface trails
o Perform routine trail maintenance including drainage improvements, vegetation management, tread repairs, and feature maintenance
o Help install trail signage and wayfinding infrastructure
o Monitor trail conditions and document maintenance needs

• Volunteer and Community Engagement

o Assist with organizing volunteer trail workdays
o Welcome and orient volunteers
o Help lead community hikes and bike rides
o Support outreach efforts that encourage stewardship of reclaimed lands
o Document volunteer hours and impacts

• Trail Assessments and Visitor Improvements

o Conduct trail inspections and condition assessments
o Collect GPS data and update trail maps
o Assist with installing trail markers, kiosks, and interpretive signage
o Document project progress through photographs and reports
o Support visitor experience improvements throughout Beckley's trail system
Qualifications:

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien
• Be between the ages of 18-30 (or up to age 35 with Veteran status)
• Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
• Able to commit to 10 weeks of service
• Has the ability to drive, with reliable transportation and an insurable driving history
• Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work, including hiking over uneven terrain, lifting 50 pounds, and working in varying weather conditions
• Strong communication skills
• Willingness to collaborate
• Interest in outdoor recreation, conservation, or community service is required

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Preference for applicants pursuing or holding a degree in recreation management, natural resources, forestry, environmental science, parks & recreation, landscape architecture, geography, planning, or related field
  • Previous experience with trail construction or maintenance, mountain biking, hiking, volunteer coordination, GIS/GPS mapping, outdoor leadership, or the use of hand tools is desirable
  • Current First Aid/CPR certification is also preferred but not required

Our Commitment:Conservation Legacy is committed to the full consideration of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential job functions. Physical requirements may include periodic overnight travel, non-traditional work 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. The ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.
Time Requirements:

• Typically, this position is expected to serve Monday - Friday, but exact service schedules may vary. A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service
• Member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term
• OSMRE Members are part of a cohort and meet virtually online on a bi-weekly basis; the OSMRE cohort space is established for OSMRE Members to collaborate and support one another on various projects, while also discussing various personal and professional development topics

Orientation and Training:

• Member will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
• Orientation to the Piney Creek Preserve and City of Beckley outdoor recreation program
• Sustainable trail building and maintenance techniques
• Safe use of hand tools and power equipment
• Hazard recognition and Leave No Trace principles
• Volunteer management orientation
• Public engagement and communication training
• Basic risk management for outdoor programming
• GPS and trail mapping orientation

Benefits:

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $1565.08 pre-tax
• Stipend of $800 per week, pre-tax ($700 Living Allowance + $100 Additional Benefit)
• $1000 Relocation Benefit ($500 issued at start of term, $500 issued upon successful completion at end of term)
• Access to all member and alumni benefits of Conservation Legacy
• Opportunity to make a HUGE impact on your community
• Service opportunities can help propel your career forward with intentional experience and professional connections
• OSMRE Members have opportunities to connect and collaborate with other OSMRE Members in the bi-weekly virtual OSMRE Cohort space

Evaluation and Reporting:As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service.
Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking.
Application, Resume and Cover Letter:To apply, please click on the green "apply" button in the top right corner of the page. In addition to uploading your resume to this application, please also upload and attach a cover letter. In your cover letter, please note your interest and qualifications in the position.
Recruiter & Program Coordinator Contact Information:
Susie Schroer
Stewards Individual Placements Program Coordinator
sschroer@conservationlegacy.org
970-317-9131
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.