Community Volunteer Ambassador, Natchez Trace Parkway – AmeriCorps  Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements Program

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants will need to apply here: https://form.jotform.com/StewardsIPP/cva-member-application-2026 Application form requires a resume, cover letter, professional references. 

Position Title: Community Volunteer Ambassador, Natchez Trace Parkway – AmeriCorps  

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements Program 

Site Location: Natchez Trace Parkway 

189 Meriwether Lewis Park, Hohenwald, TN 38462 

Terms of Service: 

Start Date: 2/23/2026 

End Date: 2/5/2027 

AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 1700 Hour Slot 

Purpose: 

Stewards Individual Placements, a program of Conservation Legacy, provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. The Community Volunteer Ambassador (CVA) Program combines the strength of a national leader in conservation service with the National Park Service to train emerging leaders to assist park units in building lasting connections to communities. 

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a scenic 444-mile national parkway that stretches from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee. It follows a historic travel corridor that was used for centuries by Native Americans, early explorers, and settlers. Often referred to as a Journey Through Time, the Parkway features peaceful landscapes, varied ecosystems, and a rich cultural legacy. From river valleys to the rolling hills of the Middle Tennessee Highlands, it is especially admired for its spring wildflowers, vibrant fall foliage, and historic sites. 

Adding to its uniqueness, the North District duty station is located at the historic death and burial site of Meriwether Lewis, the famed American explorer from the legendary Lewis and Clark Expedition. The Parkway is also a haven for outdoor recreation, offering hiking trails, waterfalls, and river options for paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing. With its tranquil scenery and abundant natural features, it is truly an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, providing countless opportunities to explore, relax, and connect with nature. 

Tucked away in the charm of small-town life, this hidden gem is just a scenic hour’s drive from the vibrant heart of Nashville, Tennessee. There, visitors can enjoy world-class museums, live concerts, and a wide variety of entertainment options. Whether you're seeking culture, music, or unforgettable experiences, it is all within easy reach. 

Managed by the National Park Service, the Parkway welcomes more than six million visitors each year, making it one of the most cherished drives in the southeastern United States. 

Volunteer opportunities include: 

Supporting visitor center services and interpretation 

Assisting with educational outreach programs 

Participating in trail and facility maintenance 

Serving as campground hosts 

Providing administrative support to park operations 

Promoting stewardship understanding among visitors 

Offering guidance and information to the public 

The Community Volunteer Ambassador (CVA) serves as a key contributor to the Natchez Trace Parkway’s Volunteer Program, supporting efforts to expand volunteer opportunities and strengthen local engagement. This role focuses on building meaningful connections between the park and its volunteer community by assisting with daily operations, coordinating volunteer activities, recruiting and onboarding new volunteers, and improving program management resources, documentation, and tracking systems. 

The CVA will help develop a comprehensive set of planning documents and operational tools, including position descriptions, interview questionnaires, reference check templates, and training checklists. These materials will be organized into a centralized document database to provide a clear and user-friendly framework for supervisors and future volunteer coordinators. 

Working alongside Parkway staff and local partners, the CVA will help grow volunteer teams, create new service opportunities, and enhance public engagement. By promoting stewardship and encouraging active participation, the CVA will ensure that volunteers play a meaningful role in preserving the Parkway’s cultural, historical, and natural resources. 

This position is ideal for someone who is passionate about community outreach, public lands, and volunteerism. It offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the long-term sustainability of one of the nation’s most historic scenic routes. 

  
Description of Duties: 

Assist with daily operations of the volunteer program  

Support the recruitment, onboarding, and training of new volunteers  

Help establish new volunteer teams and expand existing ones  

Coordinate planning, logistics, communication, and execution of volunteer events and service days  

Help plan, develop, and co-lead training opportunities for volunteers and supervisors  

Respond to questions and issues from volunteers and VIP supervisors as they arise  

Participate in monthly Microsoft Teams meetings with VIP Leads and NPS Volunteer Supervisors  

Maintain and update volunteer records and databases  

Track volunteer hours and ensure accurate reporting using volunteer management systems  

Assist with processing volunteer paperwork  

Enter, analyze, and interpret data  

Support communications with volunteers and paid staff  

Create and distribute promotional materials to raise awareness of volunteer opportunities and initiatives  

Promote volunteer opportunities through outreach, social media, and community engagement  

Serve as a liaison between volunteers and park staff  

Provide excellent customer service to volunteers and visitors  

Develop or expand partnerships with local organizations, universities, and businesses to increase volunteer engagement  

Conduct outreach in local communities to help build a strong volunteer base  

Maintain inventory and provision of uniforms, tools, and program supplies 

Identify suppliers and pricing for volunteer supplies, equipment, uniforms, PPE, and training materials  

Redesign and reorganize the district’s volunteer uniform cache  

Support the creation and updating of planning documents and operational resources, including position descriptions, interview questionnaires, reference check templates, and training checklists  

Assist with special projects as assigned 

Qualifications: 

Education & Eligibility 

Completed at least one year of college 

Must possess a valid driver’s license and pass a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check. Must be over 21years old or have held a driver’s license for at least three years to be insured in this position 

Technical & Administrative Skills 

Proficient in Microsoft Office products, including Excel and Word 

Familiar with Microsoft Teams, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Canva 

Able to type efficiently and manage digital records 

Experienced in computer-based composition, data entry, research, analysis, and interpretation of databases and data review 

Capable of processing volunteer paperwork and maintaining accurate records 

Communication & Outreach 

Excellent customer service skills, including patience, courtesy, and professionalism 

Strong written and verbal communication abilities 

Able to assist with outreach efforts and promote volunteer opportunities 

Comfortable engaging with individuals of all ages and backgrounds 

Willing to serve as a liaison between volunteers and park staff 

Personal Attributes 

Outgoing and friendly personality 

Strong work ethic and commitment to excellence 

Motivated learner and self-starter with initiative 

Consistent follow-through on work projects 

Highly organized with strong planning skills 

Reliable time management and punctuality 

 Open to feedback and receptive to supervision 

Eager to learn and grow professionally 

Enjoys working both independently and collaboratively 

Comfortable balancing administrative tasks with creative project development 

Passionate about supporting the mission of the National Park Service 

United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien 

At least 17 years of age 

Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant, and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award 

Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

Communication & Outreach 

Effective written and verbal communication skills 

Public speaking experience with audiences of different backgrounds 

Experience in outreach, social media, and community engagement 

Comfortable conducting outreach in local communities and networking with organizations of varied backgrounds to build partnerships 

Ability to respond to inquiries from the public, volunteers, and staff 

Skilled in using Microsoft Teams and other digital communication platforms 

Technical & Analytical Skills 

Confident working with and analyzing numbers and statistics 

Capable of conducting research and creating products independently 

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 

Skilled in data entry, analysis, and interpretation using Excel spreadsheets 

Capable of supporting the creation and updating of planning documents, such as position descriptions, interview questionnaires, reference check templates, and training checklists 

Education & Preferences 

Bachelor of Arts degree or equivalent 

Preference given to local applicants 

Personal Attributes 

Enjoys working with people and excels in independent, focused tasks 

Excellent organizational skills for both physical logistics and digital workflows 

Strong multitasking abilities with a talent for coordinating events, managing participants and staff, and maintaining professionalism under pressure 

Enthusiastic about both office and field-based work 

Able to engage individuals across all ages and backgrounds 

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 40 hours per week, 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.  

Orientation and Training: 

Member will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities. 

Week-long, in-person training on NPS volunteer program management and leadership skills 

Year-long continuum of learning supporting professional development 

 $750.00 in Professional Development Funds for travel and training 

Additional Position and Community Information: 

Logistics & Transportation 

A valid driver’s license is required 

A personal vehicle is needed for commuting and some duties 

A park vehicle is available when duties require its use 

Weekend and evening work may be part of the regular schedule 

Some overnight travel will be required 

Collaboration & Housing 

Opportunity to collaborate with other National Park Service (NPS) units 

The NPS host site does not provide housing for the Community Volunteer Ambassador (CVA) 

Nearby communities with potential housing options include:  

Hohenwald, TN (15 minutes from the duty station) 

Lawrenceburg, TN (40 minutes from the duty station) 

Columbia, TN (40 minutes from the duty station) 

Centerville, TN (36 minutes from the duty station) 

Benefits: 

Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $7,395.00 

Living Allowance of $600.00 per week. 

Additional Benefit of $150.00 per week if housing is NOT provided by NPS host site at no cost to the participant. 

Healthcare Coverage if Eligible  

Childcare Coverage if Eligible 

Loan forbearance if Eligible 

Interest Payments if Eligible 

10 Federal Holidays, 13 days Personal Leave, 13 days Sick Leave 

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. 

How to Apply 
Please visit Community Volunteer Ambassador (cvainternships.org) to review “Member Positions” by region and find instructions on how to apply.  

The CVA position will start on Monday, February 23, 2026 and run for 50 weeks until Friday, February 5, 2027. 

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants will need to apply here: https://form.jotform.com/StewardsIPP/cva-member-application-2026  

Application form requires a resume, cover letter, professional references.  

Please ensure your cover letter addresses how your experience aligns with the CVA program, your experience working with different populations, and position details for this park/position. You may submit one application for multiple positions by selecting all sites you are interested in. 

Application Timeline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Final deadline is Friday, January 9, 2026. 

For Application Questions: 

Please contact James Gasaway, Program Director at jgasaway@conservationlegacy.org  

Conservation Legacy is 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.