AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassadors Program

April 22, 2025nrehbach

The NJWAP is a 10-month, full-time AmeriCorps program focused on promoting watershed stewardship through education, community engagement, and stream monitoring. Individual AmeriCorps members are assigned to each of New Jersey’s 20 watershed management areas (WMAs) to serve as “Watershed Ambassadors” to their watershed communities. In addition to the 20 Watershed Ambassadors, 3 Source Water Protection (SWP) Ambassadors are each assigned to the Northern, Central, and Southern regions of NJ. While Watershed Ambassadors have a focus on water quality through non-point and point-source pollution, SWP Ambassadors have a focus on source water, water conservation, and groundwater.

This program is a full-time commitment of 35-40 hours a week, for a total of 1700 hours over a ten-month span (September-July). While outside activities like graduate school and other jobs are allowed, members are asked to make the NJWAP their priority while they are serving.

Candidates are eligible if they

Hold a bachelor’s degree (any major)
Are passionate about the environment and community service
Have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation (travel is throughout NJ, but never in other states)
Are a U.S. Citizen or can provide required documentation of permanent residence
Can commit to 35–40 hours/week (1700 hour term) from September to July

Why become an Ambassador?

✅Gain experience in the environmental field
✅Develop public speaking and presentation skills
✅Learn field work and citizen science methods
✅Enhance abilities to manage programs and events
✅Build a professional network
✅Increase knowledge of local and state government
✅Make lasting friendships
and more!

Program Benefits

Living Stipend evenly distributed bi-weekly over the 10-month term of service
Health Coverage
Childcare assistance if eligible
Segal Education Award upon completion of 1700 hours. Members can use the award to repay qualified student loans and to pay current educational expenses at eligible institutions of higher education and training programs.

Program Terms

Permits working at another job during off hours
Permits attendance at school during off hours
AmeriCorps apparel provided and required to be worn during service outreach events

Learn More at Our Open House

We will go over program requirements, what an average day as an Ambassador is like, how to apply, and other relevant details. We will also have testimonials from current Ambassadors and alum. Open to graduates and students interested in future terms.

👉 Register here

Virtual: TBD, July
In-Person: TBD, July (Central NJ)

How to Apply

Application opens in June 2025 via the My AmeriCorps Portal.
- All interested applicants should create an account on the “My AmeriCorps” website and fill out their basic application information before our application opens, so that when we start recruiting they are ready.
Interested applicants can get an application opening alert by filling out this interest form or by following us on Facebook and Instagram.

Placements are first-come, first-served, so early application is encouraged!