NJWAP serves with all sectors of society to improve the quality of NJ’s waterways by providing nurturing community-based environmental activities and empowering residents to make responsible and informed decisions regarding their watersheds. AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassadors educate the public on watershed science and encouraging them to get involved in local stewardship actions; implement community green infrastructure and stewardship projects through partnering with local organizations and community volunteers; and conduct habitat and biological assessments following DEP monitoring protocol to monitor the health of their WMA’s streams. Extensive training in highly sought-after skills in the environmental field is provided, including GIS (AGO Online applications, NJGeoWeb), fieldwork experience, grant management, project management, and science communication. The program prepares the members for future environmental careers. Applicants should apply via the My AmeriCorps portal by July 10, 2026, including indication in your interest statement of at least two preferred WMAs. Applications are evaluated as they are received. Eligibility to Serve with the NJWAP: • Must have a bachelor’s degree or higher. • Desire to serve your community • A valid driver’s license, dependable car for service assignment travel • Must be a U.S Citizen or a permanent resident of the US (must provide documentation) • Must commit to a 1700-hour term from September through July (40 hours per week, to be completed by mid-July). Program Benefits: Living stipend up to $25,000 will be evenly distributed bi-monthly, over the 10 month term of service. Segal education award of up to $7,395 upon completion of 1,700 hours. All offers are contingent upon the Program receiving funding for the 2026-2027 grant cycle.
Member Duties : (Subject to change per grant year) • 50 presentations • 2 Environmental Stewardship Trainings • 4 Partnership Projects • 2 cleanups with a focus on reducing debris and single-use plastics • 1 Host Agency Project • 30 biological and visual assessments conducted to monitor local freshwater streams (Members will enter assessment data into DEP ArcGIS Database) • 5 Floater assessments to collect data for other environmental organizations • Attend 3 meetings to learn about local environmental concerns and partner with community groups to address them • Conduct 1 career/profession-of-interest Interview with a professional of choice • Conduct 1 elected or appointed-official interview with official of choice
Program Benefits : Training , Education award upon successful completion of service , Childcare assistance if eligible , Stipend , Health Coverage .
Terms :
Permits working at another job during off hours , Permits attendance at school during off hours , Uniforms provided and required , Car recommended .
Service Areas :
Environment .
Skills :
Public Speaking , Team Work , Recruitment , Writing/Editing , Community Organization , Education , Environment , Leadership .
AmeriCorps State / National
2026-2027 AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassadors Program (WA)
Program Locations
NEW JERSEY Philadelphia/Wilmington/Atlantic City , New York City (inc. Long Island CT NJ NY)
From 06/09/2026 To 07/10/2026
Contact
Michelle Hatfield
PO Box 420 Mail Code 401-04L
https://dep.nj.gov/wms/bears/americorps-nj-watershed-ambassadors/
