Local recruitment: Stewards VISTA: Friends of Blackwater North Fork Year 1

Friends of Blackwater (FOB) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring and protecting the Blackwater River watershed in West Virginia. For over 20 years, FOB has led efforts to address acid mine drainage from legacy mining, improving water quality and strengthening the region’s environmental and economic vitality. Based near the towns of Thomas and Davis—gateway communities to Blackwater Falls State Park—the area offers a unique blend of outdoor recreation, tourism, and small-town Appalachian culture. FOB is advancing a major restoration effort on the North Fork, the river’s largest source of pollution. Planning is complete for a state-owned active treatment system addressing Mine Portal 29, Burns Blow-out, and Long Run, with permitting expected by summer 2026 and construction to follow. An AmeriCorps VISTA member will build community support for this project through creating outreach strategy, educational curriculum and interpretative materials. Ideal candidates are strong communicators with skills in outreach, writing, and digital media, and an interest in environmental restoration and community engagement. Service is anticipated to run from summer 2026 to summer 2027. To learn more, visit Friends of Blackwater online or contact the organization directly. Those relocating should expect a rural mountain setting with a strong sense of community, access to outdoor recreation, and proximity to tourism hubs like Thomas and Davis.

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Member Duties : Develop staff-ready education curricula on acid mine drainage remediation, coal mining heritage, and watershed restoration Create internal communication planning tools, including digital content frameworks and documentation guides Produce interpretive content templates and signage guidance materials for staff use Develop structured video and presentation outlines explaining remediation systems and water quality improvements Create internal website content guides and print material templates for organizational use Design internal tracking systems for donor engagement and education initiatives Compile documentation linking remediation milestones to education messaging and reporting frameworks

Program Benefits : Childcare assistance if eligible ,  Stipend ,  Health Coverage* ,  Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend ,  PD funds ,  Relocation Allowance ,  Living Allowance ,  Education award upon successful completion of service ,  Training . 

*For details about AmeriCorps VISTA healthcare benefits, please visit https://americorpsvista.imglobal.com/.

Terms :
Car recommended ,  Permits attendance at school during off hours ,  Permits working at another job during off hours . 

Service Areas :
Community and Economic Development ,  Environment . 

Skills :
Non-Profit Management ,  Computers/Technology ,  Writing/Editing ,  Recruitment ,  Leadership ,  Fund raising/Grant Writing ,  Team Work ,  Communications ,  Environment .