DEP Seeks Americorps Watershed Ambassadors

New Jersey is looking for the environmental leaders of tomorrow.

The state’s Department of Environmental Protection recently announced they seeking recruits for the 2013 class of the AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassadors Program. 

According to the announcement, the DEP is seeking young people with a hands-on desire to improve their state and its quality of life.

The organizers are accepting applications for the next group of AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassadors through Aug. 17 for the 20 watershed management areas across the state.

"This is a great program that cultivates our next environmental leaders, young people who will wake up each morning as I do and turn their thoughts to protecting the air, water, lands, and natural and historic resources of our state,'' DEP Commissioner Bob Martin said in the release. "It is vital to prepare a new generation of leaders to take over that task.''

The DEP began hosting this federal AmeriCorps program in 2000 seven years after Americorp was founded. New Jersey's Watershed Ambassador Program was a recipient of a nationwide grant and received $260,000 in federal funding for 2013.

"Individuals who are selected for the Watershed Ambassadors program go through a rigorous training program that prepares them to work in the environmental field, particularly in the area of water resources," said Jill Lipoti, DEP's Division of Water Monitoring and Standards Director. "Ambassadors have proven to be extremely valuable resources in assisting the State in fill water quality information gaps."

Ambassadors are expected to complete 1,700 hours of service in a 10 to 12 month period in return for a living stipend of up to $12,100 over the course of the term; eligibility for health benefits during this period; and training prior to and throughout their term of service. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, have a Bachelor's Degree, and must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Members of the class of 2012 are now completing their year of service. In addition to gaining valuable knowledge and experience, they have grown to be integral parts of the communities where they were assigned.

"I have traveled all over the state and have been able to serve the community I grew up in," said Amanda Lotto, a current Ambassador stationed at the Department of Environmental Protection's Forest Resource Education Center in Jackson. "I never knew my community like I do now. It's been an eye opening experience. You get to learn so much about the environment alongside people who are passionate about making a difference."

A Toms River native, Lotto studied geography with a concentration in environmental studies at Montclair University before enrolling in the Corps Program.

Interested applicants for the 2012-2013 Program should apply by August 17 online athttps://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?fromSearch=true&id=45917 or by sending a resume and cover letter to:

Akili H. Gordon or Kim Cenno
AmeriCorps Program Manager
NJ Watershed Ambassadors Program
Division of Water Monitoring and Standards
Bureau of Environmental Analysis and Restoration
Mail Code: 401-04I
401 E. State Street, PO Box 420
Trenton, NJ 08625-0420
Phone: 609-633-1441 Fax: 609-984-6505
NJWAP@dep.state.nj.us

For more information on the NJDEP's AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassadors Program, visit:http://www.nj.gov/dep/wms/bear/americorps.htm