Community Ambassador – Job Description
The Opportunity:
We are contracting Community Ambassadors to spearhead educating communities about the presence of PFAS in drinking water supplies. Our Ambassadors will engage local residents to ensure community priorities are at the heart of PFAS Action Plans to identify and address the sources.
West Virginia Rivers Coalition is seeking short-term contractors to serve as Community Ambassadors in the following 2 regions of West Virginia:
- Eastern Panhandle (communities of Berkeley Springs, Charles Town, Harpers Ferry, Kearneysville, Martinsburg, Summit Point)
- Northern Panhandle (communities of Benwood, Chester, Follansbee, Glen Dale, Weirton)
Project Description:
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large category of synthetic chemicals commonly used in consumer products around the world since the 1940s. PFAS are man-made and don’t break down easily in the environment, making them known as “forever chemicals”. PFAS are linked to severe health risks. It is vital that we make plans to address this contamination as swiftly and effectively as possible. For more information on PFAS, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/pfas
In 2022, USGS reported concerning levels of PFAS in the raw water supply of 136 community water systems throughout WV. In response, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP), West Virginia Rivers Coalition (WV Rivers), and project partners are working to create community-informed Action Plans to address PFAS pollution. While PFAS-contaminated water supplies span the state, the study found pollution to be most common in the Northern and Eastern Panhandles.
Our work will enable meaningful community collaboration in the areas most impacted by PFAS pollution. It is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Government to Government Grant (EJG2G). For more information on EPA’s EJG2G grant, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/environmental-justice-government-government-program#selectees
Our Ambassadors will coordinate collaboration with community groups, local businesses, water utilities, county health departments, and other stakeholders to center community voices in DEP’s PFAS Action Plans. This project will focus first on WV’s Eastern and Northern Panhandle.
We recognize that people experiencing a problem know the most about the challenges and creative solutions to address these problems. Each Action Plan will be grounded in the insight and perspectives of the people living within these impacted communities, ensuring that these voices are centered in decision-making processes.
Position Overview:
Dedicated, community-oriented individuals with strong existing relationships within the community will fulfill a key role in developing successful PFAS Action Plans.
Members of our team will serve in a regional cohort of ambassadors. Successful Ambassadors will deepen community connections and build local expertise into decision-making processes. Community voices will be invaluable in meaningfully addressing PFAS contamination.
Our Ambassadors will be assisted by training and support from the Community Democracy program with Fair Shake Environmental Legal Service.
Key Responsibilities:
- Grow knowledge of strategic community outreach
- Deepen scientific understanding of PFAS-related water quality issues
- Develop and complete a community outreach strategy
- Engage in 1:1 conversations with community members
- Present accurate scientific information at local meetings
- Manage logistical details and host community meetings
- Support facilitation of community meetings
- Compile notes and draft a summary of each community meeting
- Collaborate with partner organizations, stakeholders, community leaders, and other individuals
- Provide peer-to-peer education on PFAS
Qualifications:
- A passion for all people in your community to be happy, healthy, and well.
- Strong existing relationships within your community and the ability to engage with diverse groups of people
- Strong communication, organization, and relationship-building skills
- Experience in community outreach
- Knowledge of West Virginia environmental issues, particularly water, preferred
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement:
We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment. We strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and members of historically marginalized communities to apply. Your unique perspectives and experiences are vital to our mission and the communities we serve.
Anticipated Start Date is early December
How to Apply:
Please submit your letter of interest and resume to resumes@wvrivers.org with your name and “Community Ambassador” in the subject line by November 15.
Compensation:
- $ 22.00/hour, up to $3,000 total
- Travel expenses will be reimbursed separately.
Project Partners:
- West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) enforces state and federal environmental laws in West Virginia to help protect our air, water, and land.
- West Virginia Rivers Coalition values clean water as the foundation of life and works to ensure clean water for all.
- Fair Shake Environmental Legal Service provides legal representation to allow equal access to the environmental decision-making process and to foster equal protection for public health and the environment.
