Paid Job Training Opportunity: Community Engagement Specialist
Launch Your Career with CORE Susquehanna AmeriCorps as a Community Engagement Specialist!
Looking to gain paid, hands-on experience while building your professional skills? Serve with the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership through CORE Susquehanna AmeriCorps and develop real-world experience in community engagement, environmental education, event planning, marketing, and nonprofit operations.
This AmeriCorps position is designed as a job training opportunity for individuals interested in careers in environmental education, nonprofit management, communications, marketing, community development, parks and recreation, conservation, or public service. You'll receive mentorship, professional development, and meaningful experience while helping connect communities to the Susquehanna River and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Recent graduates, career changers, and individuals looking to build professional experience are encouraged to apply. No previous nonprofit or environmental experience is required as we provide the training and support you need to succeed.
What You'll Gain
- Paid biweekly living allowance
- Hands-on job training in community engagement, outreach, and environmental education
- Resume-building professional experience in a nonprofit setting
- Mentorship and supervision from experienced nonprofit professionals
- Networking opportunities with municipalities, community organizations, and environmental partners
- Professional development through CORE Susquehanna AmeriCorps trainings and convenings
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of service
- Loan forbearance and interest accrual payment eligibility for qualifying student loans
- CPR and First Aid certification
- Valuable experience supporting conservation, recreation, and community development initiatives
Compensation
Full-Time AmeriCorps Service Term
August 2026 – August 2027 (1,700-hour service term)
- $21,415 total living allowance
- $7,395 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of service
Service Location
Susquehanna Greenway Partnership
301 Market Street, Unit #649
Lewisburg, PA 17837
Schedule
Approximately 37.5 hours per week
Typical schedule:
- Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:00 PM
Occasional evenings, weekends, and local travel are required to support community events, volunteer activities, outreach programs, and project implementation.
You'll Gain Experience In
- Community engagement and stakeholder relationship building
- Event planning and coordination
- Volunteer recruitment and management
- Environmental education and public outreach
- Marketing, social media, photography, and storytelling
- Partnership development
- Project coordination and nonprofit operations
- Data collection and program evaluation
- Community-based conservation initiatives
Primary Responsibilities
- Support projects that improve community access to the Susquehanna River and outdoor recreation opportunities
- Assist with trail, river access, and community enhancement initiatives
- Participate in community meetings and collaborate with local partners
- Recruit, coordinate, and engage volunteers
- Represent the organization at outreach events, educational programs, and community activities
- Help distribute educational resources and promote conservation initiatives
- Assist with management and promotion of the Susquehanna Greenway Photo Contest and Traveling Gallery Program
- Support communications through photography, storytelling, website content, and social media
- Assist with planning and implementing community events
- Track participation, outreach activities, and project outcomes
- Participate in AmeriCorps orientation, trainings, and professional development
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
- Eligible to serve in AmeriCorps
- Ability to pass the required National Service Criminal History Checks
- Willingness to travel locally and occasionally serve evenings and weekends
Ideal Candidate
This position may be a great fit if you:
- Are interested in conservation, environmental education, community development, nonprofit work, or public service
- Enjoy working with people and engaging communities around outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship
- Have strong communication and organizational skills or are eager to develop them
- Can work both independently and as part of a team
- Are comfortable learning new technology and using Microsoft Office, Canva, or similar programs
- Enjoy creating content through photography, social media, or storytelling
- Are motivated to learn, grow professionally, and make a positive impact in your community
Preferred Experience
The following experience is helpful but not required:
- Community outreach or volunteer engagement
- Environmental education, conservation, parks, or recreation
- Event planning or project coordination
- Social media, photography, graphic design, or communications
- Experience working with nonprofit organizations or community partnerships
Application Process
- Apply through Handshake.
- Selected candidates will be invited to complete the official AmeriCorps application required for enrollment.