Stewards VISTA: WV DEP Project WET Year 2

Project WET is an international, interdisciplinary water science and education program for educators of all sorts - public and private school teachers, water resource professionals, youth club leaders and many others. Hosted by WV DEP's Watershed Improvement Branch (WIB), the West Virginia Project WET Program addresses atmospheric water, surface water, groundwater, cultural and historic uses of water, and contemporary management issues such as stormwater and nonpoint source pollution.

Project WET makes water education fun, and helps educators meet their objectives in an innovative way. Based in Charleston—the state’s capital, known for its scenic riverfront, access to the Appalachian Mountains, and vibrant outdoor culture. The member will develop outreach plans for partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and community groups, with a focus on rural and underserved Appalachian communities. Key activities include creating a strategic plan to expand water education programs, building a Project WET database and listserv, producing a newsletter template, evaluating Project WET facilitators, and developing tools and building out programs that help educators teach water conservation and watershed science.

Strong candidates are proactive, organized, and interested in environmental education, community engagement, and program development. Skills in communication, planning, and collaboration are essential. During service, the member will gain experience in project management, event coordination, grant research, and network-building.

• Create Project WET activity toolkits that staff can use at conferences, camps, workshops, STEM events, classrooms, and community programs, while also developing content to promote water-focused career pathways and highlight the connection between clean water, economic opportunity, and healthy communities.
• Develop, rank, and evaluate a Water Use and Conservation program that uses rain barrels and Project WET educational resources at schools, community organizations, and nonprofits with gardens or outdoor learning spaces.
• Develop internal evaluation frameworks to assess Project WET Facilitator needs, barriers, and capacity challenges.
• Develop outreach materials for staff to engage educators and community members.
• Create a dashboard to find areas within WV that have not received Project WET programming, develop a template for a biannual newsletter, and build a listserv for staff to communicate updates from the WV Project WET Program.

• Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend
• Education award upon successful completion of service
• Living Allowance
• Health Coverage*
• Training
• Housing assistance and training funds
• Childcare assistance if eligible
• Relocation Allowance

• Permits working at another job during off hours
• Permits attendance at school during off hours
• Car recommended

• Environment
• Education
• Children/Youth
• Community Outreach

• Communications
• Environment
• Public Speaking
• Team Work
• Writing/Editing
• Leadership
• Conflict Resolution
• Youth Development
• Community Organization
• Fund raising/Grant Writing
• Graphic design
• General Skills
• Teaching/Tutoring
• Education