Community Ambassador

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-governmentprogram#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. 

How to Apply:

Please submit your letter of interest and resume to [email protected] with your name and  “Community Ambassador” in the subject line. 

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.