Three part-time ambassadors are being recruited for outreach and education campaigns to protect drinking water sources in New Jersey, the Department of Environmental Protection has announced. Applications for the 2023-2024 program are being accepted through Aug. 31 or until all positions are filled. The three ambassadors will serve as Source Water Protection Ambassadors in northern, central and southern locations. 

The AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassadors Program is entering its 24th year. Ambassadors are placed at 20 sites across the state, serving their local communities. They are required to complete 1,700 hours of service over 10 months. Compensation includes a stipend of $25,000 for full-time positions and $13,235 for part-time positions. Ambassadors can also qualify for health insurance benefits, along with childcare assistance, SNAP benefits and deferment of qualified student loans during service.  

“Ambassadors complement the work of the Division of Water Monitoring, Standards and Pesticide Control which allows an extended reach far into our communities, delivering educational presentations and engaging the public in various stewardship trainings,” said division director Vic Poretti. “Ambassadors contribute approximately 600 data sets of waterbody assessments conducted at freshwater streams throughout the state on an annual basis.”