Environmental Specialist

Samoa is seeking individuals interested in advancing environmental adaptation and stewardship in the Pacific.

Samoa faces increasing temperatures, stronger cyclones, rising sea levels, coastal erosion, biodiversity loss, and threats to food and water security—challenges that affect daily life and long-term wellbeing. As a small island nation, Samoa’s vulnerability makes environmental education, community engagement, and resource management a national priority. To meet this need, Peace Corps/Samoa, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) and the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development (MWCSD) launched the Ridge-to-Reef Resilient Samoa project in 2025 with the goal of helping communities adopt eco-friendly practices, improve disaster preparedness, and build long-term resilience. Being a small island, Samoa has very limited physical and human resources to address these challenges.

As an Environmental Specialist, you will collaborate with the staff at MNRE, MWCDS, schools, and village groups to strengthen environmental education and nature-based solutions. Together, you will create effective environmental campaigns and promote environmentally responsible practices. Your work will help reduce disaster risk, improve the management of natural resources, and inspire stewardship.

Associate degree in any field and at least two years of full-time, post-high school work experience (from any combination of roles).
OR
Bachelor's degree in any field.
OR
High school diploma or GED and four years of full-time, post-high school work experience (from any combination of roles).

Volunteers live in rural or semirural communities, typically in a private room within the home of a host family home or in a separate home on a host family compound. Access to internet is limited outside major population centers. Community is an essential part of daily life, requiring regular engagement with neighbors, families, and school staff in evenings and on weekends. Transportation is usually conducted by village bus or on foot.

Build practical skills in project design and management, nature-based solutions, community engagement, and environmental education that will support global careers.
Make an impact by supporting Samoa’s environmental adaptation and resilience efforts.
Immerse yourself in Fa’a Samoa, where respect, love, and humility shape lasting relationships and experiences.

Support community needs assessments and assist in developing nature-based solutions to environmental concerns.

Support village initiatives aligned with national priorities and community-led development goals.

Promote adaptation and mitigation practices.

Support the environment needs of the community, including tree and mangrove planting, marine and coral reef restoration, and waste management.

Help communities research and explore eco-friendly materials and practices for projects.

Lead awareness activities related to biodiversity, waste management, disaster preparedness, and long-term land use.

Facilitate environmental education sessions at schools for students and in community settings for adults.

Introduce participatory tools for environmental action.

You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as youth environment clubs or community cleanup campaigns.

As an Environmental Specialist, you will be trained on tree and mangrove care, solid waste management, and marine and coral reef solutions. Peace Corps/Samoa will teach you Samoan to help you comfortably live in and connect with your community. You will also receive language resources, practice, and tutoring opportunities throughout service.

After 11 weeks of training, you will move to a rural community to work with community members to assess needs and create solutions that support the region’s development and environmental resilience.