Student Employment Job Board Posting: Watershed Stewards Program - WSP Corpsmember – Fisheries & Restoration Technician

Field/Industry Natural Resources & Science

Business Name Watershed Stewards Program

Email Address wsp.info@ccc.ca.gov

Website https://ccc.ca.gov/what-we-do/conservation-programs/wsp-watershed-stewards-program/apply-to-wsp/

Job Position/Title WSP Corpsmember – Fisheries & Restoration Technician

Rate of Pay $2400/month

Days / Hours 40 hrs/ week

Link to job application https://ccc.ca.gov/what-we-do/conservation-programs/wsp-watershed-stewards-program/apply-to-wsp/

Job Description

WSP Corpsmember Position Overview:

Join the Watershed Stewards Program’s (WSP) 29th program year (October 2nd, 2022 - August 17th, 2023) and help improve watershed health by actively engaging in restoration science, civic service, and community education while empowering the next generation of environmental stewards!

WSP Corpsmembers (CMs) serve with one of WSP’s 22 Placement Site partners, 40+ hours/week, in a variety of ways. Each day CMs serve under the guidance of a Mentor to assess, monitor, and enhance California watersheds, however, the Watershed Recovery and Protection activities vary greatly based on which Placement Site CMs are assigned. All CMs will conduct similar Education & Outreach, Volunteer Recruitment, and Professional Development components of the program outlined below.

Watershed Recovery and Protection (72% of CMs’ time)

CMs may assist in the coordination and implementation of projects including, but not limited to:

Field Data Collection – habitat typing, spawner surveys, snorkel surveys, trawling, seining, screw trap monitoring, water quality monitoring, etc.

In-Channel Restoration – installing large woody debris or off-channel ponds, removing fish barriers

Invasive Removal – removing non-native plant or aquatic species

Riparian Restoration/ Revegetation – planting/ propagating native plant species

Water Conservation – install water catchment systems or rainwater gardens/ sheet mulching

Project Maintenance – monitor for effectiveness, weed abatement and watering existing plants

Data Management – DIDSON data review, data entry and analysis, literature review and research development, GIS mapping

Education and Outreach (13% of CMs’ time)

Using WSP’s Wonders of Watershed (WOW!) curriculum, CMs instruct 2nd - 6th grade students in watershed and salmonid science. All CMs are trained and supported by WSP staff in classroom management, lesson development, and WOW! program procedures.

CMs also deliver various outreach presentations and educational opportunities to students and community members via episodic classroom visits, environmental education fairs, field trips, or community service projects.

Volunteer Recruitment (10% of CMs’ time)

Each CM develops a Watershed Awareness Volunteer Event (WAVE) where they identify a local watershed need/partnering organization then plan and implement a small-scale restoration event of their choosing. CMs recruit, train, and manage at least 30 community volunteers and get the chance to plan a restoration event from start to finish, with WSP guidance. WAVEs provide the opportunity for CMs to take on a leadership role and educate community members about their local watersheds, all while improving watershed health.

Professional Development (5% of CMs’ time)

All CMs participate in both WSP sponsored and site-specific trainings which may vary slightly each year. Examples of WSP trainings include Wilderness First Aid/CPR, Swiftwater Training, Government Vehicle Training, attendance at the Salmonid Restoration Federation Conference, and more.

Requirements

Qualifications for CM Applicants:

Between the ages of 18-28 (by 10/02/2022)

High school diploma

U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien

Possess or willing to obtain a California Driver’s License with a clean driving record - No more than 2 points on CA driver’s record

Experience in conducting watershed restoration, conducting environmental surveys, or analyzing scientific data

Interest in environmental education and volunteer management

Willing and able to relocate to Placement Site community - relocation expenses are not provided

Apply By

• Online Application
• Include Cover Letter

Additional Information

CM Benefits:

A monthly living stipend of $2,400

CMs that successfully complete a Full-time 1700-hour service term will be eligible to receive the following education awards:

Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of up to $6,345

California for All Award of $3,655

No-cost basic medical insurance

Student loan forbearance on eligible loans

Childcare subsidy if CM meets eligibility requirements

Uniform and field gear (waders, wader boots, shirts, pants, hats, raingear, fleece, etc.)

Paid opportunities to shadow other CMs at other WSP Placement Sites

Mentorship from environmental professionals

Hands-on training and exceptional networking opportunities