Watershed Stewards Program Corpsmember – Fisheries & Restoration Technician placed at the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board

Watershed Stewards program is seeking to fill a position placed at the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board in Santa Rosa

Program Timeframe: October 1st, 2024 – August 14th, 2025

All CMs conduct similar Education & Outreach, Volunteer Recruitment, and Professional Development components of the program outlined below.

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

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

• Field Data Collection – Water quality monitoring, Estuary Marine Protected Area Monitoring, habitat surveys. etc.
• Data Management – Data entry and analysis, literature review and research development, GIS mapping
• Computer Modeling - Develop flow mapping and modeling for watersheds on the North Coast

Education and Outreach (13% of CMs’ time)

Using WSP’s Wonders of Watershed (WOW!) curriculum, Corpsmembers instruct 2nd - 5th grade students in watershed and salmonid science. All Corpsmembers are trained by WSP staff in classroom management, lesson development, and WOW! program procedures.

Corpsmembers 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 Corpsmember 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. Corpsmembers recruit, train, and manage at least 25 community volunteers and get the chance to plan a restoration event from start to finish, with WSP guidance and support. WAVEs provide the opportunity for Corpsmembers 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 Corpsmembers 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, Vehicle Operations, attendance to a professional conference, and many more.

Qualifications for CM Applicants:

• Upper age limit of 32 by start of program year
• High school diploma or its equivalent
• U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien
• Satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check
• Possess or be 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)
• Ability to pass a pre-enrollment physical based on this Position Analysis (reasonable accommodation can be requested with appropriate documentation)

Corpsmember Benefits:

• Jumpstart your career as a natural resource scientist with mentorship from industry-leading environmental professionals
• A monthly living stipend of $2,904
• WSP Corpsmembers who complete a full-time 1700-hour service term will be eligible to receive the following education awards:
•                Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of up to $7,395
•                California for All Award of $2,605
• Program-sponsored medical insurance. The monthly premiums will be fully paid by the program. Corpsmembers will be responsible for any required deductibles and out-of-pocket co-payments
• Student loan forbearance on eligible loans
• Uniform and field gear provided: waders, wader boots, shirts, pants, hats, raingear, fleece, etc.
• Expand professional development skills such as: project management, public speaking,
• community engagement, etc.
• Hands-on training and exceptional networking opportunities
• Childcare subsidy if Corpsmember meets eligibility requirements
• Help WSP expand its capacity while making an impact in the community

How to Apply to WSP:

• Visit www.ccc.ca.gov/wsp to learn how to apply and access the WSP application

WSP Contact Information:

If you have any questions about the Watershed Stewards Program or how to apply, please contact the WSP Recruiters at wsp.recruiter@ccc.ca.gov

WSP fosters inclusion, inspires innovation, and encourages respect by embracing the diverse talents, perspectives, and backgrounds of all applicants. Each of us brings to the table a lifetime of experiences and knowledge. Each of us is different and adds value to the organization because of these differences. WSP seeks applicants that represent the racial, gender, cultural, and socio-economic diversity of American society.