Watershed Stewards Program - Team Leader Region II

Join the Watershed Stewards Programs (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 Team Leaders (TLs) serve at one of WSPs main offices, in either Fortuna or San Luis Obispo, for 40+ hours/week, in a variety of ways.

Each day, TLs serve under the guidance of a WSP Program Coordinator and help to facilitate the program in a myriad of ways. TLs help develop and deliver trainings and outreach events as well as support WSP Corpsmembers (CMs) in their education/outreach requirements. While Team Leaders do not supervise CMs, they model best practices and support networking among Corpsmembers, building capacity and community across sites.

WSPs Team Leaders are integral members of the WSP team and are central to developing the CMs experience. TLs are required to complete the same Education & Outreach, Volunteer Recruitment, and Professional Development components as CMs.

The specific responsibilities will differ depending on individual assignments and the Team Leaders interests/strengths, but the main duties include:

Wonders of Watersheds (WOW!) Education Coordination and Support:
Use of Excel to collate education program data.
Assist and support Corpsmembers in WOW! curriculum implementation and classroom management, as requested.
Maintain WSPs educational materials and oversee the check-out system for supplies.
Work in partnership with the California Conservation Corps on a series of educational presentations for CCC Corpsmembers.
Teach at least five 80-minute WOW! lessons in 2-6th grade classroom (in-person or virtual).
Field-test new WOW! curriculum.

Outreach Coordination and Support:
Host monthly Zoom check-in calls for their districts CMs to help build community within WSP.
Create outreach materials (graphics, videos, posters, etc.) using software such as Adobe Premiere, Microsoft 365, Canva, etc.
Assist with updating procedures to ensure future continuity of program outreach efforts.
Collect, edit, and organize Corpsmembers' submissions for various program-wide outreach efforts.
Assist Corpsmembers in finding volunteer opportunities for National Service Days.
Serve as a representative to the WSP Advisory Committee by attending annual meetings and presenting position-specific program updates.
Actively seek and coordinate new community outreach opportunities throughout the program year, with special emphasis on targeting underserved populations.

Volunteer Recruitment Coordination and Support:
Attend and support all Watershed Awareness Volunteer Events (WAVE) within the Team Leaders specific district. This includes driving to the event in a state vehicle, transporting necessary tools, and being present at the event as a WSP representative.
These events often occur on weekends and may require reimbursed overnight travel.
Support Corpsmembers in WAVE development, including volunteer recruitment, media outreach, completion of the necessary paperwork, reviewing safety materials, and general check-in prior to the event.
Each Team Leader will organize their own WAVE and recruit a minimum of 30 community volunteers for a hands-on watershed restoration project.

Corpsmember/ Program Support:
Maintain regular communication with Corpsmembers in their specified district. Assist them in navigating program requirements. Serve as an example for punctuality, organization, and professionalism.
Assist WSP staff in planning trainings and events.
Lead components of WSP trainings and webinars such as team building and sharing their expertise as a peer leader.
Assist with photo and video documentation at events.

Professional Development (5% of TLs time)
All CMs/ TLs 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 a the Salmonid Restoration Federation Conference, and more.

Qualifications for TL 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 Drivers License with a clean driving record - No more than 2 points on CA drivers record
Interest in environmental education and volunteer management
Willing and able to relocate to Placement Site community - relocation expenses are not provided

TL Benefits:
A monthly living stipend of $2,728
TLs that successfully complete a Full-time 1700-hour service term will be eligible to receive the following education awards:
o Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of up to $6,345
o California for All Award of $3,655
No-cost basic medical insurance
Student loan forbearance on eligible loans
Childcare subsidy if TL 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

COVID Considerations:
TLs generally serve in person at their Placement Sites office but may need to teleserve from home or another public location if COVID precautions warrant. WSP highly encourages all CMs to fully vaccinate but does not require it currently. CMs are required to attend all WSP trainings in person, virtual options are not available.

How to Apply to WSP:
Visit https://ccc.ca.gov/what-we-do/conservation-programs/wsp-watershed-stewards-program/apply-to-wsp/
Watch the Informational Video at https://youtu.be/zSdkdmM59wQ
Send the following to wsp.recruiter@ccc.ca.gov by June 30th, 2022.
o Year 29 WSP Application or 2nd Year Application if you have already served one year with WSP
o Cover Letter addressing why you feel you need this opportunity
o One-Page Resum - no need to include references
o Two letters of recommendation - may be submitted on your behalf or by applicant

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 or call Jason Lopiccolo (707) 298-5195.

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.