WSP Corpsmember Fisheries & Restoration Technician

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 Corpsmembers (CMs) serve with one of WSPs 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 WSPs 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.

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 Drivers License with a clean driving record - No more than 2 points on CA drivers 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

CM Benefits:
A monthly living stipend of $2,610
CMs 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 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

COVID Considerations:
CMs 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.