The Watershed Stewards Program (WSP) is seeking Fisheries and Restoration Technician applicants for Service Year 26 October 6th, 2019 – August 14th, 2020

https://ccc.ca.gov/what-we-do/conservation-programs/watershed-stewards-program/member-applicants/

Application Due: July 31st, 2019

Join a team of 48 committed individuals throughout California engaged in watershed protection, community outreach, education, and restoration projects! Spend 10 ½ months working alongside natural resource professionals with one of WSP’s 25 Placement Sites.

WSP Program Overview:

For 25 years, the Watershed Stewards Program (WSP) has been engaged in comprehensive, community-based, watershed restoration and education throughout coastal California. The primary focus of WSP is to assist communities and organizations with habitat restoration for salmonids (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon and Steelhead Trout) in order to rehabilitate these threatened and endangered species to healthy and historic populations. Additionally, WSP provides watershed education and outreach in high-needs communities throughout the state, engages WSP Members in volunteer recruitment efforts to increase the capacity and reach of partner organizations, and helps Members develop into the next generation of natural resource professionals.

Each year, WSP places approximately 48 Members with natural resource organization Placement Sites throughout California to work collaboratively for a 10 ½ month service term. Members serve under the guidance and mentorship of resource professionals in collaboration with local landowners, public agencies, and private industry to assess, monitor, and enhance watersheds. WSP’s diverse Placement Sites include federal, state, county, city, tribal, and non-profit agencies and organizations. Each Placement Site engages one or two Members in all the service activity areas, while each site’s overall strategy, emphasis, effort, and timing of service activities vary. For more specific information about each WSP Placement Site, please refer to the WSP website.

During their service, Members participate in a wide array of activities, including:

• Regular watershed recovery and protection work with their Placement Site
• Teaching the Wonders of Watersheds (WOW!) curriculum in Title I elementary schools
• Engaging their service community in watershed outreach
• Creating and implementing their own Watershed Awareness Project (WAP) and recruiting community volunteers
• Training and professional development opportunities

Qualifications for Applicants:

• 21+
• High school diploma
• 25 credits of college-level science OR 6 months of relevant experience in fisheries/habitat restoration, invasive removal, instream structure installation, etc.
• Interest and experience in natural resources management and environmental education
• Possess or be willing to obtain a California Driver’s License
• Clean driving record (no more than 2 points)
• US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien

Preferred Skills and Qualities for Members:

• Willingness and desire to learn
• Effective communication skills
• Flexibility
• Willingness to relocate to Placement Site community – relocation fees are not provided

Benefits Include:

• Opportunity to make a difference in a Californian community
• A monthly living stipend: $1,905
• WSP Members that successfully complete a Full-time 1700 hour service term will be eligible to receive a combined $10,000 AmeriCorps Education Award:
  • ($6,095 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award and $3,905 California For All Education Award).
  • Members may use the education award to pay for current educational expenses at an eligible institution, to repay qualified student loans, or to do both.
• Hands-on training opportunities
• Uniform and field gear provided
• Opportunities to see some of the most beautiful places in California
• Mentorship from a natural resources professional and networking opportunities
• No-cost medical insurance
• Student loan forbearance on eligible loans
• Valuable work experience for your future

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.