Fisheries and Restoration Technician (WSP Corpsmember)
The Watershed Stewards Program (WSP) is seeking Fisheries and Restoration Technician (WSP Corpsmember) applicants for Service Year 27 (October 3rd, 2020 – August 19th, 2021)
Application Due: June 26th, 2020
Join a team of 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 Placement Sites.
WSP Program Overview:
For 26 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 Corpsmembers in volunteer recruitment efforts to increase the capacity and reach of partner organizations, and helps Corpsmembers develop into the next generation of natural resource professionals.
Each year, WSP places dozens of Corpsmembers with natural resource organization Placement Sites throughout California to work collaboratively for a 10 ½ month service term. Corpsmembers 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 Corpsmembers 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, found through the external application link on Handshake.
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.
During their service, WSP Corpsmembers participate in a wide array of activities, including:
- Regular watershed recovery and protection work which may include:
- Field surveys of spawning grounds, habitat, or wildlife
- Riparian restoration including planting and native species removal
- Data entry and analysis
- Trapping of juvenile or adult fish for counting and measurement
- Computer modeling of natural resource data
- Designing in-stream projects
- Helping to remove fish passage barriers (dams, culverts)
- And much, much more!
- Teaching the Wonders of Watersheds (WOW!) curriculum in K-8 classrooms in underserved communities
- Engaging their service community in watershed outreach and education
- Creating and implementing their own Watershed Awareness Volunteer Events (WAVE) and recruiting community volunteers to complete a restoration project
- Training, networking and professional development opportunities
Qualifications for Applicants:
- Between the ages of 18-28 at program start date
- High school diploma
- U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien
- Possess or be willing to obtain a California Driver’s License with a clean driving record (no more than 2 points)
- 25 credits of college-level science OR six months of relevant experience in fisheries/habitat restoration related activities
- Interest and experience in natural resources management and environmental education
- Willingness to relocate to Placement Site community
Preferred Skills and Qualities for Corpsmembers:
- Willingness and desire to learn
- Effective communication skills
- Flexibility
- Willingness to relocate to Placement Site community (relocation fees are not provided and Corpsmembers may have to secure their own housing)
Benefits Include:
- Opportunity to make a difference in a California community
- A monthly living stipend of $1,905
- WSP Corpsmembers that successfully complete a Full-time 1700 hour service term will be eligible to receive a $6,195 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. Members may use the education award to pay for current or future educational expenses at an eligible institution, to repay qualified student loans, or to do both.
- Uniform and field gear provided
- Occasional opportunities to visit other WSP sites
- Mentorship from a natural resources professional
- Hands-on training opportunities
- Exceptional networking opportunities
- No-cost medical insurance
- Student loan forbearance on eligible loans
- Valuable work experience for your future
How to Apply to WSP:
- Visit the external application link on Handshake
- Watch the Informational Video at https://youtu.be/Nil0WUtRobM
- Send the following to wsp.recruiter@ccc.ca.gov by June 26th, 2020.
- Year 27 WSP Application, available under the APPLY TO WSP tab on the WSP website
- Cover letter addressing why you want to join WSP, what you hope to gain from the program, and what national service means to you.
- Resumé (one page) listing education and work experience.
- Two signed letters of recommendation (can be submitted on your behalf) to wsp.recruiter@ccc.ca.gov
WSP Contact Information:
If you have any questions about the Watershed Stewards Program or how to apply, please contact the WSP Recruiters, wsp.recruiter@ccc.ca.gov Jody Weseman (805) 542-8461 or Greg Poulton (707) 725-8601.