Watershed Stewards Program Region I Team Leader
The Watershed Stewards Program (WSP) is seeking Team Leader applicants for
Service Year 27 (October 3rd, 2020 – August 9th, 2021)!
Application Due: June 26th, 2020
Join a team of committed individuals throughout California engaged in watershed protection, community outreach and education, and restoration projects! Spend 10 ½ months working alongside natural resource professionals in Fortuna, CA.
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 Corpsmember 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.
WSP Program Overview:
For 26 years, the California Conservation Corps Watershed Stewards Program in partnership with AmeriCorps (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.
WSP Team Leaders serve under the guidance of WSP staff and assist WSP Corpsmembers throughout their term of service. Learn more about each unique Team Leader position on WSP’s website, found through the external application link on Hnadshake.
During their service, Team Leaders participate in a wide array of activities, including:
Assisting with the training and coordination of education, outreach, and volunteer events for WSP Corpsmembers in a given region of California. Each Team Leader provides support and leadership to WSP Corpsmembers in their district (about 10-12 Corpsmembers) and assists WSP staff with event and program coordination. Additionally, Team Leaders model best practices and support networking among Corpsmembers, building capacity and community across sites. WSP’s Team Leaders are integral members of the support team and are central to developing the Corpsmembers’ experience.
The specific responsibilities will differ depending on individual assignments and the Team Leader’s interests/strengths, but the main duties include:
Wonders of Watersheds (WOW!) Education Coordination and Support:
- Use of Excel to manage Education Program information.
- Assist Corpsmembers in WOW! Curriculum management. Provide Corpsmembers with educational materials necessary for their lessons and assist them in the classroom if requested.
- Maintain organization of WSP’s educational materials and oversee the materials check-out system.
- Work in partnership with the California Conservation Corps on a series of educational presentations for CCC Corpsmembers.
- Teach at least six one-hour WOW! Lessons to at least 25 students.
- Field-test new WOW! Curriculum.
Outreach Coordination and Support:
- Coordinate WSP presence at outreach events such as environmental education fairs, science nights, etc.
- Delegate requests for educational outreach. Keep Corpsmembers updated with community requests and provide them with necessary materials to perform outreach.
- Actively seek and coordinate new community outreach opportunities throughout the program year, with special emphasis on targeting underserved populations.
- Collect, edit and organize submissions for the Tributary Tribune, a quarterly newsletter for WSP.
- Regularly update WSP’s Outreach tracking system in Excel.
- Create outreach presentations using software such as Illustrator, Publisher, and PowerPoint.
- Serve as a Corpsmember representative to the WSP Advisory Committee by attending annual meetings, and presenting position-specific program updates.
- Assist with WSP’s social media presence.
- Assist Corpsmembers in finding volunteer opportunities for National Service Days.
- Represent WSP to the community and media, as necessary.
Volunteer Recruitment Coordination and Support:
- Attend and support all Watershed Awareness Volunteer Events (WAVE) within the Team Leader’s 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 overnight travel.
- Support Corpsmembers in WAVE development, including volunteer recruitment, media outreach, completion of 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.
- Participate in local service and network with volunteer agencies as a WSP representative.
Corpsmember/Program Support:
- Collaborate with fellow Team Leaders, CCC Corpsmembers, WSP Corpsmembers, and CCC and WSP Staff.
- Maintain regular communication with WSP Corpsmembers in specified district. Assist them in navigating program requirements. Serve as an example for punctuality, organization and professionalism.
- Assist WSP staff in planning WSP trainings and events.
- Assist with photo and video documentation at all WSP events.
- Provide direction to WSP Corpsmembers during times of personal, professional, or external crisis through check-in phone calls, and by supplying them with appropriate resources and alerting Program Coordinators as needed.
- Document uniform & equipment checkouts and exchanges for WSP Corpsmembers and assist in the tracking and organization of all program inventory.
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:
- Flexibility
- Desire to learn and develop professional skills
- Effective communication skills and emotional intelligence
- A good basis in leadership and management, communications, education
- Willingness to relocate to Placement Site community
- Willingness to travel and work weekends
- Ability to work independently and willingness to take initiative on projects
- Ability to collaborate with the other Team Leaders and staff on program-related projects
- Foundational knowledge in Microsoft Office (Word and Excel) preferred
Benefits Include:
- Opportunity to make a difference in a California community and travel much of the state in a state vehicle
- A monthly living stipend of $1,999
- WSP Corpsmembers that successfully complete a Full-time 1700 hour service term will be eligible to receive a $6,195 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. Corpsmembers 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.
- No-cost medical insurance
- Student loan forbearance on eligible loans
- Uniform and field gear provided
- Training opportunities in event development and management, grant and report development, and marketing
- Mentorship from WSP Program Coordinator I
- Your own office with a standing desk, located at WSP headquarters in Fortuna, CA