WSP Corpsmember - Fisheries & Restoration Technician

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WSP is seeking 40 WSP Corpsmembers to serve with one of our 20+ environmental Placement Site partners. Each day Corpsmembers serve under the guidance of Mentors to assess, monitor, and enhance California watersheds, however, the Watershed Recovery and Protection activities vary greatly based on which Placement Site CMs are assigned.

Program Timeframe: October 1 st, 2024 - August 14 th, 2025

All CMs conduct similar Education & Outreach, Volunteer Recruitment, and Professional Development components of the program outlined below.

Watershed Recovery and Resiliency (72% of Corpsmembers’ time)

Corpsmembers 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 WSP’s Wonders of Watershed (WOW!) curriculum, Corpsmembers instruct 2 nd - 5 th grade students in watershed and salmonid science. All Corpsmembers are trained by WSP staff in classroom management, lesson development, and WOW! program procedures.

Corpsmembers 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 Corpsmember 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. Corpsmembers recruit, train, and manage at least 25 community volunteers and get the chance to plan a restoration event from start to finish, with WSP guidance and support. WAVEs provide the opportunity for Corpsmembers 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 Corpsmembers 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, Vehicle Operations, attendance to a professional conference, and many more.

Qualifications for CM Applicants:

• Upper age limit of 32 by start of program year
• High school diploma or its equivalent
• S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien
• Satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check
• Possess or be willing to obtain a California Driver’s License with a clean driving record (No more than 2 points on CA driver’s 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)
• Ability to pass a pre-enrollment physical based on this Position Analysis (reasonable accommodation can be requested with appropriate documentation)

Corpsmember Benefits:

• Jumpstart your career as a natural resource scientist with mentorship from industry leading environmental professionals
• A monthly living stipend of $2,814
• WSP Corpsmembers that successfully complete a full-time 1700-hour service term will be eligible to receive the following education awards:
• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of up to $7,395
• California for All Award of $2,605
• Program-sponsored medical insurance. The monthly premiums will be fully paid by the program. Corpsmembers will be responsible for any required deductibles and out-of-pocket co-payments
• Student loan forbearance on eligible loans
• Uniform and field gear provided - waders, wader boots, shirts, pants, hats, raingear, fleece, etc.
• Expand professional development skills such as: project management, public speaking,
  community engagement, etc.
• Hands-on training and exceptional networking opportunities
• Childcare subsidy if Corpsmember meets eligibility requirements
• Help WSP expand its capacity while making an impact in the community!

How to Apply to WSP:

• Visit ccc.ca.gov/wsp to learn how to apply and access the WSP application

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

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.