Term of Service: October 3rd, 2021 – August 18th, 2022 - Applications DUE 8/11/21!
Qualifications for Applicants:
Between the ages of 18-28 (by 10/03/2021)
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 on CA driver’s record)
Some 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)
How to Apply:
STEP I: Review the following BEFORE completing WSP’s application:
Placement Site Summaries listed on WSP’s website
Watch WSP’s Informational Video
STEP II: Complete and email the following to WSP.Recruiter@ccc.ca.gov by August 11th!
Year 28 WSP Application: include our secret code from the Informational video
Cover Letter: addressing why you feel you need this opportunity
Resume: please keep it to one page, you do not need to include references
Two Letters of Recommendation: may be submitted on your behalf or by you to the recruiter email.
WSP Contact Information:
If you have any questions about the Watershed Stewards Program or how to apply, please contact the WSP Recruiter, Jody Weseman at (805) 835-8584 or email Jody.Weseman@ccc.ca.gov
Service Activities
During their service, WSP Corpsmembers participate in a wide array of activities, including:
Field surveys of spawning grounds, habitat, or wildlife
Riparian restoration including planting and invasive 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)
Teaching the Wonders of Watersheds (WOW!) curriculum in elementary 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
Community Need Addressed
For 27 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 Corpsmembers with environmental organizations throughout California to work collaboratively for a 10 ½ month service term. Corpsmembers serve under the guidance and mentorship of environmental 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.
Position Outcomes
Improvement of watershed health and community understanding of tangible ways they can help their local watersheds.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, College Credit, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
A monthly living stipend of $2,265
WSP Corpsmembers that successfully complete a Full-time 1700-hour service term will be eligible to receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of up to $6,345 and a California for All award of $3,655.
No-cost medical insurance
Student loan forbearance on eligible loans
Childcare subsidy if Corpsmember meets eligibility requirements
Uniform and field gear provided
Occasional opportunities to visit other WSP sites
Mentorship from an environmental professional
Hands-on training and exceptional networking opportunities
Opportunity to make a difference in a California community
Education Benefits
College Degree, GED/High School Diploma
Varies by Placement Site
Skills you will gain
CPR/Wilderness First Aid
Swift Water Safety
CCC Driver Safety Trainings
Workforce Readiness
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment