During their service, Team Leaders participate in a wide array of activities, including:
The Watershed Stewards Program (WSP) Team Leaders assist with the training and coordination of education, outreach, and volunteer events for WSP Members in a given region of California. Each Team Leader provides support and leadership to WSP Members in their district (about 12-15 Members) and assists WSP staff with event and program coordination. Additionally, Team Leaders model best practices and support networking among Members, building capacity and community across sites. WSP’s Team Leaders are integral Members of the support team and are central to developing the Members’ 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 data.
- Assist and support Corpsmembers in WOW! curriculum implementation and classroom management, as requested.
- Maintain WSP’s educational materials and oversee the check-out system.
- Work in partnership with the California Conservation Corps on a series of educational presentations for CCC Corpsmembers.
- Teach at least five 90-minute WOW! lessons to at least 25 students.
- Field-test new WOW! curriculum.
Outreach Coordination and Support:
- Create outreach materials (graphics, videos, posters, etc.) using software such as Adobe Premiere, Microsoft 365, Canva, etc.
- Develop and update procedures to ensure future continuity of program outreach efforts.
- Collect, edit and organize Corpsmembers’ submissions for various program-wide outreach efforts.
- Assist Corpsmembers in finding volunteer opportunities for National Service Days.
- Serve as a representative to the WSP Advisory Committee by attending annual meetings, and presenting position-specific program updates.
- Actively seek and coordinate new community outreach opportunities throughout the program year, with special emphasis on targeting underserved populations.
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 the 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.
Corpsmember/ Program Support:
- Maintain regular communication with WSP Corpsmembers in a 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. Lead components of WSP trainings and webinars.
- 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/Zoom calls, and by supplying them with appropriate resources and alerting the Program Coordinator as needed.
Service Activities
Watershed Protection and Recovery
Volunteer Recruitment and Management
Watershed Education and Outreach
Member Training
Marketing
Inventory Management
Leadership
Writing and Editing
Event Planning
Community Need Addressed
The Watershed Stewards Program (WSP) Team Leaders assist with the training and coordination of education, outreach, and volunteer events for WSP Members in a given region of California. Each Team Leader provides support and leadership to WSP Members in their district (about 11-15 Members) and assists WSP staff with event and program coordination. Additionally, Team Leaders model best practices and support networking among Members, building capacity and community across sites. WSP’s Team Leaders are integral Members of the support team and are central to developing the Members’ experience.
Position Outcomes
Develop at least one hands-on volunteer watershed restoration project
Recruit at least 30 community volunteers to attend the restoration project
Instruct over 25 students on salmonid lifecycles and watershed processes using WSP's curriculum
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, College Credit, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Housing, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Benefits Include:
• Opportunity to make a difference in a Californian community
• A monthly living stipend: $2,265
• An Education Award of approximately $6,335 upon successful completion of the 10 ½ month service term
• 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
Education Benefits
College Degree, GED/High School Diploma, Credential or Certification
CPR/Wilderness First Aid, State Blue Card Driver's Certification, Swift Water Training, Classrooms Management, Volunteer Recruitment, and Management, Grant Research, Event Planning Logistics, Media Outreach, Public Speaking
Skills you will gain
CPR/Wilderness First Aid
Swift Water Safety
CCC Driver's Safety
Salmonid Survey Techniques
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