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Each year, WSP pairs Corpsmembers with environmental organizations throughout California to work alongside environmental professionals for a 10 ½ month service term. Corpsmembers serve under the guidance of WSP Mentors and assist with watershed data collection and analysis, and restoration project development and maintenance. Ultimately, Corpsmembers serve with WSP to help bring threatened and endangered salmonids back to healthy populations by improving watershed health.

WSP’s diverse Placement Sites include federal, state, county, city, tribal, and non-profit agencies and organizations. Each Placement Site engages between one and four Corpsmembers in all the service activity areas, while each site’s overall strategy, emphasis, effort, and timing of service activities vary.

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/redd surveys, snorkel surveys, sediment, e-fishing, amphibian, trawling, seining, screw trap monitoring, water quality, and vegetation surveys.
• In-Channel Restoration – installing large woody debris or off-channel ponds, removing fish barriers. Other in-channel activities include riparian fence installation, litter removal, and culvert improvements.
• Invasive Removal – removing non-native plant or aquatic species.
• Riparian Restoration/ Revegetation – planting/ propagating native plant species.
• Stormwater Management – install water catchment systems, sheet mulching, and bioswales.
• 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 2nd – 5th grade students in watershed and salmonid science. The WOW! curriculum consists of five, 50–80-minute lessons. 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, and career coaching.

During their service, Team Leaders participate in a wide array of activities, including:

WSP is seeking four proactive individuals who are inspired to help the WSP Team manage a statewide program and are eager to gain skills in program management, community outreach, and leadership.

If you’re interested in community outreach and collaborative environments, the WSP Team Leader (TL) position might be a good fit for you. WSP’s Team Leaders serve at one of WSP’s main offices, in either Eureka or San Luis Obispo and will mainly serve Monday – Thursday, on a 10-hours/day schedule. Each TL provides support and direction to WSP Corpsmembers in their district (about 10-12 Corpsmembers) and assists WSP staff with event and program coordination.

WSP’s Team Leaders are integral members of the WSP team and are central to developing the Corpsmembers’ experience. TLs are required to complete all the same WOW! & WAVE program requirements as Corpsmembers and receive a larger living stipend given their elevated role in the program. Anyone can apply to be a WSP Team Leader, previous service with WSP is not required. 

The specific responsibilities will differ depending on individual assignments and the Team Leader’s interests/strengths, but the main duties include:

Corpsmember/ Program Support: Ongoing

Maintain regular communication with WSP Corpsmembers in a specified district. Assist them in navigating program requirements, and serve as an example for punctuality, organization, and professionalism

• Assist WSP staff in planning WSP trainings, events, and resources. Lead components of WSP trainings and team building activities if desired
• Assist with photo and video documentation at all WSP events
• Develop outreach materials for WSP (videos, posters, maps, websites, social media, newsletters, informational presentations, etc.)
• Assess program feedback and evaluation data, develop visual aids, and present findings

Volunteer Recruitment Coordination and Support: February – July

• Attend and support all Watershed Awareness Volunteer Events (WAVEs) within a specific district. This includes driving to WAVEs in a state vehicle, transporting necessary tools, and assisting Corpsmembers as needed. *These events often occur on weekends and may require overnight travel. WSP will provide transportation and reimbursement for meals and lodging.
• Support Corpsmembers in WAVE development, including reviewing their proposal and media submissions, providing written feedback, tracking Corpsmembers required paperwork, and general check-in prior to the event
• Each Team Leader will also organize their own WAVE and recruit a minimum of 25 community volunteers for their WAVE with the assistance of their Program Coordinator

Wonders of Watersheds (WOW!) Education Coordination and Support: January – May

• Teach at least five 50-80-minute WOW! lessons in a 2 – 5 grade classroom
• Develop or maintain WSP’s educational materials and ensure other Corpsmembers have access to the teaching resources needed
• Use Excel to collate WOW! data from district’s Corpsmembers
• Optional WOW! Activities:
• Create and field-test new WOW! curriculum
• Conduct environmental lessons for CCC Corpsmembers aged 18-25
• Assist and support Corpsmembers in WOW! curriculum implementation and classroom management, as requested

Outreach Coordination and Support:

• Host monthly District Check-in Calls via Zoom to allow Corpsmembers the chance to meet up and compare service terms. Calls are optional for Corpsmembers
• Hone professional writing skills by maintaining program procedures, handbooks, and worksheets
• Assist staff with Corpsmember interviews and Placement Site selection for upcoming program year
• Collect, edit and organize Corpsmembers’ submissions for various program-wide outreach efforts (Social Media, Tributary Tribune, Meet WSP, YouTube, etc.)
• Assist Corpsmembers in finding volunteer opportunities for National Service Day.

Preferred Skills and Qualities for Team Leaders:

• Follows written and verbal instructions
• Self-motivated, enjoys working independently and collaboratively
• Empathetic & compassionate, enjoys communicating and supporting others
• Detail-oriented and able to keep accurate and up-to-date records
• Curious and proactive