Apply to WSP

Corpsmember and NPS staffer hold long fishing net, while a second Corpsmember observes from the side in a marsh.

A WSP Corpsmember and a program mentor use a seine to catch fish while a second WSP Corpsmember analyzes its contents.

WSP will begin accepting applications for its 31st program year from April 11 to June 30. The program will begin October 1, 2024 and end on August 14, 2025. If you have any questions, please contact WSP.Recruiter@ccc.ca.gov.

General Overview of WSP Position Types:

WSP Corpsmember (Fisheries and Restoration Technician)

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.

During their service, WSP Corpsmembers may participate in a wide array of activities, including:

  • Field surveys of spawning grounds, habitat, or wildlife
  • Riparian restoration including native species 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
WSP Team Leader (Based in Humboldt or San Luis Obispo county)

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 specific region of California. Each Team Leader provides support and direction 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.

WSP’s Team Leaders serve at one of WSP’s main offices, in either Fortuna or San Luis Obispo and will serve on their choice of a 4/10 or 5/8 schedule.

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

Corpsmember/ Program Support:

  • 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 graphs, and present findings

Volunteer Recruitment Coordination and Support:

  • 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 reimbursement for meals and lodging – TLs typically stay with the Corpsmember
  • 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 30 community volunteers for their WAVE with the assistance of their Program Coordinator

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

  • Teach at least five 80-minute WOW! lessons in 2 – 6 grade classroom
  • Develop or maintain WSP’s educational materials and ensure other Corpsmembers have access to needed teaching resources
  • Use Excel and Google Drive to collate WOW! data from district’s Corpsmembers
  • Optional 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 (Tributary Tribune, Meet WSP, YouTube, etc.)
  • Assist Corpsmembers in finding volunteer opportunities for National Service Days

Preferred Skills and Qualities for Corpsmembers:

  • Ability to work independently and willingness to take initiative on projects
  • Effective communication skills and emotional intelligence
  • A desire to learn more about how an environmental/ conservation program is run
  • A good basis in leadership and event management
  • Ability to collaborate with other Team Leaders and staff on program-related projects
  • Flexibility and passion to help WSP succeed in its goals

Qualifications:

  • Upper age limit of 32
  • High school diploma  
  • U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien 
  • Possess or willing to obtain a California Driver’s License with a clean driving record — no more than two (2) points on California driver’s record
  • Experience in conducting watershed restoration, conducting environmental surveys, or analyzing scientific data
  • Cannot be enrolled in Corps Network EAP at the start of the WSP program
  • Willingness to relocate to the Placement Site community – relocation expenses are not provided
  • Ability to pass a pre-enrollment physical based on the Position Analysis (PDF)

Benefits:

  • A monthly living stipend of $2,814 (Corpsmember) and $2,967 (Team Leader)
  • 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 $7,395 and a California for All award of $2,605.
  • Jumpstart your career as a natural resource scientist with mentorship from industry leading environmental professionals
  • 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
  • Opportunities to train at other WSP sites
  • Hands-on training and exceptional networking opportunities
  • Childcare subsidy if Corpsmember meets eligibility requirements
  • Engage in meaningful work restoring and protecting California’s watersheds

How to Apply:

Full application packets are due to WSP by June 30, 2024.

  • The Year 31 WSP Application and link to upload your cover Letter, & one-page resumé will be provided here on April 11
  • Email Two Letters of Recommendation to WSP.Recruiter@ccc.ca.gov – may be submitted on your behalf or by applicant

If you have questions, please email us at WSP.Recruiter@ccc.ca.gov.

Additional Resources:

WSP’s Informative Video