8-hour days: 95%
10-hour days: 5%
In the field: 75%
In the office: 25%
Downstream Migrant Trap Monitoring: 13%
Data Entry: 12%
Spawner/Redd Surveys: 10%
Habitat Surveys: 10%
Volunteer Management: 10%
DIDSON Installation/Monitoring: 8%
Education and Outreach: 8%
Snorkel Surveys: 5%
Field PIT Tagging: 5%
Commuting To/From Field Sites: 5%
E-Fishing: 4%
Native Planting/ Invasive Removal: 3%
Post-Restoration Monitoring/Maintenance: 3%
Seining, GIS, Lab Work: 3%
H2O Monitoring: 1%
Point Reyes National Seashore (PRNS) has undertaken an ambitious, multi-decade long program to maintain and enhance endangered Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and steelhead (O. mykiss) populations within the watersheds managed by the National Park Service (NPS) in the San Francisco Bay Area Network (SFAN). The Coho and Steelhead Monitoring Program (CSMP), as part of the SFAN Inventory and Monitoring Program (I&M), maintains over twenty years of trend data to determine the success of restoration activities and is used as a life cycle monitoring station as described in CDFW Fish Bulletin 180 (CMP). The CSMP was first formed in 1997 by local community members and park staff. In 2001, the program received state funding to further develop the program and expanded to incorporate Golden Gate National Recreation Area. In 2004, the CSMP became part of SFAN I&M and received long-term NPS funding for monitoring. Based on pilot data, the NPS published a comprehensive monitoring plan and protocols for the monitoring of salmonids within the NPS SFAN (Reichmuth et al. 2010). The CSMP continues to explore new monitoring techniques using passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags and salmonid occupancy models. Since 2003, many restoration activities within the park have been completed by volunteer-based restoration groups now managed by WSP Corpsmembers (CMs), with activities including fish passage improvement, cattle exclusion fencing near streams and riparian zones, creation of overwinter habitat, and wetland restoration. The long-term monitoring program and restoration activities are supported by over 500 hours of volunteer labor annually and by the Point Reyes National Seashore Association (PRNSA).
The missions of both WSP and PRNS are well-aligned which has only strengthened our partnership over the past decade. The WSP provides highly motivated individuals with a passion for natural resources conservation at a reasonable cost to PRNS. In turn, PRNS provides a wealth of knowledge and experience through a diverse staff and a unique wilderness.
PRNS is committed to continuing the career development of CMs throughout their service year. WSP CMs afford PRNS the opportunity to perform small-scale stream restoration projects and complete the monitoring necessary to inform vital Coho Salmon conservation strategies. The WOW! outreach component is one of the most important services provided by CMs. Prior to a partnership with WSP, PRNS did not have the capacity to offer a formal salmonid educational program to local Title 1 schools.
Through the WOW! curriculum, awareness and information are being disseminated at the local level in a manner not previously feasible by the CSMP or PRNS. In addition, CMs can engage the community in restoration projects and teach volunteers how to become stewards of their local watersheds. CMs also increase the capacity of the CSMP to fully implement CDFW Fish Bulletin 180. Without the contributions of two CMs, the CSMP would have to reduce certain monitoring efforts such as smolt trapping and spawner surveys, resulting in a less comprehensive understanding of endangered and threatened salmonid populations in Marin County streams.
Corpsmembers placed at PRNS will be part of a collaborative team, working alongside the Site Supervisor and Mentor during field operations. Mentorship will be provided by Brentley McNeill for most field and office tasks, including PIT tag antenna operations, data entry, reporting, and geospatial data management. Michael Reichmuth, as the Site Supervisor, will provide mentorship for park administrative needs, park safety protocols, career development, and other personal development opportunities. The lead field technician, Michael Morales, will provide guidance in the field and office as needed. Michael Reichmuth and Brentley will collectively provide mentorship for WOW! and WAVE planning, spawner surveys, smolt trapping, summer juvenile surveys, DIDSON operation, and team safety as it relates to each field activity. The Site Supervisor and Mentor will often provide additional one-on-one training for certain field tasks. The entire CSMP staff will participate in weekly meetings to discuss park updates, planned activities and events, scheduling, training, safety concerns, reflections from the week, and any other items for group discussion.
Point Reyes National Seashore provides a unique opportunity for CMs to work in both a designated wilderness and one of the largest urban interfaces in California. The proximity of PRNS to the city of San Francisco allows CMs to experience the challenges and rewards of working in environments at the doorstep of a large, culturally diverse population. Since the mission of the NPS is to preserve natural resources for future generations, CMs are exposed to a variety of natural resource-based monitoring and restoration projects. PRNS has professionals in a range of fields including but not limited to: education, outreach, cultural resources, wildlife biology, vegetation management, water quality, and rangeland management. PRNS provides a unique opportunity to live and work on some of the most beautiful public lands in the nation. CMs will gain experience throughout the year by learning and implementing techniques for monitoring endangered and threatened aquatic species including Coho Salmon and Steelhead Trout. It is also anticipated that PRNS will continue to provide low-cost housing. Although the site is unable to officially offer housing, CMs have been able to secure NPS housing for their entire service year each of the past 12 years. Park housing consists of shared homes located within PRNS with occupants typically receiving one bedroom, shared or private bathroom, shared living quarters, and included utilities. Housing cost varies depending on the NPS unit but can range from $500 to $900 per month (40-60% below market rate). Given the current stipend amount provided to WSP, the low-cost housing provided to CMs increases wellness during the service year by decreasing financial burden.
Experience with fisheries monitoring techniques
Experience collecting biological data and performing quality assurance
Ability to navigate rough terrain in small coastal streams while performing tasks
Ability to work as part of a team
Experience leading small work groups
Moderate level of physical conditioning to avoid or minimize risk of injury
Follow and uphold the safety standards