8-hour days: 10%
10-hour days: 85%
>10-hour days: 5%
In the field: 35%
In the office: 65%
Corpsmember Support: 25%
Education and Outreach: 20%
Volunteer Recruitment & Management: 15%
Editing/Writing/Data Tracking: 15%
Commuting: 10%
Field Work: 10%
Social Media: 5%
The Watershed Stewards Program (WSP) is dedicated to improving watershed health by actively engaging in restoration science, civic service, and community education while empowering the next generation of environmental stewards. WSP was established in 1994 as a comprehensive, community-based watershed restoration and education program. CMs serve in coastal watersheds throughout California. WSP is a program of the California Conservation Corps supported and funded by AmeriCorps and The Fisheries Grant Restoration Program (FRGP). WSP is also a professional development program, focused on training the next generation of environmental professionals.
Team Leaders serving at the Eureka WSP Office get hands-on experience learning how a statewide environmental program is managed while, at the same time, developing the leadership skills that will serve them throughout their next steps as emergent natural resource professionals.
Each Team Leader supports one of WSP’s four districts where 10-12 CMs serve. Team Leader duties vary greatly throughout the year, but also include consistent tasks such as CM support, tracking program data, and collaborating with staff on current projects. Other tasks include planning for WSP trainings and outreach events that occur throughout the year. Much of the Team Leaders’ fieldwork involves includes traveling to and assisting in the coordination of their district CMs’ Watershed Awareness Volunteer Events (WAVEs). While most other responsibilities require Team Leaders to be in the office, there are also many opportunities for additional field work through site sharing with various Placement Sites. Team Leaders can visit and learn from each CM in their district. Please see the full Team Leader Position Description on WSP’s website.
While TLs primarily fill a role of leadership and have an accompanying level of independence, they receive a unique mentorship experience centered around leadership by having one of the WSP Program Coordinators as a Mentor. Team Leaders at the Eureka WSP office will be given opportunities to work on a wide variety of projects throughout their term as well as the tools and mentorship to develop professionally within the natural resources field. Communication and feedback between Mentor and TLs is open and ongoing and TLs should feel free to express what their needs are from the program and from their Mentor. Mentor-TLs meetings will be held weekly and individual check-ins will be bi-weekly or as needed. Jason believes strongly in facilitating and fostering diverse, community-based solutions in mentorship; if there’s a question that he doesn’t know or a skill set he doesn’t have, there are those in the community that do and they should be reached out to.
Highlights of being a Team Leader in the Eureka Office include being part of a dynamic team, engaging in a diversity of projects, and traveling around the state to support CMs. Team Leaders are encouraged to visit each Placement Site of the CMs in their district to gain skills and network, as well as support the CMs socially. Due to its close proximity to the California Conservation Corps campus, CMs placed at the WSP Eureka office have the opportunity to share their skills and learn from CCC CMs. There are also numerous opportunities to network and meet natural resource professionals and educators from around the state. CMs are encouraged to seek out trainings in environmental education and natural resource topics to further their professional goals.
Team Leaders work directly in the offices of WSP and receive first-hand experience in program management. They are responsible for fostering a sense of community among CMs, as well as providing support to CMs, assisting in the administration of WSP, and contributing to CM development. They are encouraged to follow their interests and given support to do independent work, if desired. Team leaders play a pivotal role in the success of WSP year after year.
Team Leaders will have the option to work either a 5/8/40 or 4/10/40 schedule.
Experience/strong interest in serving in a leadership role
Ability to travel overnight/work on weekends
Ability to work independently
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite
Experience and interest in outreach
Strong organizational and time management skills