WSP San Luis Obispo

Placement Site Address: 1527 Madera Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

San Luis Obispo, CA - City Data Information Link

Mentor: Jody Weseman, Region 2 Program Coordinator

Number of Team Leaders at Site: 2

Number of Years Site has Hosted WSP Team Leaders: 14

Service Hours:

8-hour days: 0%

10-hour days: 98%

>10-hour days: 2%

Temporary Housing Offered: Yes

Work Vehicle Provided: Yes

CM Time Spent in Field/Office:

In the field: 45%

In the office: 55%

Team Leader Activities:

Placement Site Objectives & Organizational Needs:

At their root WSP Team Leaders (TLs) are peer leaders who assist WSP Corpsmembers (CMs) and staff in delivering one of AmeriCorps most renowned environmental programs! Each TL is assigned to one of WSPs four districts and they work to directly support 10-12 CMs. TLs who serve in San Luis Obispo (SLO) assist WSPs Region II Program Coordinator with program communications, event development, grant writing, data management, evaluation analysis, and native plant propagation. If interested, Region II TLs may receive the same survey trainings as SLO SI CMs and will have the opportunity to get into the field with their districts CMs when feasible. A major component of the TL position is to travel in a state vehicle and support their CMs Watershed Awareness Volunteer Events (WAVEs). TLs assist CMs in WAVE development by editing proposals and media submissions, tracking all required WAVE paperwork, and attend/ provide support at each WAVE within their district.

Region II TLs also oversee WSPs social media and branding efforts and design various outreach materials (videos, posters, newsletters, etc.). TLs maintain regular communication with their regions CMs by hosting Zoom check-ins and fielding texts, calls, and emails. If interested, TLs can create and lead environmentally focused lessons with 18 to 25-year-old traditional Corpsmembers at the Los Padres CCC Center and help WSP develop new WOW! curriculum. Additionally, TLs have opportunities to help build and maintain the native plant nursery. Region II TLs have ample opportunities to hone their professional writing, public speaking, and community engagement skill sets. Please see the full Team Leader Position Description on WSPs website.

Mentorship Style:

WSP Team Leaders will gain an increased level of independence as the term progresses and are encouraged to take initiative in projects that suit their interests and career goals. At the WSP SLO office, there is an expectation for clear and continued communication. Feedback on mentorship style and TLs’ experiences and progress is encouraged, and TL-Mentor check-in meetings occur regularly (walking meetings are commonplace). Jody is available and accessible for TL support as needed and helps TLs toward reaching goals and outcomes they would like to achieve during their service term. She enjoys teaching TLs what it takes to develop and manage a state-wide program.

Unique Characteristics of Placement Site:

Serving as a TL in the SLO office means being part of a dynamic team (in-person and virtual), managing multiple projects simultaneously, and traveling around the state. TLs will serve a 4/10 schedule (Mon. - Thurs. 6:30 am to 5:00 pm) and some teleservice is allowed as needed. The WSP office is located on a California Conservation Corps campus, and TLs gain valuable support and leadership skills from this unique community. Each Team Leader will have their own office with windows, a standing desk, and two monitors. They will also have full access to all of WSPs camping gear, site vehicles, and outreach materials. $500/month housing is possible when available; however, living at the Los Padres CCC Center (Location of the WSP Office) comes with many rules and demands. There are also numerous opportunities to network and meet environmental professionals and educators from around the state.

TLs are each given a $200 budget to attend a training of their choice and can also attend all WSP sponsored events (SRF or SERCAL Conference, CCC Trainings, Creek Days, field trainings at other WSP Placement Sites, etc.) SLO Team Leaders often learn by doing and have a significant say in how they would like to direct their term of service.

Team Leaders spend most of their time serving directly in the Region II WSP office and receive first-hand experience in state program management, and can get outside daily to propagate natives, maintain the garden, shadow other CMs to get footage and to learn about the salmonid restoration being done around the state. They are responsible for fostering a sense of community among CMs, assisting in the administration of WSP, and contributing to CM development.

SLO County offers great surf, food, trails, weather, and volunteer opportunities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Desired in CM:

Ability to travel overnight, serve on weekends, and work indoors often

Ability to work independently and take initiative to help build WSPs capacity

Experienced or interested in media development

Experience or strong interest in serving in a leadership role (no prior WSP experience necessary)