WSP Eureka

Placement Site Address: 3517 W Street

Eureka, CA 95503- City Data Information Link

Mentor: Jason Lopiccolo, WSP Region I Program Coordinator

Number of CMs at Site: 2

Number of Years Site has Hosted WSP CMs: 31

Service Hours:

8-hour days: 10%

10-hour days: 85%

>10-hour days: 5%

Housing Offered: No

Work Vehicle Provided: Yes

CM Time Spent in Field/Office:

In the field: 35%

In the office: 65%

Corpsmember Activities:

Corpsmember Support: 20%

Education and Outreach: 20%

Volunteer Recruitment & Management: 15%

Editing/Writing/Data Tracking: 15%

Commuting: 10%

Field Work (WAVEs, Site Sharing, Outreach): 10%

Social Media: 5%

Supporting WSP Staff with Various Project: 5%

Placement Site Objectives and Organizational Needs

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 developing the leadership skills that will serve them throughout their next steps as emerging natural resource professionals.

Each Team Leader supports one of WSPs 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 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 WSPs website.

Mentorship Style:

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. TLs should feel free to express what their needs are from the program and from their Mentor. Mentor/TL 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 theres a question that he doesnt know or a skill set he doesnt have, there are those in the community that do and he will assist TLs in finding the answers.

Unique Characteristics of Placement Site:

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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Desired in CM:

Experience/strong interest in serving in a leadership role

Ability to travel overnight/work on weekends

Ability to work independently

Experience with Microsoft Office and able to learn new software

Experience and interest in outreach

Strong organizational and time management skills