Sunday, April 8, 2018

AmeriCorps Watershed Stewards Program accepting applications for Year 25

The AmeriCorps Watershed Stewards Program (WSP) is seeking Member applicants for 
Service Year 25 (October 1st, 2018 – August 9th, 2019)!


Application Due: June 29th, 2018.

Join a team of 48 committed individuals throughout California engaged in watershed protection, community outreach and education, and restoration projects! Spend 10 ½ months working alongside natural resource professionals with one of WSP’s 25 Placement Sites.

WSP Program Overview:
For 24 years, the AmeriCorps Watershed Stewards Program (WSP) has been engaged in comprehensive, community-based, watershed restoration and education throughout coastal California. The primary focus of WSP is to assist communities and organizations with habitat restoration for salmonids (Chinook salmon, Coho salmon and Steelhead trout) in order to rehabilitate these threatened and endangered species to healthy and historic populations. Additionally, WSP provides watershed education and outreach in high-needs communities throughout the state, engages WSP Members in volunteer recruitment efforts to increase the capacity and reach of partner organizations, and helps Members develop into the next generation of natural resource professionals.

Each year, WSP places approximately 48 Members with natural resource organization Placement Sites throughout California to work collaboratively for a 10 ½ month service term. Members serve under the guidance and mentorship of resource professionals in collaboration with local landowners, public agencies, and private industry to assess, monitor, and enhance watersheds. WSP’s diverse Placement Sites include federal, state, county, tribal, and non-profit agencies and organizations. Each Placement Site engages between one and two Members in all the service activity areas, while each site's overall strategy, emphasis, effort, and timing of service activities varies. For more specific information about each WSP Placement Site, please refer to the WSP website: www.ccc.ca.gov/watershed-stewards-program/.

WSP fosters inclusion, inspires innovation, and encourages respect by embracing the diverse talents, perspectives, and backgrounds of all applicants. Each of us brings to the table a lifetime of experiences and knowledge. Each of us is different and adds value to the organization because of these differences. WSP seeks applicants that represent the racial, gender, cultural, and socio-economic diversity of American society.


During their service, Members participate in a wide array of activities, including:
Regular watershed recovery and protection work with their Placement Site
Teaching the Wonders of Watersheds (WOW!) curriculum in elementary schools
Engaging their service community in watershed outreach
Creating and implementing their own Watershed Awareness Project (WAP), and recruiting community volunteers
Training and professional development opportunities

Qualifications for Applicants:
21+
High school diploma
25 credits of college-level science OR 6 months of relevant experience in fisheries/habitat restoration, invasive removal, instream structure installation, etc.
Interest and experience in natural resources management and environmental education
Possess or be willing to obtain a California Driver's License
Clean driving record (no more than 2 points)
US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien

Preferred Skills and Qualities for Members:
Willingness and desire to learn
Effective communication skills
Flexibility
Good basis of relative skills and experiences
Willingness to relocate to Placement Site community

Benefits Include:
Opportunity to make a difference in a Californian community
A monthly living stipend: $1,780
An Education Award of approximately $5,920 upon successful completion of the 10 ½ month service term
Hands-on training opportunities
Uniform and field gear provided
Opportunities to see some of the most beautiful places in California
Mentorship from a natural resources professional and networking opportunities
No-cost medical insurance
Student loan forbearance on eligible loans
Valuable work experience for your future

How to Apply to WSP:
Look under the member applicant tab on the WSP website www.ccc.ca.gov/watershed-stewards-program/
Watch the Recruitment Video at https://youtu.be/YXcWPoqF-mU
Send the following to wsp.recruiter@ccc.ca.gov by June 29th, 2018.
o Year 25 WSP Application, available under the MEMBER APPLICANTS tab on the WSP website
o Cover letter
o One-page resume
o Two signed letters of recommendation (can be submitted on your behalf) to email above

Contact Information:
If you have any questions about the AmeriCorps Watershed Stewards Program or how to apply, please contact the WSP Recruiters, wsp.recruiter@ccc.ca.gov Jody Weseman (805) 542-8461 or Greg Poulton (707)725-8601.

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