WSP is seeking 40 WSP Corpsmembers to serve with one of our 20+ environmental Placement Site partners. Each day Corpsmembers serve under the guidance of Mentors to assess, monitor, and enhance California watersheds, however, the Watershed Recovery and Protection activities vary greatly based on which Placement Site CMs are assigned.
Program Timeframe: October 5th, 2026 – August 19th, 2027
All CMs conduct similar Education & Outreach, Volunteer Recruitment, and Professional Development components of the program outlined below.
Watershed Recovery and Resiliency (72% of Corpsmembers’ time)
Corpsmembers may assist in the coordination and implementation of projects including, but not limited to:
- Field Data Collection – habitat typing, spawner/redd surveys, snorkel surveys, sediment, e-fishing, amphibian, trawling, seining, screw trap monitoring, water quality, and vegetation surveys.
- In-Channel Restoration – installing large woody debris or off-channel ponds, removing fish barriers. Other in-channel activities include riparian fence installation, litter removal, and culvert improvements.
- Invasive Removal – removing non-native plant or aquatic species.
- Riparian Restoration/ Revegetation – planting/ propagating native plant species.
- Stormwater Management – install water catchment systems, sheet mulching, and bioswales.
- Project Maintenance – monitor for effectiveness, weed abatement and watering existing plants.
- Data Management – DIDSON data review, data entry and analysis, literature review and research development, GIS mapping.
Education and Outreach (13% of CMs’ time)
Using WSP’s Wonders of Watershed (WOW!) curriculum, Corpsmembers instruct 2nd – 5th grade students in watershed and salmonid science. The WOW! curriculum consists of five, 50–80-minute lessons. All Corpsmembers are trained by WSP staff in classroom management, lesson development, and WOW! program procedures.
Corpsmembers also deliver various outreach presentations and educational opportunities to students and community members via episodic classroom visits, environmental education fairs, field trips, or community service projects.
Volunteer Recruitment (10% of CMs’ time)
Each Corpsmember develops a Watershed Awareness Volunteer Event (WAVE) where they identify a local watershed need/partnering organization then plan and implement a small-scale restoration event of their choosing. Corpsmembers recruit, train, and manage at least 25 community volunteers and get the chance to plan a restoration event from start to finish, with WSP guidance and support. WAVEs provide the opportunity for Corpsmembers to take on a leadership role and educate community members about their local watersheds, all while improving watershed health.
Professional Development (5% of CMs’ time)
All Corpsmembers participate in both WSP sponsored and site-specific trainings which may vary slightly each year. Examples of WSP trainings include Wilderness First Aid/CPR, Swiftwater Training, and career coaching.
Qualifications for CM Applicants:
- Be between 18 and 32 years of age (as of 10/5/2026)
- High school diploma or GED recipient
- U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the U.S.
- Complete a National Service Criminal History Check
- Possess or be willing to obtain a California Driver’s License with a clean driving record (No more than 2 points on CA driver’s record)
- Experience in conducting watershed restoration, conducting environmental surveys, or analyzing scientific data
- Interest in environmental education and volunteer management
- Willing and able to relocate to the Placement Site community (relocation expenses are not provided)
- Ability to pass a pre-enrollment physical based on this Position Analysis (reasonable accommodation can be requested with appropriate documentation)
Corpsmember Benefits:
- Jumpstart your career as an environmental scientist with mentorship from industry-leading environmental professionals
- A monthly living stipend of $2,904
- WSP Corpsmembers who complete a full-time 1700-hour service term will be eligible to receive the following education awards:
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of up to $7,395
- California for All Award of $2,605
- Program-sponsored medical insurance. The monthly premiums will be fully paid by the program. Corpsmembers will be responsible for any required deductibles and out-of-pocket co-payments.
- Student loan forbearance on eligible loans.
- Uniform and field gear provided: waders, wader boots, shirts, pants, hats, raingear, fleece, etc.
- Expand professional development skills such as project management, public speaking, community engagement, etc.
- Hands-on training and exceptional networking opportunities.
- Childcare subsidy if Corpsmember meets eligibility requirements.
How to Apply to WSP:
- Visit www.ccc.ca.gov/wsp to learn how to apply and access the WSP application
WSP Contact Information:
If you have any questions about the Watershed Stewards Program or how to apply, please contact the WSP Recruiters at wsp.recruiter@ccc.ca.gov