Program Overview: River Science is the lead organization for River Corps and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in Cañon City, CO. The River Corps program places AmeriCorps Members at organizations and agencies throughout Colorado to focus on helping the efficiency, efficacy, and scale of healthy rivers and watersheds. To thrive in these technical positions, Members will receive comprehensive training and ongoing support in low-tech process-based river restoration (LTPBR), water quality sampling, in-stream flow (ISF), on-the-ground project monitoring, and essential watershed coordination techniques to ensure they are adding valuable capacity to watershed actions and initiatives across Colorado.
Service Site Overview: Friends of the Yampa (FOTY) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in Steamboat Springs, CO, serving the entire Yampa River corridor from the Flat Tops to Dinosaur National Monument. FOTY’s mission is to protect and enhance the environmental and recreational integrity of the Yampa River and its tributaries through stewardship, advocacy, education, and partnerships.
Service Position Summary: The River Corps member will serve as FOTY’s Watershed Technician, supporting the Environmental Program Director and Environmental Program Manager. The member will lead the River Watch program and assist with monitoring and managing riparian invasive plants, along with other programs and events as needed. This position is anticipated to be about 75% office work and 25% fieldwork.
Essential Functions (Primary Responsibilities):
Lead FOTY’s River Watch Program (a community science water quality monitoring program), including volunteer and project coordination, water quality sample collection and analysis, and data management and reporting (50%)
Assist with monitoring, mapping, treating, and conducting outreach efforts related to riparian invasive plants (20%)
Marginal Functions (Secondary Responsibilities):
Assist with FOTY community outreach and education events as needed
Assist with installation of beaver coexistence devices
Support other river health initiatives, like the dragonfly mercury project, groundwater monitoring, and aquatic invasive species gear cleaning stations
Support the Yampa River Festival (FOTY’s signature event to raise awareness about the river, involving a variety of recreational events) and associated events alongside FOTY staff and volunteers
Support the Big Snow Bash fundraiser alongside FOTY staff and volunteers
Support the Yampa Basin Rendezvous (the Yampa Valley’s annual water and climate conference)
Physical, Emotional, and Intellectual Demands:
Hiking or wading alongside or in streams where terrain may be uneven, steep, or slippery
Kneeling and lifting loads of up to 25 pounds for project implementation
Working outdoors, which may involve inclement weather
Sitting at a desk for extended periods
Understanding the importance of data quality and adhering to strict sampling protocols
Willingness to learn and share ideas
Commitment to river health, environmental justice, and building healthy, respectful relationships across diverse stakeholder groups
Qualifications:
At least 18 years old (site requirement)
Working toward or possessing a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental studies, water resources, ecology, biology, education, outdoor recreation, or a related field
Reliable transportation and proof of auto insurance
Good writing skills, including sentence structure, grammar, spelling, and technical content
Comfort with public speaking during educational programming
A good listener and a good ambassador for Friends of the Yampa
Organizational skills and follow-through on tasks that may have little oversight
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Baseline knowledge of river and riparian ecology, Western water law, river hydrology, environmental restoration, and/or collaborative conservation
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
Ability to learn and follow field method protocols
Preferred qualifications (not required):
Proficiency in GIS applications
Competent whitewater boater/kayaker
Term of Service / Time Commitment: This is a half-time national and community service position requiring, at a minimum, a total of 900 hours during the year (approximately 25 hours per week). The position begins Monday, March 8, 2027 and ends Friday, November 19, 2027. While service will occur mostly between Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, flexible hours may be required including occasional evening and weekend commitments. Within these hours, there will be sufficient opportunity to fulfill the full term of 900 hours, including holidays, time off, and making up missed hours.
Training and Support Provided: River Corps members receive significant training and experience in technical skillsets (e.g. water quality data collection, assessment with GIS) and community engagement (e.g. watershed coordination, stakeholder communication). Up to 20% of total hours served may be spent in applicable approved trainings. Members will be supervised and supported by Emily Burke, Environmental Program Director, Friends of the Yampa (emily@friendsoftheyampa.com), as well as by Allison Palmasano, River Corps Program Director, allison@river.science / 719.429.3707. The cohort of members serving throughout the region will function as additional resources and support for each other.
Location and Service Conditions: This position is based at the Friends of the Yampa office, 743 Oak Street, Steamboat Springs, CO and will involve field work along the Yampa River and its tributaries, as well as stakeholder and partner meetings, in Routt and Moffat Counties.
Number of Positions: 1
Benefits:
A total living allowance of $14,250, paid in bi-weekly installments of $770.27 (on Fridays). Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member.
An education award of $3,697.50 upon successful completion of term of service.
Training certificates in Water Quality & Ecology, and Hydrology Technician 1.
It is possible to temporarily postpone repayment of qualified student loans through forbearance while serving as an AmeriCorps member.
Non-tangible benefits including valuable hands-on experiences, networking, opportunity to help river and watershed health in a local community.
Alumni benefits include priority hiring with organizations that are part of Employers of National Service and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to eliminate educational debt.
A housing stipend of up to $350 per month, if needed.
How to Apply: Fill out the Application Form on the River Corps Position Page: river.science/rivercorps
Equal Opportunity Statement:
River Corps recognizes the value of diversity and inclusiveness to advance environmental education. River Corps recognizes the value of diversity and inclusiveness to advance environmental education. This program is available to all, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, religion, age, national origin, genetic information, disability, military status, familial status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Friends of the Yampa shall not discriminate against any employee, AmeriCorps member, volunteer, or program participant on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, disability, political affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, marital, parental, veteran or military status, political service, or membership, participation or association with any employee organization. We provide equal employment, service, and volunteer opportunities to all individuals based on relevant qualifications and abilities.
Reasonable Accommodation: River Corps and its host sites are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Applicants or members who need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position should contact Allison Palmasano, River Corps Program Director, at allison@river.science or 719.429.3707.