Open Positions
River Restoration Technician - River Science (Cañon City, CO) Application Deadline: March 23rd
Summer River Restoration Technician (Grand Junction, CO) Application Deadline: March 27th
Restoration Program Coordinator - Colorado West Land Trust (Grand Junction, CO) Application Deadline: March 27th
Who We Are
River Conservation Corps (River Corps or RCC for short) is an AmeriCorps program led by River Science, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Cañon City, Colorado, and partners with organizations and agencies throughout the state. Our AmeriCorps members serve in technical and capacity filling roles focused on watershed science, river monitoring, restoration, and stewardship support.
The River Corps program equips members with comprehensive training, practical experience, and professional development across areas like water quality monitoring, hydrology, ecological assessment, outreach, GIS mapping, project management, low-tech process-based restoration implementation, and watershed coordination. We strive to help guide the next generation of water leaders while supporting organizations with mission-alignment.
What We Do
Launch Leaders in Watershed Conservation
Each year River Corps brings together a diverse cohort of AmeriCorps members who are passionate about rivers, watershed conservation, and contributing to water resource management. These members gain a significant amount of experience through program-wide training designed to equip members with social and technical skillsets relating to watershed health assessment and management practices while partnering with host organizations to deliver meaningful on-the-ground impact.
Support Host-Site Organizations Across Colorado
River Corps members contribute to a broad suite of conservation work — from data collection and technical assessment to restoration implementation and community engagement. Members serve at host sites including watershed districts, federal & state agencies, and local nonprofits to help fill capacity needs by utilizing their skillsets and contribute to host site initiatives & projects.
Measurables and Impact
By the numbers in 2025 - Quantitative and Qualitative Data
Member Experience & Impact
Members who serve with River Corps receive a significant amount of experience and professional development:
Comprehensive training in watershed science, field techniques, and professional skills
Hands-on experience in hydrology, water quality, GIS, outreach, and restoration
Certificates for Hydrology and Water Quality Monitoring accredited by the State of Colorado
Professional development with mentors and partner organizations
Real-world project work that informs river management and stewardship
Segal AmeriCorps Education Award that can be used for student debt or future tuition, upon completion of service
A supportive community of peers and alumni in the water conservation field
Members have expressed that their River Corps service helped them gain confidence, clarify career paths, strengthen technical expertise, and build meaningful professional networks across the water sector.
Our Partners and Network
River Corps wouldn’t be possible without committed host site organizations and community partners who provide mentorship, project opportunities, and meaningful service placements. These partners span watershed collaboratives, conservation districts, government agencies, and nonprofits working to protect and improve Colorado’s rivers and watersheds.
Together, we work to enhance water data collection & access, strengthen restoration capacity, and engage community stakeholders in long-term stewardship.
2026 Host Site Organizations
Why It Matters
Rivers and watersheds are critical to ecological health, community resilience, drinking water security, recreation, and local economies. River Corps provides a bridge between emerging conservation professionals and communities that need science-based support and stewardship leadership.
Through service with River Conservation Corps, AmeriCorps members build skills that prepare them for careers in water resources, environmental science, policy, and land management while contributing to lasting improvements in river health.
Do you need help from the River Corps?
2026 Cost for Members and Restoration Crew
Restoration 4-Member Crew
8-day hitch: $11,200
4-day hitch: $6,000
Dedicated Member for you to host
3/4 time position (1200 hours): $13,500
1/2 time position (900 hours): $ 10,500
Contact us by completing the Interest Form
Curious if you qualify to be a host? Review the Site Selection Criteria document.
Want more details? See info below on skillsets provided and cost.
About River Corps:
AmeriCorps is a network of national services programs through which members commit their time and efforts to addressing a variety of critical community needs.
The River Corps is an AmeriCorps program ran by River Science that places Members at organizations and agencies throughout Colorado to focus on improving the efficiency, efficacy, and scale of river data and management to improved recreation, water resources, and overall resiliency. To thrive in these technical positions, Members will receive comprehensive training in data collection, communication, and construction techniques.