Program Overview: River Science is the lead organization for River Corps and is a 501c(3) nonprofit located in Canon 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. Specifically, all members will receive training in water quality sampling, stream flow measurement, on-the-ground project monitoring with GIS, and essential watershed coordination techniques to ensure they are adding valuable capacity to watershed actions and initiatives across Colorado. Some positions will require members to be trained in low-tech process-based restoration (LTPBR).
Service Site Overview: Western Resilience Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Steamboat Springs, CO (Routt County). Established in 2009, WRC is guided by the mission, “to serve as a leader, resource and catalyst for building a sustainable and resilient Yampa Valley region.” Western Resilience Center programs span Resilient Land & Water, Waste Diversion, Energy, Transportation, and Community Engagement. In recognition that climate change is the most pressing sustainability issue of our time, WRC is committed to advancing climate action – actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions through decarbonization and carbon sequestration and build resilience – throughout our priority areas through programs, partnerships and education.
Service Position Summary: Housed within our Resilient Land and Water Priority Area, this position will support the implementation, maintenance and monitoring of watershed projects that increase resilience in the Yampa Valley across an array of habitats, including upland forests, wetland/riparian areas, and rangelands/grasslands. The member will work with project partners, including the U.S. Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, and a diverse group of other federal, state, and local partners. Projects include but are not limited to:
Riparian vegetation restoration
Wet meadow restoration utilizing LTPBR techniques
Beaver coexistence and education
Upland reforestation, including tree planting, seedling regeneration surveys, and cone collection
Primary Responsibilities:
Assist with the planning, implementation, maintenance, and monitoring of watershed resilience projects led by Western Resilience Center.
Support data collection.
Work with partner organizations on project collaboration.
Help lead youth education and conservation activities.
Help plan and lead volunteer events (i.e. Yampa Valley Climate Crew, ReTree).
Organize and populate databases related to projects.
Maintain tools, equipment, and storage facilities.
Coordinate with other Western Resilience Center staff to support event-related communications and logistics as needed.
Participate in Western Resilience Center staff meetings, events and activities throughout the employment period.
Support media work, including taking photos and writing content for Western Resilience Center’s social media platforms and coordinating with partner organizations.
Qualifications:
Applicants should:
Be at least 18 years of age
Be working toward or possess a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental studies, water resources, ecology, biology, education, outdoor recreation, or a related field
Have their own reliable transportation and proof of auto insurance
Be a high school graduate, GED recipient, or working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED during the term of service. Members must obtain either a diploma or GED before using an education award.
Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States
Able to pass a National Service Criminal History Check (state, FBI, and National Sex Offender Public Website checks)
Term of Service / Time Commitment: This is a Three-Quarter Time (TQT) national and community service position requiring, at a minimum, a total of 1200 hours during the year (approximately 30-35 hours per week). The position begins Monday, March 8, 2027 and ends Friday, November 19, 2027. While the position service will occur mostly between Monday to Friday, 9:00 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 1200 hours, including holidays, time off, and missed hours to make up.
Training and Support Provided: River Corps members receive significant training and experience in technical skill sets (e.g. water quality data collection, instream flow assessment, assessment with GIS) and community engagement (e.g. watershed coordination, stakeholder communication). Members will be supervised and supported by Western Resilience Center staff members Ryan Messinger (Resilient Watersheds Program Manager, ryan.messinger@westernresilience.org) and Brenna Egan (Restoration Projects Manager, brenna.egan@westernresilience.org), as well as by Allison Palmasano, River Corps Project Director, allison@river.science / 719.429.3707. The cohort of members serving throughout the region will act as additional resources and support for each other.
Location and Service Conditions: This position is primarily field-based and will require frequent travel to project sites and to partner meetings throughout the region when needed. Administrative duties and meetings will be held at the WRC office at 919 Oak St. in Steamboat Springs. This position will report primarily to the Restoration Projects Manager, under the direction of the Resilient Watersheds Program Manager, and may work with other WRC Interns or Apprentices, technicians, volunteers or other project-support crews.
Benefits:
A total living allowance of $19,000, paid in bi-weekly installments of $1,027.03 (on Fridays). Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member.
An additional housing stipend of up to $500 per month if needed
An education award of $5,176.50 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
Mileage reimbursement for travel to required trainings and days of service
Non-tangible benefits including valuable hands-on experiences, networking, and the opportunity to help river and watershed health in a local community
Alumni benefits, including priority hiring with organizations that are part of Employers of National Service and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to eliminate educational debt
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.
Western Resilience Center 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.