WSP Placement Sites

Find the site for you!

View WSP Positions and picture yourself working alongside our fantastic mentors.

View Placement Sites

Year 32 Service Term: October 1, 2025 – August 20, 2026
While WSP has Memorandums of Understanding with all Placement Sites and funders and are moving forward in good faith, current Federal Executive Orders could impact WSP in various ways. If there are updates to Placement Sites, WSP will notify applicants via email.

Region 1 – District A: 11 Corpsmembers

District A Team Leader - Eureka | One Corpsmember

Placement Site Address: 1315 4th Street Eureka, CA 95501 – Eureka City Data Information Link

Mentor: Jason Lopiccolo Region I Program Coordinator

Number of CMs at Site: 2

Number of Years Site has Hosted WSP CMs: 30

Service Hours:

8-hour days: 10%
10-hour days: 85%
>10-hour days: 5%

Housing Offered: No

Work Vehicle Provided: Yes

CM Time Spent in Field/Office:

In the field: 35%
In the office: 65%

Corpsmember Activities:

Corpsmember Support: 25%
Education and Outreach: 20%
Volunteer Recruitment & Management: 15%
Editing/Writing/Data Tracking: 15%
Commuting: 10%
Field Work: 10%
Social Media: 5%

Placement Site Objectives and Organizational Needs:

The Watershed Stewards Program (WSP) is dedicated to improving watershed health by actively engaging in restoration science, civic service, and community education while empowering the next generation of environmental stewards. WSP was established in 1994 as a comprehensive, community-based watershed restoration and education program. CMs serve in coastal watersheds throughout California. WSP is a program of the California Conservation Corps supported and funded by AmeriCorps and The Fisheries Grant Restoration Program (FRGP). WSP is also a professional development program, focused on training the next generation of environmental professionals.

Team Leaders serving at the Eureka WSP Office get hands-on experience learning how a statewide environmental program is managed while, at the same time, developing the leadership skills that will serve them throughout their next steps as emergent natural resource professionals.

Each Team Leader supports one of WSP’s four districts where 10-12 CMs serve. Team Leader duties vary greatly throughout the year, but also include consistent tasks such as CM support, tracking program data, and collaborating with staff on current projects. Other tasks include planning for WSP trainings and outreach events that occur throughout the year. Much of the Team Leaders’ fieldwork involves includes traveling to and assisting in the coordination of their district CMs’ Watershed Awareness Volunteer Events (WAVEs). While most other responsibilities require Team Leaders to be in the office, there are also many opportunities for additional field work through site sharing with various Placement Sites. Team Leaders can visit and learn from each CM in their district. Please see the full Team Leader Position Description on WSP’s website.

Mentorship Style:

While TLs primarily fill a role of leadership and have an accompanying level of independence, they receive a unique mentorship experience centered around leadership by having one of the WSP Program Coordinators as a Mentor. Team Leaders at the Eureka WSP office will be given opportunities to work on a wide variety of projects throughout their term as well as the tools and mentorship to develop professionally within the natural resources field. Communication and feedback between Mentor and TLs is open and ongoing and TLs should feel free to express what their needs are from the program and from their Mentor. Mentor-TLs meetings will be held weekly and individual check-ins will be bi-weekly or as needed. Jason believes strongly in facilitating and fostering diverse, community-based solutions in mentorship; if there’s a question that he doesn’t know or a skill set he doesn’t have, there are those in the community that do and they should be reached out to.

Unique Characteristics of Placement Site:

Highlights of being a Team Leader in the Eureka Office include being part of a dynamic team, engaging in a diversity of projects, and traveling around the state to support CMs. Team Leaders are encouraged to visit each Placement Site of the CMs in their district to gain skills and network, as well as support the CMs socially. Due to its close proximity to the California Conservation Corps campus, CMs placed at the WSP Eureka office have the opportunity to share their skills and learn from CCC CMs. There are also numerous opportunities to network and meet natural resource professionals and educators from around the state. CMs are encouraged to seek out trainings in environmental education and natural resource topics to further their professional goals.

Team Leaders work directly in the offices of WSP and receive first-hand experience in program management. They are responsible for fostering a sense of community among CMs, as well as providing support to CMs, assisting in the administration of WSP, and contributing to CM development. They are encouraged to follow their interests and given support to do independent work, if desired. Team leaders play a pivotal role in the success of WSP year after year.

Team Leaders will have the option to work either a 5/8/40 or 4/10/40 schedule.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Desired in CM:

Experience/strong interest in serving in a leadership role
Ability to travel overnight/work on weekends
Ability to work independently
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite
Experience and interest in outreach
Strong organizational and time management skills

California Department of Fish & Wildlife - Yreka | Two Corpsmembers

Placement Site Address: 1625 S. Main Street, Yreka, CA 96097 Yreka, California (CA 96097) – Yreka City Data Information Link

Mentors: Domenic Guidice, Senior Environmental Scientist Specialist; Rosemary Romero, Senior Environmental Scientist Specialist

Number of CMs at Site: 2

Number of Years Site has Hosted WSP CMs: 29

Service Hours:

8-hour days: 75%
10-hour days: 20%
>10-hour days: 5%

Housing Offered: No

Work Vehicle Provided: Yes

CM Time Spent in Field/Office:

In the field: 60%
In the office: 40%

Corpsmember Activities:

Screw Trap Monitoring: 14%
Spawner/Redd Surveys: 14%
Weir maintenance and operation 14%
Volunteer Management: 10%
Hatchery Work: 9%
Education & Outreach: 8%
Data Entry: 7%
DIDSON Installation/Monitoring: 4%
Biological Sample Analysis Lab Work: 4%
Field PIT Tagging: 4%
Snorkel Surveys: 4%
Commuting To/From Field Sites: 4%
Weir video footage review: 4%

Placement Site Objectives and Organizational Needs:

The Mission of the Department of Fish and Wildlife is to manage California’s diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources, and the habitats upon which they depend, for their ecological values and for their use and enjoyment by the public. The Klamath-Trinity Program has been monitoring area salmon runs since 1978, and the Rotary Trapping Program has been in place since 2000. Both monitoring programs are the sources of data critically important to the management of Shasta River, Scott River, and Bogus Creek Chinook and Coho populations. CMs are directly involved in the monitoring of adult and juvenile salmonid population trends in the Klamath Basin with these projects.

CMs are integrated into the field team and participate in both data collection and data processing throughout the field season, adding to CDFW’s ability to collect the data necessary for long-term monitoring. On a typical workday in the fall, CMs will conduct spawning ground surveys on foot, install, maintain or remove video fish counting stations, assist with hatchery recovery and coded wire tag extraction and reading, review video footage and assist with data entry and editing. In the spring, CMs will learn to identify juvenile salmonids, sample them in rotary screw traps, calculate trap efficiency, and assist with data entry and editing.

Mentorship Style:

At CDFW Yreka, Mentors work to develop and encourage CMs through regular monthly meetings, individual interactions, and service-related responsibilities. Mentors do their best to be available to CMs whenever they need to talk and or discuss ideas. Mentors have an open-door policy and make every effort to respond to CMs according to their schedules. Mentors expect CMs to reach out when they need assistance. Mentors use monthly meetings to individually confirm that CMs are happy and satisfied with their experiences in Yreka. Mentors also try to help integrate the CMs into a diverse team of fisheries technicians and make sure that CMs feel part of the team. Additionally, there are three Mentors here in Yreka and each have different personalities allowing Corpsmembers to engage with a diverse team.

Unique Characteristics of Placement Site:

Yreka CDFW has a long history (28 years) of WSP partnership and has a lot of learning opportunities to offer CMs. Located in a beautiful part of Northern California, Yreka is a small town close to a multitude of outdoor recreation opportunities. CMs at this site could experience the challenges and rewards of serving in a community where local knowledge and access to information about natural resource management is limited. CMs work with both the juvenile and adult phases of the life cycles of salmonid species and learn about the overall management cycle of salmon in the Klamath-Trinity basin. Our local watersheds are among the most productive in the basin yet offer challenging management scenarios in working with local stakeholders in an area where water is a limited and highly sought-after resource.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Desired in CM:

Ability to work long hours in very cold and very hot climates around noxious plants, and biting/stinging insects
Ability to walk or wade several miles per day over unstable terrain and through rivers
Ability to swim and stay afloat for extended periods of time
Ability to work long days in an office or lab setting while using computers and microscopes
Knowledge of basic map and navigation principles for traditional orienteering
Familiarity with basic principles of operating a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Some field sites will be accessed by uneven non-paved forest roads

Yurok Tribe Environmental Department - Klamath| Two Corpsmembers

Placement Site Address: 15900 Hwy 101 North, Klamath, CA 95548 – Klamath City Data Information Link

Mentor: Josh Cahill, Water Program Manager

Number of CMs Site: 2

Number of Years Site has Hosted WSP CMs: 16

Service Hours:

8-hour days: 80%
10-hour days: 10%
>10-hour days: 10% Housing Offered: No

Work Vehicle Provided: Yes

CM Time Spent in Field/Office:

In the field: 75%
In the office: 25%

Corpsmember Activities:

H2O Monitoring: 52%
Data Entry: 8%
Commuting To/From Field Sites: 8%
Volunteer Management: 10%
Education & Outreach: 8%
Biological Sample Analysis Lab Work: 3%
Sediment Surveys: 5%
Habitat Surveys: 3%
CMs potentially working with other Tribal Departments (Food Sovereignty, Fisheries Program, etc.): 3%

Placement Site Objectives and Organizational Needs:

The Yurok Tribe Environmental Department, Water Program focuses on protecting tribal water resources through monitoring, research, and permitting. Water Program duties are split between four Specialists that perform field work in a variety of aquatic habitat types. CMs will gain training and experience with an array of industry-standard instruments used in aquatic science professions including hydrology, water quality monitoring, fisheries, and data management and analysis.

Most of the Yurok Tribe Reservation communities are remote, underserved towns, some without municipal utility services. Most households within the reservation rely on the Klamath River and its tributaries for drinking water and subsistence. By assisting Specialists to perform their fieldwork in the past, CMs have been an important component in the effort to protect the Yurok Tribe’s water resources. CMs have also provided valuable education to local children regarding the importance of water quality, life pathways of aquatic species, and how these ecological topics impact the Yurok Tribe’s culture. Continuing this partnership maintains the efficiency in which the Yurok Tribe Environmental Department protects Klamath River water resources and serves its community members. In the past, previous CMs have been highly involved in the Klamath River Cleanup, and the outreach and organization provided by CMs has proven invaluable.

Mentorship Style:

Mentor and CM desks are situated in the same room to provide CMs with as much communication and guidance possible. Such an arrangement exemplifies the professional and supportive interpersonal behavior conducted in the Water Program. CMs will be trained and evaluated by the Mentor in field safety, protocols, and data collection methods. Due to the seasonality of the work, the majority of water quality tasks are conducted late spring through fall and the majority of hydrology tasks are conducted winter through early spring. The Mentor will strive to encourage confidence to promote appropriate CM independence.

Unique Characteristics of Placement Site:

Klamath River Dam Removal is a symbol for the river restoration movement, and the Yurok Tribe has provided steward leadership. The unique opportunities offered to CMs include: the opportunity to contribute to the largest dam removal and river restoration project in US history, performing environmental management work through a Yurok/tribal perspective, witnessing the social impact of that effort on the community served, exposure to Yurok tribal culture, and a broad introduction to Natural Resources management through assisting multiple Departments and Programs with diverse tasks.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Desired in CM:

Passion to have a positive impact on an impaired watershed
A willingness to serve an underrepresented, tribal community
Cooperative team member
Experience and/or coursework involving hydrology and water quality
Ability to wade in swift water
Ability to swim
Experience working or recreating in steep and uneven terrain
Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds
Ability to work in adverse weather conditions
Ability to operate a 4WD vehicle off-road
Ability to evaluate risk and safety in the field

California Department of Fish & Wildlife - Arcata | Four Corpsmembers

Placement Site Address: 50 Ericson Ct., Arcata CA 95521 – Arcata City Data Information Link

Site Supervisor: Seth Ricker, CDFW Anadromous Fish Research and Monitoring Program

Mentors: Colin Anderson, CDFW Environmental Scientist; John Deibner-Hanson, CDFW Environmental Scientist; Field Leader: Katherine Stonecypher, Cal Poly Humboldt Sponsored Programs Foundation

Number of CMs at Site: 4

Number of Years Site has Hosted WSP CMs: 27

Service Hours:

8-hour days: 75%
10-hour days: 25%

Housing Offered: No

Work Vehicle Provided: Yes

CM Time Spent in Field/Office:

In the field: 75%
In the office: 25%

Corpsmember Activities:

Spawner/Carcass/Redd Surveys: 20%
Weir Operation: 14%
Downstream Migrant Trap Monitoring: 14%
Volunteer Management: 10%
Education & Outreach: 8%
Seining: 5%
PIT Tagging: 5%
Snorkel Surveys: 5%
DIDSON Installation/Monitoring: 5%
Data Entry: 5%
Commuting To/From Field Sites: 5%
GIS Mapping: 2%
Hatchery Work: 1%
E-Fishing: 1%

Placement Site Objectives and Organizational Needs:

CDFW is charged with public resource assessment and management responsibilities for native fish and wildlife. Wildlife and their habitats provide essential ecosystem function services to communities. These services provide both economic benefit as well as social and cultural value. CMs have provided valuable resources to reach these crucial societal needs. CMs will allow the CDFW to monitor anadromous fishes across more streams to provide a better understanding of status and trends of populations.

The overall goal of this site is to conduct anadromous fisheries population research and monitoring. Most days will be spent conducting fisheries surveys in local streams or trapping fish at the Freshwater Creek weir. Occasional “office days” will be spent working at the Arcata field office, both processing and analyzing field data. The daily activities of Corpsmembers will be directed by the site Mentor. After reporting to work at 7:30-8:30 a.m., CMs will be assigned to work with a crew of one or two experienced CDFW Scientific Aids and/or CDFW Environmental Scientists. Most field surveys will require an entire eight-hour day to complete. In October CMs will assist with Pit Tagging juvenile Coho Salmon in Freshwater Creek for an overwinter survival study. November through March, CMs perform spawning ground surveys. While performing the surveys, CMs will hike upstream over rocks, mud, and logs in cold, swift water to locate salmon carcasses, salmon nests (redds), and live fish. CMs learn multiple scientific field protocols, such as how to use hand-held global positioning systems (GPS) and electronic field data entry devices. Concurrent with Spawning Ground Surveys, CMs assist with the DIDSON fish camera and species apportionment snorkel surveys and net surveys on the Mad River. December through February, CMs assist with trapping and tagging adult salmonids at the Freshwater Creek weir. During peak migration times, the weir will be staffed 24 hours/day. Therefore, CMs should be prepared to work occasional off-hour and weekend shifts. March through June, CMs assist with trapping and PIT tagging juvenile salmonids. June through the end of the service year will be spent up on the Smith River counting juvenile salmonids during snorkel survey season. The summer is also spent site sharing with other WSP projects.

Mentorship Style:

CMs can expect to learn state of the art science technology, theory, and methods of fisheries science in a supportive and professional atmosphere. CMs will be guided by hands-on Mentors from CDFW Arcata for all tasks for the duration of their term. CMs are treated as valued assets and team members.

Unique Characteristics of Placement Site:

CDFW Arcata provides the next generation of resource assessment professionals with the valuable, hands-on learning experience desired by employers and college and university advanced degrees in biological sciences. The team has been innovating and setting the standard for scientific data collection in Northern California alongside CMs for 27 years. The Placement Site Mentors and Field Leader are all WSP Alumni.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Desired in CM:

Highly motivated
Passion for fisheries and watershed science
Desire to work outside
Prior fisheries/natural resources and backcountry skills experience beneficial
Enjoys working with a team to accomplish tasks

Bureau of Land Management - Arcata | Two Corpsmembers

Placement Site Address: 1695 Heindon Rd, Arcata, CA 95521 – Arcata City Data Information Link

Mentors: Zane Ruddy, Fish Biologist and Sam Flanagan, Geologist

Number of Years Site has hosted WSP CMs: 8

Number of CMs at Site: 2

Service Hours:

8-hour days: 80%
10-hour days: 10%
>10-hour days: 10%

Housing Offered: No

Work Vehicle Provided: Yes

CM Time Spent in Field/Office:

In the field: 50%
In the office: 50%

Corpsmember Activities:

Spawner/Redd Surveys: 10%
Post-Restoration Monitoring/Maintenance: 10%
Commuting To/From Field Sites: 10%
Habitat Surveys: 10%
LWD Installation: 10%
Education & Outreach: 10%
Volunteer Management: 10%
Invasive species monitoring and suppression: 10%
Snorkel Surveys: 5%
H2O Quality Monitoring: 5%
GIS Mapping: 5%
Data Entry: 5%

Placement Site Objectives and Organizational Needs:

CMs will primarily focus on salmon and steelhead population monitoring, stream habitat monitoring, habitat restoration planning and implementation, and outreach activities (e.g. field trips with schools and public). Projects CMs will work on include spawner surveys in coordination with Mattole Salmon Group and CDFW, juvenile snorkel surveys, summer adult steelhead snorkel surveys, invasive species monitoring and suppression, and Salmon Creek (Headwaters Forest Reserve) stream gauge maintenance and data analysis (discharge/turbidity), wood installation habitat projects, as well as attending various workshops and trainings.

The BLM AFO manages approximately 200,000 acres in Northwest California, much of which is within the range of threatened Southern Oregon/Northern California Coast (SONCC) Coho Salmon, California Coastal (CC) Chinook Salmon, and Northern California (NC) Steelhead. BLM works to further the purposes of the Endangered Species Act by implementing programs for the conservation of listed species and their ecosystems. BLM responsibilities include determining the occurrence, distribution, population and habitat conditions on BLM-administered lands and monitoring and evaluating ongoing management activities. Given the remote nature of BLM parcels in the AFO, the distribution of anadromous salmonids and habitat conditions within drainages managed by BLM is not fully known. Apart from Headwaters Forest Reserve and tributaries to the Mattole River, most streams within the BLM AFO have not had salmonid habitat assessments conducted for over 30 years. CMs serving at this site help to fill this knowledge gap with updated information on fish distribution and habitat obtained through surveys.

Mentorship Style:

CMs will be co-mentored by Zane Ruddy (fish biologist) and Sam Flanagan (geologist), who see CMs as an integral part of the BLM watershed team. At this site, Mentors interact daily with CMs, providing technical assistance and guidance as needed to meet the task at hand. CMs and Mentors work together directly on several projects and CMs are provided opportunities to work independently in areas that interest them most. We encourage an open line of communication to ensure they are meeting each Corpsmembers’ expectations both as Mentors and as a Placement Site overall.

Unique Characteristics of Placement Site:

CMs placed at BLM AFO will work on a wide range of projects across a highly diverse landscape, with habitat ranging from temperate coastal lagoons and estuaries to hot, dry, and rugged interior mountains. CMs will gain knowledge in vastly different watersheds and will work on both fish (e.g. population and habitat monitoring) and non-fish projects (e.g. stream gauge operation). Each day, CMs will work with two experienced BLM watershed professionals and other highly specialized multi-resource staff (e.g. botanist, forester, wildlife biologist, etc.), as well as government agencies, tribes, and non-profit organizations that share the same watershed restoration and fish recovery goals. These partners include the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Forest Service, Wiyot Tribe, Mattole Salmon Group, Mattole Restoration Council, and Sanctuary Forest.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Desired in CM:

Ability to work in rugged conditions (e.g. steep terrain)
Comfortable swimming/snorkeling in rivers
Ability to work long days and drive long distances

Region 1 – District B: 11 Corpsmembers

District B Team Leader - Eureka | One Corpsmember

Placement Site Address: 1315 4th Street Eureka, CA 95501 – Eureka City Data Information Link

Mentor: Jason Lopiccolo Region I Program Coordinator

Number of CMs at Site: 2

Number of Years Site has Hosted WSP CMs: 30

Service Hours:

8-hour days: 10%
10-hour days: 85%
>10-hour days: 5%

Housing Offered: No

Work Vehicle Provided: Yes

CM Time Spent in Field/Office:

In the field: 35%
In the office: 65%

Corpsmember Activities:

Corpsmember Support: 25%
Education and Outreach: 20%
Volunteer Recruitment & Management: 15%
Editing/Writing/Data Tracking: 15%
Commuting: 10%
Field Work: 10%
Social Media: 5%

Placement Site Objectives and Organizational Needs:

Mentorship Style:

Unique Characteristics of Placement Site:

Team Leaders will have the option to work either a 5/8/40 or 4/10/40 schedule.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Desired in CM:

Experience/strong interest in serving in a leadership role
Ability to travel overnight/work on weekends
Ability to work independently
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite
Experience and interest in outreach
Strong organizational and time management skills

CDFW — Coastal Watershed Planning - Fortuna | Two Corpsmembers

Coastal Watershed Planning and Assessment Program and Southern Humboldt and Northern Mendocino Counties Fisheries Management

Placement Site Address: CA Department of Fish and Wildlife, 1487 Sandy Prairie ct., Suite A, Fortuna, CA 95540 – Fortuna City Data Link

Mentors: David Kajtaniak and Kaydee Boozel, CDFW Environmental Scientists

Number of CMs at Site: 2

Number of Years Site has Hosted WSP CMs: 15

Service Hours:

8-hour days: 20%
10-hour days: 75%
>10-hour days: 5%

Housing Offered: No

Work Vehicle Provided: Yes

CM Time Spent in Field/Office:

In the field: 75%
In the office: 25%

Corpsmember Activities:

Spawner/Redd Surveys: 24%
Snorkel Surveys: 16%
Volunteer Management: 10%
Commuting To/From Field Sites: 8%
Habitat Surveys: 8%
Data Entry: 8%
Education & Outreach: 8%
Seining: 7%
Sonar (ARIS) Installation/Monitoring: 7%
E-Fishing: 2%
H2O Monitoring: 2%

Placement Site Objectives and Organizational Needs:

The Mission of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is to manage California’s diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources, and the habitats upon which they depend, for their ecological values and for their use and enjoyment by the public. The Coastal Watershed Planning and Assessment Program (CWPAP) and Southern Humboldt and Mendocino Counties Fisheries Management (SH-M) are CDFW programs with the following primary objectives: conducting fishery-based watershed assessments and corresponding watershed/salmonid recovery planning efforts; and salmonid population monitoring in the Eel River Watershed. WSP Corpsmembers attain significant field experience in the monitoring of endangered species of salmon and steelhead and gain important first-hand knowledge of fishery management and recovery operations at a state-level agency. Utilizing Coastal California Salmonid Monitoring Plan (CMP) protocols and methods, this site conducts fall and winter spawner surveys in the South Fork Eel River to assess population size and distribution of Coho Salmon as well as collecting additional data on Chinook Salmon and steelhead. This program site also operates 2 ARIS/DIDSON sonar cameras in the fall and winter to determine the run timing and produce adult Chinook Salmon and steelhead abundance estimates for the mainstem Eel River and Van Duzen Rivers. The data from these fall and winter monitoring efforts measure the progress toward federal and state recovery plans and escapement estimates are critically important in fisheries management planning.

In addition to these fall and winter data collection efforts, this Placement Site conducts late spring and summer surveys evaluating stream habitat conditions for salmonids. These stream surveys include mask and snorkel surveys which corpsmembers collect data on fish occupancy rates and distribution of juvenile salmonids. The data collected from these survey efforts plays a critical role informing watershed recovery planning efforts, such as the Salmonid Habitat and Restoration Priorities working group. The Mentors and Site Supervisor are steering committee members in this working group, which is a planning process involving state and federal agencies, California Native Tribes, non-profits, and private landowners to identify effective restoration within priority areas of salmon recovery (https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/habitat-conservation/identifying-salmon-habitat-restoration-priorities- northern). Throughout the year, Corpsmembers also participate in a variety of other field work conducted at this site that includes but not limited to: estuarine species seining and water quality sampling, juvenile fish pit-tagging, juvenile fish minnow trapping, electro-fishing, fish relocation, drought monitoring, etc.

Mentorship Style:

Mentors work closely with Corpsmembers both in a small and interactive office setting as well as in the field. Interaction between Mentors and CMs occurs on a weekly basis, and Mentors are generally easily available to their CMs throughout their year of service. Training is provided for all field and data management activities. CMs and new technicians are paired with experienced surveyors (includes Mentors and CDFW scientific aids, which usually includes former WSP CMs) to ensure a strong grasp of the survey protocols and techniques, which leads to quality data collection and well-trained personnel. There is a fair amount of overlap between projects occurring at the site and Mentors interact with both CMs throughout the year. The District Biologist oversees the SF Eel River Spawning Ground Surveys in the fall and winter, and Dave Kajtaniak oversees the DIDSON Sonar Monitoring Project on the lower Mainstem Eel River during this same time period. Corpsmembers will benefit by working on each project and with each Mentor. Spring and summer entails stream habitat and biological inventories which all Mentors are involved and work equally with the CMs. Additional monthly monitoring occurs in estuarine environments with all Mentors and other professionals from CDFW and the Wiyot Tribe, which allows CMs to diversify their species monitoring experience.

Unique Characteristics of Placement Site:

The CDFW and WSP program missions are compatible, and Corpsmembers benefit from time served here. This Placement Site’s CMs gain invaluable experience in a diverse array of field/biological sampling methodologies in unique, biologically significant locations that other sites are not able to provide. In addition, the CWPAP Placement Sites is one of the few sites in the WSP program that provides the opportunity to acquire hands on experience with ARIS/DIDSON sonar cameras. This technology is providing invaluable data on the adult salmonid populations in the Eel River watershed and is being utilized in other watersheds along the entire Pacific Northwest. Moreover, with CDFW being the lead agency in the recovery of salmonid species, the on-going programs at this site work with a wide range of partners, including the following: other federal (NOAA Fisheries and BLM) and state agencies, California Native Tribes, non-governmental organizations, private consulting companies, municipalities, and private landowners. Therefore, CMs get valuable experience seeing collaborations and partnerships at work. A current Mentor and Site Supervisor are WSP Alumni, and they have an intimate understanding of the importance and role they play as Mentors to their WSP CMs. Collectively, the Mentors and Site Supervisor have 30+ year’s experience in the role as WSP Mentors and are dedicated to providing a supportive, inclusive, and professional learning environment. It is the site’s wish to maintain this partnership for the benefit it provides the public and significant environmental resources in the region. Moreover, this site has been able to provide seasonal employment to our WSP CMs following the completion of their term of service. This has been a mutually beneficial arrangement as WSP CMs have the opportunity to acquire state employment with a natural resource agency, and it maintains consistency and quality assurance for our program. In addition, incoming WSP CMs gain valuable knowledge and insight by working alongside these former WSP CMs who have an understanding of all the benefits of being in the WSP program and how to make the most of their WSP term of service. Furthermore, the Eel River Watershed plays a critical role in the recovery of salmonids in California.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Desired in CM:

Ability to hike in streams/rough terrain during periods of inclement weather
Be a capable swimmer
Comfortable with tent camping or staying in rustic field housing during certain times of the year
Ability to work a flexible schedule when needed, such as occasional weekend work and ability to go on multi- overnight trips
Strong interest in conducting biological and habitat monitoring
Experience with driving 4×4 vehicles on non-paved roads is preferred

Wiyot Tribe Natural Resources Department, Eel River Watershed Improvement Group, and California Conservation Corps Fortuna Collaborative (WECC) - Fortuna | Two Corpsmembers

Placement Site Address: 1500 Alamar Way, Fortuna, CA 95540 – Fortuna City Data Link

Mentors: Brian Starks, CCC Fish Habitat Specialist Isaac Mikus, ERWIG Executive Director Marisa McGrew, WNRD Fisheries/Natural Resources Specialist

Number of CMs at Site: 2

Number of Years Site has Hosted WSP CMs: 29

Service Hours:

8-hour days: 20%
10-hour days: 75%
>10-hour days: 5%

Housing Offered: No

Work Vehicle Provided: Yes

CM Time Spent in Field/Office:

In the field: 60%
In the office: 40%

Corpsmember Activities:

LWD Installation: 13%
Education & Outreach: 14%
Volunteer Management: 10%
Seining: 10%
Snorkel Surveys: 9%
E-Fishing: 7%
Commuting To/From Field Sites: 7%
Native Planting: 7%
Weir Operation: 4%
Data Entry: 4%
Invasive Plant Removal: 3%
Spawner/Redd Surveys: 2%
Post-Restoration Monitoring/Maintenance: 2%
H2O Monitoring: 2%
CREEL Surveys: 2%
GIS Mapping: 2%
Grow Site Reclamation: 1%
Habitat Surveys: 1%

Placement Site Objectives:

The California Conservation Corps is a service program for young people to develop work and life skills while helping conserve and restore our natural resources. Guided and supervised by CCC and partner organization staff, CCC crews implement restoration projects like installing logs and root wads in streams that serve as cover structures in pool and flat-water habitats. Restoration work is focused on streams and watersheds that have the greatest ability to maintain or increase threatened and endangered salmonid populations over the long term. The work zone of the Fortuna CCC is from northern Mendocino County to northern Del Norte County.

The Eel River Watershed Improvement Group (ERWIG) is a non-profit focused on improving habitat for native salmonids. ERWIG plans, designs, and implements fish habitat projects through funding from state & federal agencies and from private donations. ERWIG and the CCC have a long history of working together for anadromous fish, and they will continue to team up with WSP to provide a full fish restoration experience for Corpsmembers.

The Wiyot Tribe has been and continues to restore their role as active stewards of their ancestral territory. The Wiyot Natural Resources Department (WNRD) works in numerous projects that fulfill this mission that largely include surveying, monitoring, and non-native species removal in the Eel River watershed and other fish habitat restoration projects. The WNRD views this partnership as a path to building capacity and learning more about the river restoration world.

The Corpsmembers at the WECC site will engage in the following activities in the pursuit of developing and implementing watershed restoration projects. They will hike streams and riparian zones to evaluate for restoration opportunities, design specific project elements, collect pre- and post-project evaluation data, and participate in project implementation. They will assist with project development by creating maps using ArcGIS Pro, documenting photo points, aiding in writing project proposals, researching stream data, and organizing information. They will work hand in hand with CCC CMs on stream restoration projects which include moving logs into place using griphoists and hand tools, anchoring logs using wood drills and roto hammers, removing invasive plants, and planting native plants in the riparian zone and on unstable slopes. WSP CMs at this placement site help maintain and increase the CCC and ERWIG’s capacity to develop and implement watershed restoration projects. Not only are more projects planned and completed, having WSP CMs at the site increases the quality of the work. In addition to the restoration work, they will plan and implement the Creek Days Environmental Education Fair, a 3-day event visited by over 300 local elementary school students. The tasks involved include picking the site, contacting teachers and schools, organizing WSP volunteers, organizing materials, and coordinating logistics. This is a huge and important task, and without WSP CMs at this site, Creek Days would not happen. The CMs will have the opportunity to attend various trainings and conferences, potentially including but not limited to: Eel River Forum meetings, CCC chainsaw class, and CDFW spawner survey training. Corpsmembers will assist WNRD in removing non-native Sacramento pikeminnow via gill nets, e-fishing, spearfishing and angling as well as operating a weir on the SF Eel. They will conduct snorkel and spawner surveys for pikeminnow, salmonids, and Pacific lamprey, assist with an acoustic telemetry study in the SF Eel, monitor wetlands on the reservation, and assist in restoration projects on tribal owned lands. Having WSP corpsmembers and this partnership with the CCC and ERWIG will help the tribe in expanding programming and stewardship roles, mentoring tribal youth, and engaging with tribal citizens on opportunities in the natural resource field.

Mentorship Style:

There will be a structured style of mentorship laid out from the beginning of the term, with regular monthly meetings to lay out goals and schedules. At the same time, the Corpsmembers will have a significant amount of autonomy and will be expected to pursue project goals independently. The Mentors will be available for guidance, assistance, and advice

with most aspects of the Corpsmember’s work. The style of mentorship will vary from Corpsmember to Corpsmember, and the Mentors can adjust as needed. The Corpsmembers at this site work closely with the Mentors, which promotes an environment where ideas, advice and input flow organically as we work on individual and collaborative projects.

Mentorship will largely be shared between Mentors, though it will depend whether current projects are CCC, ERWIG, Wiyot, or shared projects. The CCC Mentor will take the prominent role when working on CCC projects, which include large wood installations, project design, and invasive plant removals. The ERWIG Mentor will take the prominent role on ERWIG projects, which include fish passage, native tree planting, and working with heavy equipment operators, in addition to large wood installations and project design. Creek Days is a collaborative project shared by both the CCC and ERWIG, so mentorship will also be collaborative. The Wiyot Mentor will take the prominent role when working on WNRD projects, which include snorkel surveys, Sacramento pikeminnow removal, Pacific lamprey monitoring, CREEL surveys with tribal eelers, acoustic telemetry work, e-fishing, native planting, and water quality sampling.

Unique Characteristics of Placement Site:

WSP Corpsmembers at the Fortuna CCC/ERWIG/Wiyot Tribe site get a dynamic, hands-on experience involving all aspects of watershed restoration. They assist with the development and implementation of projects that take them from the streams to the ridge tops. Project types at this site include instream wood loading, bioengineering, invasive exotic plant removal, native revegetation, and a variety of other projects that provide benefits to fish and wildlife. This site provides the truly unique experience of being involved with projects from the pre-planning process all the way through implementation. The experience gained at all stages of the process propels CMs forward in their careers like no other site. In addition, CMs at this site plan and execute the Creek Days Environmental Education Fair, a 3-day outdoor event where over 300 K-8 students attend. Planning this event will help CMs build leadership and organizational skill that they can take with them to any job. The flexibility of this site allows Corpsmembers to pursue their interests within the field, while being in a supportive environment so they can really get the most out of their term. They also get the opportunity to work with resource professionals from a variety of agencies, native tribal organizations, nonprofit groups, and private landowners. CMs at this site work alongside the traditional CCC Corpsmembers and staff, as well as ERWIG, WNRD, and other project partner staff. Though diverse, these professionals, Corpsmembers, and mentors all share the common goal of enhancing the environment to increase the fecundity of salmonids and other native species in our north coast streams. The addition of the WNRD to this long-time placement site provides the unique experience of working with a tribal entity that is involved with a wide array of projects and partners. Work with the WNRD will range from constructing a weir to collecting water quality samples in Humboldt Bay. With 3 partner organizations that share similar goals but offer a diversity of experiences, plus all 3 Mentors as WSP alumni, the WSP Corpsmember experience at the WECC site will be second to none. Corpsmembers here will find their path to whatever career inspires them.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Desired in CM:

Comfortable outside in rough terrain and inclement weather
Proactive, with an ability to find the next step in a large project without a need for specific instruction
Comfortable with office days
Experienced pickup truck driver
Computer literate

North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board - Santa Rosa | Two Corpsmembers

Placement Site Address: 5550 Skylane Blvd, Suite A, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 – Santa Rosa City Data Link

Mentors: Bryan McFadin, Flow and Riparian Specialist; Elias Scott, Senior Environmental Scientist; Lance Le, Water Resource Control Engineer

Number of CMs at Site: 2

Number of Years Site has Hosted WSP CMs: 10

Service Hours:

8-hour days: 50%
10-hour days: 45%
>10-hour days: 5%

Housing Offered: No

Work Vehicle Provided: Yes

CM Time Spent in Field/Office:

In the field: 40%
In the office: 60%

Corpsmember Activities:

H2O Monitoring: 20%
GIS Mapping: 15%
Computer Modeling (Hydrograph/Shade): 15%
Habitat Surveys: 12%
Data Entry: 10%
Volunteer Management: 10%
Education and Outreach: 8%
Commuting To/From Field Sites: 5%
Sediment Surveys: 3%
Seining: 2%

Placement Site Objectives and Organizational Needs:

The Vision Statement of the NCRWQCB is “Healthy Watersheds, Effective Regulation, and Strong Partnerships.” NCRWQCB uses regulatory authorities and non-regulatory tools to protect and restore water quality conditions in the North Coast Region’s watersheds to support human and ecological uses of water. By addressing water quality issues, the NCRWCB supports resource agency, land and water managers, and landowner partners in restoring habitat and protecting threatened and endangered species. Staff manage scientific studies by collecting and analyzing water quality and survey data; coordinate with external partners including tribes, agencies, nonprofits, and the public; write scientific reports; and develop science-based policy and regulations. CMs work alongside NCRWQCB staff and external partners to help execute these tasks. CMs enhance the NCRWQCB’s capacity for scientific investigations by being dedicated field data collectors and data analysts, providing year-to-year regularity. CM assistance on technical assignments accelerates the rate at which the NCRWQCB’s accomplishes its mission. CMs also help maintain relationships between the

NCRWQCB and local entities through their volunteer events and education outreach. CMs will also participate in the Estuaries Marine Protected Areas (EMPA) monitoring program with the Hughes Lab from Sonoma State University. By hosting CMs, the NCRWQCB provides an opportunity for professional development and on-the-job training which helps advance CM’s careers, possibly including full-time employment with the Water Boards when there are vacant positions.

Mentorship Style:

CMs work as a team on projects throughout their term. One Mentor leads each project and will train CMs on field and analytical skills; provide guidance in the office and in the field; review and comment on work products; and engage CMs in outreach activities. Regarding EMPA, Mentors will attend initial monitoring trips to ensure compliance to WSP policy. Thereafter, Joel Huckeba—Hughes Lab staff and designated Field Leader—will coordinate with Mentors as needed. The EMPA monitoring seasons are September – November and March – May. SSU partners understand that CMs start in October. CMs receive EMPA background literature on their start date and on-site field training in the first or second week.

CMs and Mentors meet weekly for a Health and Safety/Coordination meeting, including reporting all safety topics discussed while performing EMPA and other monitoring projects. CMs will have weekly project meetings with Mentors, and meeting frequencies can be adjusted as needed to accommodate other duties or if CMs require less supervision.

Project meetings either have CMs reporting progress updates or are working meetings where Mentors will help CMs troubleshoot any difficulties encountered. NCRWQCB is a hybrid workplace, and at least one Mentor (or the Site Supervisor) will be present on site each day of the week to supervise or otherwise provide guidance. Mentors meet regularly to discuss CM performance and to coordinate CM work assignments.

Unique Characteristics of Placement Site:

The North Coast Water Board is set in beautiful Sonoma County, with ready access to beaches, redwoods, oak woodlands, coastal rivers, fine food, hiking/biking trails, and paddling/surfing. It is a gateway to the beautiful natural landscapes to the north and the dynamic cultural offerings of the San Francisco Bay area to the south. The North Coast Water Board staff are uniquely friendly, outgoing, and are frequently generating new ideas for engagement inside and outside the office. Many staff are WSP alumni, including two of the Mentors. The North Coast Water Board has developed clear and productive partnerships with Tribal organizations throughout the region, particularly in the Klamath Basin. The Waterboards have a Training Academy through which CMs can take classes ranging broadly from basic skills with Microsoft Office software; water quality policy and regulation; GIS and other analytical tools; project management and communication and others.

The North Coast Water Board work environment offers opportunities to be part of efforts to develop monitoring questions, study designs, and environmental policy in the emerging area of climate change and its effect on water quality and watershed health. Current policy areas of interest include development of water quality objectives for stream flow; designation of tribal cultural and subsistence fishing beneficial uses of water; development of an innovative strategy to control pollutant sources in the Laguna de Santa Rosa, while simultaneously establishing a robust program of watershed restoration; and innovating the next generation of office-wide cross-program coordination on a prioritized basis for the purpose of bringing the maximum value of our regulatory and non-regulatory tools to the topic of climate change. The North Coast Water Board is known among the nine regional water board offices as a leader in policy innovation.

New to the NCRWQCB Placement Site is a partnership with the Hughes Lab and Sonoma State University. This partnership provides CMs with field work when NCRWQCB staff are winding down or have not yet started their field season. CMs immediately get to know the North Coast Region as the estuaries monitoring program spans multiple watersheds. The core strengths of the NCRWQCB Placement Site remain from previous terms. The Mentors’ diverse skillsets expose CMs to the wide array of work in an environmental protection agency. The work here connects data collection to analysis to policy integration. CMs complete their term with work products that bear their names and directly contribute to the NCRWQCB’s mission.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Desired in CM:

Experience and/or interest in field work, including flow and water quality monitoring; familiarity or curiosity about the small and large watersheds of the North Coast Region
Experience and/or interest in developing/applying skills in GIS analysis and computer modeling; building analytical/technical skills relevant to monitoring, data analysis, and scientific study
Experience and/or interest in collaborating closely with other water resource professionals; learning the skills of communication, facilitation, and problem solving; learning and applying ecological thinking and watershed stewardship
Interest in building/expanding skills in research and technical writing; producing reports and/or presentations to share analytical results with a broader audience; exploring both the technical and narrative tools useful to crafting successful written communication that broadens understanding and supports development and implementation of effective environmental policy and sound environmental decision making.
Ability to self-advocate and work independently once trained
Basic familiarity with desktop computing for file management, word processing, and data management (e.g., software such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel)

Point Reyes National Seashore - Point Reyes Station | Two Corpsmembers

Placement Site Address: 1 Bear Valley Road, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956 – Point Reyes Station City Data Information Link

Mentor: Brentley McNeill, Fisheries Crew Lead

Number of CMs at Site: 2

Number of Years Site has Hosted WSP CMs: 12

Service Hours:

8-hour days: 95%
10-hour days: 5%

Housing Offered: Yes

Work Vehicle Provided: Yes

CM Time Spent in Field/Office:

In the field: 75%
In the office: 25%

Corpsmember Activities:

Downstream Migrant Trap Monitoring: 13%
Data Entry: 12%
Spawner/Redd Surveys: 10%
Habitat Surveys: 10%
Volunteer Management: 10%
DIDSON Installation/Monitoring: 8%
Education and Outreach: 8%
Snorkel Surveys: 5%
Field PIT Tagging: 5%
Commuting To/From Field Sites: 5%
E-Fishing: 4%
Native Planting/ Invasive Removal: 3%
Post-Restoration Monitoring/Maintenance: 3%
Seining, GIS, Lab Work: 3%
H2O Monitoring: 1%

Placement Site Objectives:

Point Reyes National Seashore (PRNS) has undertaken an ambitious, multi-decade long program to maintain and enhance endangered Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and steelhead (O. mykiss) populations within the watersheds managed by the National Park Service (NPS) in the San Francisco Bay Area Network (SFAN). The Coho and Steelhead Monitoring Program (CSMP), as part of the SFAN Inventory and Monitoring Program (I&M), maintains over twenty years of trend data to determine the success of restoration activities and is used as a life cycle monitoring station as described in CDFW Fish Bulletin 180 (CMP). The CSMP was first formed in 1997 by local community members and park staff. In 2001, the program received state funding to further develop the program and expanded to incorporate Golden Gate National Recreation Area. In 2004, the CSMP became part of SFAN I&M and received long-term NPS funding for monitoring. Based on pilot data, the NPS published a comprehensive monitoring plan and protocols for the monitoring of salmonids within the NPS SFAN (Reichmuth et al. 2010). The CSMP continues to explore new monitoring techniques using passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags and salmonid occupancy models. Since 2003, many restoration activities within the park have been completed by volunteer-based restoration groups now managed by WSP Corpsmembers (CMs), with activities including fish passage improvement, cattle exclusion fencing near streams and riparian zones, creation of overwinter habitat, and wetland restoration. The long-term monitoring program and restoration activities are supported by over 500 hours of volunteer labor annually and by the Point Reyes National Seashore Association (PRNSA).

The missions of both WSP and PRNS are well-aligned which has only strengthened our partnership over the past decade. The WSP provides highly motivated individuals with a passion for natural resources conservation at a reasonable cost to PRNS. In turn, PRNS provides a wealth of knowledge and experience through a diverse staff and a unique wilderness.

PRNS is committed to continuing the career development of CMs throughout their service year. WSP CMs afford PRNS the opportunity to perform small-scale stream restoration projects and complete the monitoring necessary to inform vital Coho Salmon conservation strategies. The WOW! outreach component is one of the most important services provided by CMs. Prior to a partnership with WSP, PRNS did not have the capacity to offer a formal salmonid educational program to local Title 1 schools.

Through the WOW! curriculum, awareness and information are being disseminated at the local level in a manner not previously feasible by the CSMP or PRNS. In addition, CMs can engage the community in restoration projects and teach volunteers how to become stewards of their local watersheds. CMs also increase the capacity of the CSMP to fully implement CDFW Fish Bulletin 180. Without the contributions of two CMs, the CSMP would have to reduce certain monitoring efforts such as smolt trapping and spawner surveys, resulting in a less comprehensive understanding of endangered and threatened salmonid populations in Marin County streams.

Mentorship Style:

Corpsmembers placed at PRNS will be part of a collaborative team, working alongside the Site Supervisor and Mentor during field operations. Mentorship will be provided by Brentley McNeill for most field and office tasks, including PIT tag antenna operations, data entry, reporting, and geospatial data management. Michael Reichmuth, as the Site Supervisor, will provide mentorship for park administrative needs, park safety protocols, career development, and other personal development opportunities. The lead field technician, Michael Morales, will provide guidance in the field and office as needed. Michael Reichmuth and Brentley will collectively provide mentorship for WOW! and WAVE planning, spawner surveys, smolt trapping, summer juvenile surveys, DIDSON operation, and team safety as it relates to each field activity. The Site Supervisor and Mentor will often provide additional one-on-one training for certain field tasks. The entire CSMP staff will participate in weekly meetings to discuss park updates, planned activities and events, scheduling, training, safety concerns, reflections from the week, and any other items for group discussion.

Unique Characteristics of Placement Site:

Point Reyes National Seashore provides a unique opportunity for CMs to work in both a designated wilderness and one of the largest urban interfaces in California. The proximity of PRNS to the city of San Francisco allows CMs to experience the challenges and rewards of working in environments at the doorstep of a large, culturally diverse population. Since the mission of the NPS is to preserve natural resources for future generations, CMs are exposed to a variety of natural resource-based monitoring and restoration projects. PRNS has professionals in a range of fields including but not limited to: education, outreach, cultural resources, wildlife biology, vegetation management, water quality, and rangeland management. PRNS provides a unique opportunity to live and work on some of the most beautiful public lands in the nation. CMs will gain experience throughout the year by learning and implementing techniques for monitoring endangered and threatened aquatic species including Coho Salmon and Steelhead Trout. It is also anticipated that PRNS will continue to provide low-cost housing. Although the site is unable to officially offer housing, CMs have been able to secure NPS housing for their entire service year each of the past 12 years. Park housing consists of shared homes located within PRNS with occupants typically receiving one bedroom, shared or private bathroom, shared living quarters, and included utilities. Housing cost varies depending on the NPS unit but can range from $500 to $900 per month (40-60% below market rate). Given the current stipend amount provided to WSP, the low-cost housing provided to CMs increases wellness during the service year by decreasing financial burden.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Desired in CM:

Experience with fisheries monitoring techniques
Experience collecting biological data and performing quality assurance
Ability to navigate rough terrain in small coastal streams while performing tasks
Ability to work as part of a team
Experience leading small work groups
Moderate level of physical conditioning to avoid or minimize risk of injury
Follow and uphold the safety standards

Marin Water Fisheries Program - Fairfax | Two Corpsmembers

Placement Site Address: 49 Sky Oaks Rd, Fairfax, CA 94930 – Fairfax City Data Link

Mentors: Eric Ettlinger, Aquatic Ecologist and Suzanne Whelan, Watershed Volunteer Coordinator

Number of CMs at Site: 2

Number of Years Site has Hosted WSP CMs: 12

Service Hours:

8-hour days: 98%
10-hour days: 2%

Housing Offered: No

Work Vehicle Provided: Yes

CM Time Spent in Field/Office:

In the field: 75%
In the office: 25%

Corpsmember Activities:

Spawner/Redd Surveys: 25%
Screw Trap Monitoring: 20%
Data Entry: 18%
Volunteer Management: 14%
Education & Outreach: 10%
Commuting To/From Field Sites: 5%
Post-Restoration Monitoring/Maintenance: 2%
Snorkel Surveys: 2%
Field PIT Tagging: 1%
E-Fishing: 1%
Native Planting: 1%
GIS Mapping: 1%

Placement Site Objectives:

The Marin Water Fisheries Program is dedicated to the conservation, protection, and recovery of native aquatic species. Marin Water’s biologists have been monitoring populations of key species, implementing habitat restoration, and engaging collaborators and the public for over 25 years. The Fisheries Program involves monitoring all freshwater life stages of Coho Salmon and steelhead in over 22 miles of streams within Marin County. In addition, Marin Water has

installed more than 80 large woody debris structures in Lagunitas Creek, treated erosion throughout the watershed, and received multiple grants for salmonid habitat restoration. The District’s Volunteer Program organizes community outreach projects geared towards watershed protection, including habitat restoration and community science monitoring of aquatic species. The Marin Water Fisheries Program consists of two fulltime biologists, working in

collaboration with agencies, non-profit groups, and other Marin Water Natural Resources staff. Watershed management is at the core of Marin Water’s Mission Statement: “It is the purpose of the Marin Municipal Water District to manage our natural resources in a sustainable manner and to provide our customers with reliable high-quality water at a reasonable price.”

The Sky Oaks Watershed Headquarters, which is where WSP members report, looks out on Mount Tamalpais and thousands of acres of forested watershed. The District’s Volunteer Program organizes community outreach projects geared towards watershed protection, including habitat restoration and community science monitoring of aquatic species. Marin Water provides institutional stability and support for WSP activities, including outreach, vehicles, equipment and other resources assigned to WSP members. In short, the Marin Water Fisheries Program provides WSP members with a dynamic work environment and exceptional career-building opportunities.

Mentorship Style:

Marin Water’s Mentors have hosted WSP Corps Members for more than a decade. Mentors strive to create an environment of learning and professional growth where the members feel safe, respected, and supported. The Corpsmembers have their own desks and computers in a shared office space with direct access to Mentors. Fisheries staff meet weekly to discuss safety, schedules, and updates on WSP CMs activities. Mentors meet individually with CMs at least monthly. Marin Water’s watershed staff meet monthly as well, and WSP CMs participate in those meetings.

Additionally, Corpsmembers are invited to attend the quarterly Lagunitas Creek Technical Advisory Committee meetings to get professional development and hear a diverse group of stakeholders discuss watershed issues. Mentors accompany CMs in the field to provide training both initially and throughout the various survey seasons. Extensive training on all survey protocols is provided before giving members the responsibility of conducting these surveys independently. Mentors strive to make the CMs feel confident in their roles working with sensitive species and collecting high-quality scientific data. Mentors work closely with CMs on their community programs, providing equipment, funding, connections, and guidance to ensure the success of these programs. Marin Water also provides opportunities for CMs to take on individual projects, such as developing posters for the annual Salmonid Restoration Federation Conference.

Unique Characteristics of Placement Site:

The Marin Water Fisheries Program is a recognized leader in salmon conservation that offers CMs a scientifically rigorous, career-building experience in fisheries biology and watershed/natural resource management. This site is heavy on field work, and CMs can expect full days of spawner surveys, smolt trapping, juvenile surveys, and habitat enhancement effectiveness monitoring. The federal, state, and district park land on which CMs work have been collectively identified by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as the Golden Gate Biosphere Reserve, a designation reserved for biological hotspots like the Amazon rainforest. By working within a water supply agency, CMs are exposed to the unique challenges of managing open space for clean water, recreation, fire protection, and wildlife habitat. Institutionally, Marin Water provides CMs with a great deal of resources and support to complete their community engagement and education projects. The Sky Oaks Watershed Headquarters, which is where WSP Corpsmembers report, looks out on Mount Tamalpais and thousands of acres of forested watershed. CMs are welcomed into a community of about 30 watershed staff and over 200 District staff, participating in regular meetings and other events. Marin Water has also been able to assist WSP financially to help ensure CMs can attend conferences and other trainings – an important aspect of career building. Past CMs have reviewed their Mentors as being knowledgeable, friendly, and easily accessible. The Bay Area is a fun, beautiful, diverse, but expensive place to live.

Previous Corpsmembers have avoided the most expensive rents through shared housing, by living in the East Bay, or by living with family in this area.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Desired in CM:

Ability to work weekends
Ability to swim
Reliable transportation
Experience with Microsoft Excel
Previous fish handling and/or identification skills
Previous stream wading experience
Experience with technical writing
Ability to ride a bicycle
Experience with technical writing

Region 2 – District C: 10 Corpsmembers

District C Team Leader - San Luis Obispo | One Corpsmember

Placement Site Address: 1527 Madera Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 – San Luis Obispo City Data Link

Mentor: Jody Weseman, Region II Program Coordinator

Number of Team Leaders at Site: 2

Number of Years Site has Hosted WSP Team Leaders: 14

Service Hours:

8-hour days: 0%
10-hour days: 98%
>10-hour days: 2%

Housing Offered: Yes

Work Vehicle Provided: Yes

CM Time Spent in Field/Office:

In the field: 45%
In the office: 55%

Team Leader Activities:

CM Support: 25%
Education, Outreach and Event Planning: 20%
Volunteer Recruitment & Management: 10%
Commuting: 7%
Field Work: 10%
Social Media: 5%
Editing/Writing/ Data Tracking: 13%
Gear and Equipment Maintenance: 10%

Placement Site Objectives & Organizational Needs:

At their root WSP Team Leaders (TLs) are peer leaders who assist WSP Corpsmembers (CMs) and staff in delivering one of AmeriCorp’s most renowned environmental programs! Each TL is assigned one of WSP’s two regions and they work to directly support 10-12 CMs. TLs who serve in San Luis Obispo (SLO) assist WSP’s Region II Program Coordinator with program communications, event development, grant writing, data management, evaluation analysis, and native plant propagation. If interested, Region II TLs may receive the same survey trainings as SLO SI CMs and will have the opportunity to get into the field with their district’s CMs when feasible. A major component of the TL position is to travel in a state vehicle and support their CMs’ Watershed Awareness Volunteer Events (WAVEs). TLs assist CMs in WAVE development by editing proposals and media submissions, track all required WAVE paperwork, and attend/ provide support at each WAVE within their district.

Region II TLs also oversee WSP’s social media and branding efforts and design various outreach materials (videos, posters, newsletters, etc.). TLs maintain regular communication with their region’s CMs by hosting Zoom check-ins. If interested, TLs can create and lead environmentally focuses lessons with 18–24-year-old traditional Corpsmembers at the Los Padres CCC Center and help WSP develop new WOW! curriculum. Additionally, TLs have opportunities to help build and maintain the native plant nursery. Region II TLs have ample opportunities to hone their professional writing, public speaking, and community engagement skill sets. Please see the full Team Leader Position Description on WSP’s website.

Mentorship Style:

WSP Team Leaders will gain an increased level of independence as the term progresses and are encouraged to take initiative in projects that suit their interests and career goals. At the WSP SLO office, there is an expectation for clear and continued communication. Feedback on mentorship style and TLs’ experiences and progress is encouraged and TL- Mentor check-in meetings occur regularly (walking meetings are commonplace). Jody is available and accessible for TL support as needed and helps TLs toward reaching goals and outcomes they would like to achieve during their service term.

Each Team Leader will have their own office with windows, a standing desk, and two monitors. They will also have full access to all of WSP’s camping gear, site vehicles, and outreach materials. $500/month housing is possible when available; however, living at the Los Padres CCC Center (Location of the WSP Office) comes with many rules and demands.

Unique Characteristics of Placement Site:

Serving as a TL in the SLO office means being part of a dynamic team (in-person and virtual), managing multiple projects simultaneously, and traveling around the state. TLs have the option to serve a 5/8 or 4/10 schedule and some teleservice is allowable as needed. The WSP office is located on a California Conservation Corps campus, and TLs gain valuable support and leadership skills from this unique community. There are also numerous opportunities to network and meet environmental professionals and educators from around the state.

TLs are each given a $200 budget to attend a training of their choice and can also attend all WSP sponsored events (SRF or SERCAL Conference, CCC Trainings, Creek Days, field trainings at other WSP Placement Sites, etc.) SLO Team Leaders often learn by doing and have a significant say in how they would like to direct their term of service.

Team Leaders spend most of their time serving directly in the Region II WSP office and receive first-hand experience in state program management, and can get outside daily to propagate natives, maintain the garden, shadow other CMs to get footage for outreach. They are responsible for fostering a sense of community among CMs, assisting in the administration of WSP, and contributing to CM development. SLO County offers great surf, food, trails, weather, and volunteer opportunities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Desired in CM:

Ability to travel overnight, serve on weekends, and work indoors often
Ability to work independently and take initiative to help build WSP’s capacity
Experience or strong interest in serving in a leadership role (no prior WSP experience necessary)

San Francisco Estuary Institute - Richmond | Two Corpsmembers

Placement Site Address: 4911 Central Ave, Richmond, CA 94804 – Richmond City Data Link

Mentors: Ariella Chelsky, PhD, Senior Scientist and Alicia Gilbreath, MLA, Senior Scientist

Number of Years Site has hosted WSP CMs: 0

Number of CMs at Site: 2

Service Hours:

8-hour days: 90%
10-hour days: 10%

Housing Offered: No

Work Vehicle Provided: Yes

CM Time Spent in Field/Office:

In the field: 50%
In the office: 50%

Corpsmember Activities:

H2O Quality Monitoring: 40%
Storm Water Mitigation: 10%
Post-Restoration Monitoring/Maintenance: 10%
Volunteer Management: 10%
Education & Outreach: 8%
Commuting To/From Field Sites: 5%
Biological Sample Analysis / Lab Work: 5%
Data Synthesis and Reporting: 5%
Data Entry: 5%
Trawling: 2%

Placement Site Objectives and Organizational Needs:

SFEI advances visionary science that is foundational to rebuilding and sustaining the chemical, physical, and biological health and the resiliency of the San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary and beyond. At SFEI, CMs will work within the Clean Water Program to support the San Francisco Bay Nutrient Management Strategy Program (NMS) and the Bay Regional Monitoring Program (RMP).

CMs will primarily work (62% time) with the NMS team to increase the monitoring capacity of the NMS program. The goal of the NMS program is to build the necessary scientific foundation to inform regional nutrient management decisions that will improve the health and resiliency of water quality in the San Francisco Bay. Specifically, CMs will work with the NMS team to:

Help maintain a network of long-term continuous water quality monitoring stations deployed throughout the Central, South, and Lower South Bay. Data gathered from these monitoring stations provide information on current water quality conditions at a fine spatial and temporal resolution. These data are used to track low dissolved-oxygen events and the progression of harmful algal blooms, to calibrate and validate various water quality and hydrodynamic models, to determine suitable habitat for fish communities including salmonids, and much more. Helping maintain these stations entails visiting moored stations via boat to retrieve and deploy instruments, reviewing and synthesizing water quality data from each station, and servicing and calibrating high-frequency multi-parameter water quality sensors.
Manage the continuous deployment of two water quality monitoring stations in managed salt ponds in the Lower South Bay. These salt ponds were historically used for industrial salt pond production and are now undergoing restoration as part of the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project. The data gathered from these monitoring stations are crucial in assessing the impact of salt pond restoration on water quality in the shallow sloughs of the Lower South Bay, which are important habitats for many sensitive species like sturgeon and salmon. Management of these stations entails the activities listed above, as well as independently leading all field coordination, station maintenance, and station data management.
Collect and process mussel samples from stations around the perimeter of the Bay to monitor common harmful toxins released by phytoplankton. This monitoring work entails collecting mussels and discrete water samples from marinas and docks, processing mussel samples in the SFEI lab, and coordinating with external labs that analyze the samples.

CMs will also work (10% time) with the RMP Sources, Pathways, and Loading Workgroup (SPLWG) within the RMP. The goal of the RMP is to provide water quality regulators and policy-makers with the necessary information to manage the water quality of the Bay effectively. The RMP has produced a world-class dataset on estuarine contaminants and evaluates toxic effects on sensitive organisms and chemical loading to the Bay. Now in its third decade, the SPLWG is increasing its work on characterizing contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in stormwater. CECs of interest include PFAS, organophosphate esters, bisphenols, and tire-related chemicals, but priorities are continuing to evolve as information is generated about sources, pathways, and the impacts of CECs on Bay beneficial uses. CMs will help support stormwater sampling from start to finish for each storm. Duties will include fieldwork (deployment and retrieval of automated samplers, sampling during storm events), data entry and management, and lab/storeroom work (prepping materials, shipping samples, cleaning equipment). Note: stormwater sampling occurs when rainfall is predicted to be high, thus can be outside of typical office hours or on the weekend.

Mentorship Style:

Site Mentors Ariella Chelsky and Alicia Gilbreath will collectively oversee all safety, recruitment, training, and documentation duties outlined in the WSP Mentor Position Description. Both Mentors will also co-mentor each CM on program requirements that are unrelated to the placement site, such as their WOW! and WAVE tasks. Ariella Chelsky will mentor all CM activities related to the Nutrient Management Strategy (NMS) Program, and Alicia Gilbreath will mentor all CM activities related to the Bay Regional Monitoring Program (RMP). The CM activities related to the NMS Program will be ongoing throughout the entire service term, while the CM activities related to the RMP tasks will mainly occur in the winter when stormwater sampling occurs. Because of this, Ariella Chelsky will lead all weekly check-ins with CMs throughout their service term and Alicia Gilbreath will primarily join the weekly check-ins with CMs in winter, otherwise as needed.

Unique Characteristics of Placement Site:

SFEI is a highly unique placement site for the following reasons:

SFEI is a large environmental research institute and a 501(c)(3) nonproﬁt organization with more than 70 interdisciplinary scientists working in and across numerous ﬁelds, including environmental chemistry, ﬂuvial and estuarine modeling, ecology, wildlife biology, landscape planning, historical ecology, geomorphology, geospatial analysis, web development, and science communications. CMs will have exposure to many different environmental disciplines and access to a diverse network of scientists, both at SFEI and through external partners. Mentors can pair CMs with staff members for more information, supplemental projects, or career advice, depending on their areas of interest.
The SFEI community is inclusive, diverse, friendly, and safe. SFEI actively examines and improves its internal systems, such as recruitment, training, and guiding policies, to ensure that our culture and practices reinforce our diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice values.
A large portion of our staff are entry- and mid-level in their career and have recently graduated from BS, MS, and PhD programs. CMs will join a community of young environmental professionals who can share advice on navigating the environmental ﬁeld as an early career professional.
At SFEI, CMs will get exposure working on regulation-driven, applied research. There are many unique challenges and opportunities that come with working in such an urbanized system like the San Francisco Bay, such as balancing the needs of management agencies that have different regulatory-mandates and management drivers. CMs will have the opportunity to join NMS Steering Committee Meetings to watch how the monitoring data they collect is used to inform management decisions in the Bay.
Numerous SFEI staff, including Lucy Montgomery, the Site Field Leader for WSP, are WSP alumni. They can offer CMs valuable insights and guidance on navigating WSP successfully and foster a supportive environment where CMs can connect over shared experiences.
CMs will have the unique and valuable experience of independently managing a monitoring project, including leading ﬁeldwork and pre/post ﬁeldwork coordination.
CMs will gain experience supporting or leading ﬁeldwork on various boats, with the added beneﬁt of world class views of the San Francisco Bay!
CMs will have their own oﬃce, computer, Google account, free parking and access to SFEI’s well-stocked snack room.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Desired in CM:

Experience doing, or ability to do, fieldwork, particularly on a boat
Experience working with water quality instruments
Data analysis, QAQC, or visualization experience

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Lodi | Three Corpsmembers

Placement Site Address: 850 S. Guild Avenue, #105, Lodi CA 95240 – Lodi City Data Link

Mentors: Jennifer Whitt, Supervisory Fish Biologist; John (Ryan) Cook, Supervisory Fish Biologist; Erika Holocombe, Supervisory Fish Biologist

Number of CMs at Site: 3

Number of Years Site has Hosted WSP CMs: 5

Service Hours:

8-hour days: 70%
10-hour days: 20%
>10-hour days: 10%

Housing Offered: No

Work Vehicle Provided: Yes

Time Spent in Field/Office:

In the field: 90%
In the office: 10%

Corpsmember Activities:

Trawling: 30%
Seining: 20%
Data Entry: 10%
Commuting To/From Field Sites: 10%
E-Fishing: 10%
Education & Outreach: 10%
Volunteer Management: 10%

Placement Site Objectives & Organizational Needs:

The Delta is home to federally endangered Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon and Delta Smelt. Central Valley spring-run Chinook salmon, Central Valley steelhead, and North American green sturgeon are also on the federal endangered species list as threatened. In addition, Longfin Smelt are present and protected under the California Endangered Species Act. The Lodi U.S. Fish and Wildlife Office (LFWO) is the largest field office in the nation with the responsibility of documenting the long-term changes in abundance as well as the biology and ecology of juvenile fishes of the aquatic ecosystem in the Central Valley. There are more than 75 biological technicians and associated administrative and managerial staff charged to complete this work. There are well-established standard operating procedures and safety protocols in place and WSP members would be a good complement to this environment. The LFWO recognizes the need to invest in the future of the natural resources field and recruitment of a new workforce and thus participates in outreach and educational events to further share our work.

Mentorship Style:

Each CM will be paired with one of the LFWO Mentors. Mentors are first and foremost responsible for ensuring the safety of CMs. They will work closely with CMs in the office and field as necessary to provide sufficient training and guidance. There will be an emphasis on teaching and providing CMs with a variety of experiences to help them grow and develop as emerging environmental professionals. Mentors will teach successful career skills, provide developmental opportunities, and introduce CMs to all levels of the Lodi U.S. Fish and Wildlife Office (LFWO) organization.

Unique Characteristics of Placement Site:

The variety of experience gained from the fisheries sampling programs of the Lodi U.S. Fish and Wildlife Office is unique. From trawling, seining, and cutting-edge scientific studies as part of the Interagency Ecological Program, to working on salmon recovery in one of the nation’s most ambitious restoration programs on the San Joaquin River, the LFWO gives much of the basic building blocks of a fisheries biologist career. Because of the field responsibilities of the LFWO, there are many opportunities for junior biologists to enter the career field and the LFWO is a springboard to many careers.

Coaching and mentoring are a huge emphasis of the LFWO with frequent resume writing and job application workshops to invest in the fisheries career.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Desired in CM:

Conduct significant field work on boats and by vehicle in all weather conditions
Fish identification in the field
Fish sorting and identification in the lab
Daily reporting of critical fish captures

San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board - Oakland | Two Corpsmembers

Placement Site Address: 1515 Clay St. #1400 Oakland, CA 94612 – Oakland City Data Link

Mentors: Kristina Yoshida, Environmental Scientist and Rebecca Nordenholt, Environmental Scientist

Number of CMs at Site: 2

Number of Years Site has Hosted WSP CMs: 12

Service Hours:

8-hour days: 95 %
10-hour days: 4%
>10-hour days: 1%

Housing Offered: No

Work Vehicle Provided: Yes

Corpsmember Activities:

Data analysis and report writing: 20%
H2O Monitoring: 25%
GIS Mapping: 5%
Education & Outreach: 10%
Habitat Surveys: 15%
Data Entry: 10%
Commuting To/From Field Sites: 5%
Misc. field work prep (e.g., field permission, recon): 10%
Native Planting: 0%
Invasive Plant Removal: 0%
Volunteer Management: 0%

Placement Site Objectives & Organizational Needs:

The San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board (Water Board) is a regulatory agency with the mission to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of our water resources for the protection of the environment and public health. CMs are housed in the Planning Division, which is tasked with developing water quality plans to identify sources of pollutants and actions to improve conditions. CMs serve a valuable role of collecting and analyzing non-regulatory water data that cannot be collected without their support. They also serve a unique role through their WOW and WAVE interactions that will help educate the local community about important water quality issues.

CMs will work on a wide array of watershed related projects that involve both field work and data analyses. This includes the following projects:

Nutrient analysis at high quality reference streams
Large woody debris assessment in Pescadero Creek
Wetland habitat and water quality monitoring in Coastal Marin
Nutrient and sediment sampling in the Petaluma River watershed to inform a riparian climate change study
Continuous water quality monitoring and nutrient study in Lake Merritt in Oakland
Pathogen analysis in the Napa River watershed
Harmful algal bloom assessments in recreational waterbodies

Mentorship Style:

The Water Board takes a very hands-on approach to mentorship. There are two Mentors and one supervisor at the Water Board. The CMs will primarily work with the Mentors but they will also work on projects managed by other Water Board staff. The CMs will meet with the Mentors weekly or bi-weekly to discuss project updates, overall well-being, WSP-required projects, and career development. The Mentors have an open-door policy and are available for last minute check-in meetings, as needed. Water Board staff have hybrid work schedules, and CMs have the option to tele- serve in accordance with WSP’s policy. When not in the field, CMs will work a minimum of three days a week in the downtown Oakland office where they will be joined by at least one of the Mentors. CMs will be trained directly by the Placement Site’s Mentors and after a period of training, they often work more independently on office and field projects. In the past, CMs have worked with other Water Board staff (non-official WSP Mentors) in the office on projects that pique their interest. Besides training Corpsmembers on Water Board related work, the Placement Site’s Mentors provide mentorship regarding professional development for post-WSP life.

Unique Characteristics of Placement Site:

The Water Board is unique in that it provides its CMs with rewarding and diverse experiences that serve to protect urban to rural watersheds, but also to contribute to their professional development. The range of job duties and professional backgrounds at this site is broad. CMs learn a wide variety of skills and work in proximity with professionals with different backgrounds and expertise that will be valuable when they pursue future job possibilities in government, NGO, and/or consulting sectors. As such, most CMs have found their next job through contacts made working at the Water Board. CMs get hands on training and experience at the Water Board by collecting and analyzing a wide range of field data, including qualitative and quantitative stream habitat and water quality data This site is also unique in that CMs can collaborate on office projects that are aligned with their personal interests and career goals. The Water Board also strongly encourages CMs to have short collaborations with affiliated agencies and organizations to gain additional experiences and skills (e.g., storm water, wetland, and fish monitoring). CMs can also partake in multiple training opportunities to develop skills of interest (e.g., GIS, water policy, statistics) and the Water Board provides dedicated travel funds to attend relevant trainings, workshops, or conferences.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Desired in CM:

GIS skills
Statistical analyses
Data management skills

Grassroots Ecology - Palo Alto | Two Corpsmembers

Placement Site Address: 3921 East Bayshore Rd Palo Alto, CA 94303 – Palo Alto City Data Link

Mentors: Kristen Williams, Habitat Restoration Director and Tyler Feld, Project Lead

Number of CMs at Site: 2

Number of Years Site has Hosted WSP CMs: 11

Other Partner Organization(s) of Placement Site:

Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
City of Palo Alto, Valley Water
San Jose Conservation Corps + Charter School (2.5%)

Service Hours:

8-hour days: 95%
10-hour days: 5%

Housing Offered: No

Work Vehicle Provided: Yes

CM Time Spent in Field/Office:

In the field: 70%
In the office: 30%

Corpsmember Activities:

Education & Outreach: 20%
Volunteer Management: 20%
Post-Restoration Monitoring/Maintenance: 10%
Native Planting: 10%
Invasive Plant Removal: 15%
H2O Monitoring: 0%
Habitat Surveys: 5%
Water Conservation Projects: 5%
Storm Water Mitigation: 0%
Data Entry: 5%
Commuting To/From Field Sites: 5%

Placement Site Objectives & Organizational Needs:

Grassroots Ecology’s mission “to engage and educate the public to restore local ecosystems” drives our goals of community-based habitat restoration across each site. CMs will spend the majority of their time in the field, conducting hands-on restoration and stewardship of land and watersheds. Restoration field activities will include invasive plant removal, native plant revegetation, tree planting, willow staking, seeding, watering, restoration site monitoring and maintenance. Corpsmembers will also spend significant time leading volunteers in conducting all of the aforementioned tasks. Additionally, Corpsmembers will be responsible for planning and leading a weekly volunteer and educational program for youth. Office tasks may include tracking and reporting on project metrics, entering, and analyzing data, writing and presenting reports, planning for educational activities, creating curriculum or outreach materials, recruiting volunteers, or other projects as needed to assist their Project Lead. Corpsmembers will also spend about one day per week working in our Native Plant Nursery. Tasks here will include upsizing, propagation, and seed collection.

Mentorship Style:

CMs placed at Grassroots Ecology will have one primary Mentor and one secondary Mentor that they will work with closely throughout their service term. CMs will spend most of their time on habitat restoration and environmental education projects, which will be supervised by the primary Mentor. The primary Mentor will onboard them to the organization, conduct regular team and individual check ins, complete job performance evaluations, and oversee the day-to-day work and responsibilities of the CMs. The secondary Mentor will supervise the CMs in native plant nursery projects, which will occur regularly but less frequently than their main assignments.

Unique Characteristics of Placement Site:

The Bay Area provides a truly special balance between the excitement of urban cities and the solace of abundant open spaces. Working on environmental projects here ensures CMs will have an opportunity to interact with a diverse array of people, ecosystems, and partnering organizations. Project sites span from urban creeks to city parks, to large open spaces in the Santa Cruz Mountains, so there is always an opportunity to study restoration from a new perspective.

The focus on plants and people makes Grassroots Ecology unique. CMs can work with and learn from the experienced botanists, ecologists, and plant enthusiast staff members. Grassroots Ecology has all-staff events at least monthly to develop team members’ ecological knowledge and skills in specific areas relevant to our work (e.g. native plant identification, invasive plant management strategies, tools and safety, vegetation mapping, youth education, etc.) By the end of their term, CMs will be equipped with the plant identification knowledge they need to succeed in a career in vegetation management.

Moreover, as a small grassroots nonprofit, Grassroots Ecology is committed to building a culture of empathy, creativity, and collaboration. Several days are dedicated each month to gather to work on a combined project together or learn from one another in a more formal setting. Grassroots Ecology has also invested in developing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) competency both within the organization and for its programs and community. CMs don’t just learn from Grassroots Ecology ––Grassroots Ecology learns from them and the ideas and fresh perspective they bring to the organization. From day one, CMs become leaders in their community, and Grassroots Ecology invests significant time and intention to help them develop the skills and confidence that CMs need to thrive in this role.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Desired in CM:
Desire and ability to connect with community members from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences

Region 2 – District D: 12 Corpsmembers

District D Team Leader - San Luis Obispo | One Corpsmember

Placement Site Address: 1527 Madera Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 – San Luis Obispo City Data Link

Mentor: Jody Weseman, Region II Program Coordinator

Number of Team Leaders at Site: 2

Number of Years Site has Hosted WSP Team Leaders: 14

Service Hours:

8-hour days: 0%
10-hour days: 98%
>10-hour days: 2%

Housing Offered: Yes

Work Vehicle Provided: Yes

CM Time Spent in Field/Office:

In the field: 45%
In the office: 55%

Team Leader Activities:

CM Support: 25%
Education, Outreach and Event Planning: 20%
Volunteer Recruitment & Management: 10%
Commuting: 7%
Field Work: 10%
Social Media: 5%
Editing/Writing/ Data Tracking: 13%
Gear and Equipment Maintenance: 10%

Placement Site Objectives & Organizational Needs:

Mentorship Style:

Unique Characteristics of Placement Site:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Desired in CM:

Ability to travel overnight, serve on weekends, and work indoors often
Ability to work independently and take initiative to help build WSP’s capacity
Experience or strong interest in serving in a leadership role (no prior WSP experience necessary)

NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center - Santa Cruz | Two Corpsmembers

Placement Site Address: 110 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 – Santa Cruz City Data Information Link

Mentors: Cynthia Kern, Associate Project Scientist and Rosealea Bond, Associate Specialist

Number of CMs at Site: 2

Number of Years Site has Hosted WSP CMs: 11

Other Partner Organization(s) of Placement Site:

University of Santa Cruz
Institute of Marine Sciences-Fisheries Collaborative Program UCSC/NOAA

Service Hours:

8-hour days: 95%
10-hour days: 5%

Housing Offered: No

Work Vehicle Provided: Yes

CM Time Spent in Field/Office:

In the field: 85%
In the office: 15%

Corpsmember Activities:

Spawner/Redd Surveys: 30%
Field PIT Tagging: 10%
Hatchery Work: 5%
Biological Sample Analysis Lab Work: 5%
Sediment Surveys: 5%
E-Fishing: 5%
Habitat Surveys: 5%
Commuting To/From Field Sites: 5%
Snorkel Surveys: 5%
Data Entry: 5%
Gear and equipment maintenance 5%
PIT tag antenna construction and maintenance 5%
Weir Operation/Maintenance and video review: 10%

Placement Site Objectives & Organizational Needs:

NOAA Fisheries is responsible for the management, conservation, and protection of living marine resources within the United States Exclusive Economic Zone. NOAA also plays a support and advisory role in the management of living marine resources in coastal areas under state jurisdiction, provides scientific and policy leadership in the international arena, and implements internationally agreed conservation and management measures. CMs will be located at the Fisheries Ecology Division of the Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) in Santa Cruz, California. The SWFSC Santa Cruz laboratory is widely recognized for leadership and innovation on issues related to the conservation of anadromous Pacific salmon populations in California and elsewhere. The Santa Cruz laboratory is especially active in Coho Salmon and steelhead-bearing watersheds south of San Francisco Bay, and CMs will join a research team working to assess the status of these species in the Santa Cruz Mountains region and the efficacy of ongoing recovery actions.

Part of the core objective of a NOAA Science Center is to provide mentorship and training to young resource professionals. SWFSC has a long history of supporting graduate and undergraduate students from the University of California, Santa Cruz to assist with our various salmon conservation and recovery efforts. However, these student commitments are typically of short duration (i.e. 10 weeks) due to constraints of the academic calendar. Hosting Corpsmembers at this site has allowed NOAA to maintain consistency of efforts across the entire field season. SWFSC research and monitoring involve substantial fieldwork and training, and CMs are critical to maintaining consistency in efforts throughout the entirety of the field season.

Mentorship Style:

CMs will be engaged in assisting SWFSC with biological and effectiveness monitoring of salmonids in local coastal watersheds, primarily focused on Scott Creek and San Vicente Creek in Santa Cruz County. CMs will be working together on various projects along with staff from NOAA and the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC). Most tasks require small field crews (2-4 people) and there will be a set schedule for all fieldwork. Ongoing projects overlap by season, so there will be ample opportunity to experience salmonid monitoring at all life stages. The Mentors with NOAA are an integral and active part of the team; each Mentor generally participates in the same core activities and tasks as CMs.

Regular team meetings help solidify priorities and scheduling and to facilitate communication.

Unique Characteristics of Placement Site:

CMs will participate in life cycle monitoring of threatened and endangered salmonids. Core activities include adult weir trapping, spawner ground surveys, downstream-migrant trapping, snorkel surveys, and electrofishing. There will also be an opportunity to tag (passive integrated transponder [PIT] and disc TAG) and release fish produced by the Southern Coho Salmon Captive Brood Stock Program. Collectively, CMs’ activities support recovery goals and actions established for ESA-listed Coho Salmon and steelhead by NOAA Fisheries and CDFW. The SWFSC provides unique professional and educational experiences for CMs interested in fisheries conservation and management. Research conducted at the SWFSC employs cutting-edge technology to quantify status and trends of threatened and endangered salmonids, and the ecosystems on which they depend. In addition to receiving firsthand experience with salmonid restoration and recovery in central California, the SWFSC (as a NOAA Science Center and being located on a University of California campus) provides access and exposure to contemporary research, conservation, and management actions targeting a wide range of protected species and ecosystems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Desired in CM:

Basic understanding of watershed ecology, comfortable in and around stream habitats
Reliable, flexible, and able to work weekends
Positive attitude under a variety of challenging conditions

‌Central Coast Wetlands Group (CCWG) - Moss Landing | Two Corpsmembers

Placement Site Address: Moss Landing Marine Labs. 8272 Moss Landing Rd. Moss Landing, CA 95039 – Moss Landing City Data Information Link

Mentors: Jenny Balmagia, CCWG Watershed Coordinator and Sarah Stoner Duncan, CCWG Research Associate

Number of CMs at Site: 2

Number of Years Site has Hosted WSP CMs: 8

Service Hours:

8-hour days: 90%
10-hour days: 5%
>10-hour days: 5%

Housing Offered: No

Work Vehicle Provided: Yes

CM Time Spent in Field/Office:

In the field: 70%
In the office: 30%

Corpsmember Activities:

Native Planting: 15%
Post-Restoration Monitoring/Maintenance: 15%
Invasive Plant Removal: 15%
H2O Monitoring: 15%
Habitat Surveys: 5%
CRAM or RipRAM: 5%
Education & Outreach: 9%
Data Entry: 5%
Volunteer Management: 10%
Commuting To/From Field Sites: 10%
Seining: 5%

Placement Site Objectives and Organizational Needs:

CCWG’s mission is “To coordinate the advancement of wetland science and management on the Central Coast.” CCWG has programs focused on climate change planning, habitat restoration, water quality monitoring/management, wetland assessment and regional water planning. The CMs’ service with CCWG will focus on wetland habitat and water quality monitoring, as well as data entry/analysis to support their wetland monitoring efforts. The monitoring data collection and assessment will include a mixture of watershed monitoring supporting the installation of treatment wetlands in agricultural landscapes to enhance water quality in local streams and estuary habitat monitoring for the Marine Protected Area Monitoring Program across 5 to 7 estuaries on the central coast. These monitoring efforts will aid local organizations in understanding where estuarine and watershed riparian habitat needs restoration, where regulatory action may be needed to restore it to health, and where it is most important to protect. CMs will participate in multiple field trainings during their time with CCWG (CRAM, Riparian RAM).

CCWG has a growing list of restoration sites in collaboration with its partner organization, Coastal Conservation and Research (CC&R). The sites benefit from ongoing planting, weeding, assessment, and outreach activities with the community. CMs will significantly increase CCWG’s reach in the Lower Salinas Watershed and expand the capacity of the organizations to conduct watershed monitoring, wetland restoration, and related community outreach, education, and engagement.

Mentorship Style:

The mentorship will be split between the staff of CCWG in Moss Landing. In general, Mentors at this site start the term with a “prescribing style” where instructions are offered on how to handle problems, which then morphs into an “advisory style” where suggestions and alternatives are given but lets the CMs make the decision. As the year progresses, this transitions into more of an “active listening style” where space is given to the mentees to develop their own path. All along, Mentors try to be as cooperative as possible, striving for a joint vision of what their time with CCWG can be, involving them in selecting preferred projects, problem-solving, and giving space for their opinion.

Unique Characteristics of Placement Site:

This site is an academically stimulating environment, a beautiful location, and provides the opportunity to work with people who are passionate about protecting, restoring, and assessing the wetlands around us. The projects provide a balance of educational opportunities (including field skills, database use, and GIS applications), habitat restoration, and community outreach. Moss Landing Marine Laboratories (MLML) administers the Master of Science in marine science for California State Universities in central and northern California. The institution is perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean in Moss Landing, California, and houses a diverse array of researchers, faculty and students studying the marine, estuarine and wetland environments of Central and Northern Coast. CCWG is an affiliate research group at MLML, established in 2006, focused on the study, preservation, and restoration of Central Coast wetlands. CCWG works closely with regional partners who have active programs spread throughout the Central Coast, including the local RCD, California Marine Sanctuary Foundation, Elkhorn Slough Foundation, and CC&R.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Desired in CM:

GIS and database experience
Native plant identificaiton
Well organized and independent
Interest in monitoring wetlands using a diverse toolset
Interest in broad and varied experiences in watershed restoration within both urban and agricultural watersheds

San Luis Obispo Steelhead Initiative - San Luis Obispo | Two Corpsmembers

Placement Site Physical Address: 1530 Madera Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 – San Luis Obispo City Data Link

Mentors: Meredith Hardy, CCC Fish Habitat Specialist; Hallie Richard Program Manager, CSLO RCD; Steph Wald, Watershed Projects Manager; and Makenzie O’Connor, Morro Bay National Estuary Program Monitoring Projects Manager

Number of CMs at Site: 2

Number of Years Site has Hosted WSP CMs: 14

Placement Site Organizations:

Creek Lands Conservation – CLC (35%)
California Conservation Corps – CCC (30%)
Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District – CSLRCD (20%)
Morro Bay National Estuary Program – MBNEP (15%)

Service Hours:

8-hour days: 95%
10-hour days: 5%

Housing Offered: Yes

Work Vehicle Provided: Yes

CM Time Spent in Field/Office:

In the field: 80%
In the office: 20%

Corpsmember Activities:

Education & Outreach: 13%
Post-Restoration Monitoring/Maintenance: 8%
Water Conservation Projects: 8%
H2O Monitoring: 15%
Storm Water Mitigation: 5%
Spawner/Redd Surveys: 5%
Habitat Surveys: 2%
Snorkel Surveys: 5%
Fish Passage Assessments 4%
Invasive Plant Removal: 5%
Native Planting: 10%
Data Entry: 5%
Native Plant Propagation 3%
CRAM or RIP RAM: 3%
E-Fishing: 1%
Volunteer Management: 5%
Commuting To/From Field Sites: 3%
Watershed Group Meeting Support: 1%
GIS Support: 1%

Placement Site Objectives and Organizational Needs:

SLO SI is focused on the recovery of South-Central California Steelhead in the coastal streams of San Luis Obispo (SLO) County. This unique partnership between three non-profits and one state agency was formed to promote a regional and multi-faceted effort for the recovery of steelhead trout. Each entity boasts enthusiastic, experienced staff whose passion is to protect and restore Central Coast watersheds and steelhead populations while mentoring the next generation.

While CMs serve with CSLRCD they will conduct native plant monitoring, invasive species management, flow monitoring including irrigation efficiency evaluations for reduced consumptive use of surface water, instream habitat monitoring, watershed group meeting support and GIS support. While serving with CLC, CMs will participate in fisheries surveys, assist with Trout in the Classroom and field trip releases, and conduct water quality monitoring. While serving with the MBNEP, CMs will conduct bioassessment surveys (spring), eelgrass monitoring (fall/spring), streamflow monitoring (spring/summer), and occasional vegetation monitoring. While with the CCC, CMs will conduct spawner surveys, habitat typing, native plant propagation and revegetation, and habitat assessments around road crossings.

Mentorship Style:

Corpsmembers who are placed with SLO SI will split their time between each site based on project need and Mentor availability. All Mentors utilize a Google Calendar to schedule out projects at least one week in advance, so CMs know where to report each day. The CMs assist in updating their calendar to ensure they have the time they need to prepare for WSP required activities such as WOW! and WAVE. Each partnering organization of SLO SI provides insightful mentorship and unique opportunities. CMs will also have the opportunity to serve alongside traditional CCC Corpsmembers at the Los Padres CCC and will become part of their fisheries crew.

Unique Characteristics of Placement Site:

SLO SI is very proud of the fact that many past CMs have found employment in their chosen field, many locally. Another SLO SI attribute is two of our mentors have received the Restorationist of the Year award from the Salmonid Restoration Federation and two of the Mentors are WSP alumni! The SLO SI Placement Site has the ability to offer dorm style housing on the CCC Los Padres Residential Center. SLO SI is a very impassioned group of Mentors that continue to be excited about the collective mission of doing everything possible to restore the ecological function to local watersheds and recover local steelhead runs while developing future restorationists.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Desired in CM:

Interest in having a wide variety of day-to-day tasks (e.g., hiking or snorkeling up small creek systems, to office work and meetings)
Excited about SLO SI partners’ individual missions and the collaborative mission

California Department of Fish & Wildlife – Santa Barbara & Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC) | Two Corpsmembers

Placement Site Address:

CDFW office: 1933 Cliff Dr Suite #9, Santa Barbara, CA 93109 – Santa Barbara City Data Information Link
OVLC office: 370 Baldwin Road, Bldg A4, Ojai, CA, 93023 – Ojai City Data Information Link

Mentors: Casey Horgan, Environmental Scientist, CDFW; Dane St. George, Environmental Scientist, CDFW; and Vivon Crawford Sedgwick, Restoration Program Director, OVLC

Number of CMs at Site: 4

Number of Years Site has Hosted WSP CMs: 13

Placement Site Organizations:

CDFW Santa Barbara (90%)
Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (10%)

Other Partner Organization(s) of Placement Site:

City of Santa Barbara Creeks Division (1%)
Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) (1%)
Ventura County Public Works Agency (<1%)

Service Hours:

8-hour days: 5%
10-hour days: 85%
>10-hour days: 10%

Housing Offered: No

Work Vehicle Provided: Yes

CM Time Spent in Field/Office:

In the field: 80%
In the office: 20%

Corpsmember Activities:

Spawner/Redd Surveys: 15%
Education & Outreach: 13%
Electrofishing: 10%
Volunteer Management: 8%
Snorkel Surveys: 6%
Commuting To/From Field Sites: 7%
DIDSON Installation/Monitoring: 5%
DIDSON Footage Review 4%
Data Entry: 6%
Native Planting: 5%
Post-Restoration Monitoring/Maintenance: 5%
Field PIT Tagging: 4%
Habitat Surveys: 4%
Invasive Plant Removal: 3%
GIS Mapping: 3%
H2O Monitoring: 2%

Placement Site Objectives and Organizational Needs:

The primary objective of the CDFW Santa Barbara office is to fulfill annual monitoring requirements for federally endangered and California state endangered candidate southern California steelhead rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in a manner consistent with the California Monitoring Program (CMP). This CDFW office primarily monitors streams within Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, but occasionally performs stream and watershed assessments in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego Counties. The site conducts a variety of field surveys including but not limited to spawner (redd) surveys, snorkel surveys, electrofishing, Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tagging and PIT tag array deployment, sonar camera deployment, fish rescues, habitat and channel typing, barrier assessments, and water quality monitoring. In addition to a myriad of field experience, CMs will also be participating in data organization, quality assurance and quality checks, data analysis, and report preparation.

The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC) is a non-profit land trust whose mission is to protect and restore the natural landscapes of the Ojai Valley forever. OVLC manages approximately 2,300 acres of open space, most of which are public access, including 10.2 miles of stream habitat along the Ventura River. OVLC conducts a variety of restoration, native planting, and environmental education projects to support a healthy Ventura River watershed. They train and manage a large team of volunteers and operate a native plant nursery to support restoration efforts. CMs would participate in managing restored oak woodland habitats, monitoring previous restoration planting sites, coordinating volunteer events, helping to manage and enhance bioswales, collecting and transplanting cuttings, cleaning, and processing seeds, and conducting cost-benefit analyses of native planting efforts.

Mentorship Style:

Mentors Dane St. Geroge and Casey Horgan will share Mentor responsibilities for CMs at the Placement Site throughout the term. As Mentors, they strive to maintain regular communication with CMs to ensure their needs are met and assure they remain engaged for the duration of their term. CMs will receive formal training on survey methods, monitoring equipment operations, and extensive hands-on experience for all fieldwork. Mentors strive to equip CMs with the necessary training and resources that allow CMs to have agency in making decisions independently while completing tasks and use their best judgement to problem solve. Mentors will share their knowledge and experience as well as direct CMs to the variety of learning resources available through the department.

Dane St. George and Casey Horgan will continue fulfilling all administrative Placement Site responsibilities while CMs are serving with OVLC. For four months of the term (May-August), CMs will serve one day per week for 8 hours (7:00 am – 3:00 pm) with OVLC. Vivon Crawford Sedgwick will oversee field protocol training and relevant safety training for activities performed while with OVLC. OVLC will provide CMs with survey and restoration equipment, field vehicles, and proper PPE when CMs are at their site. When feasible, CDFW will provide a vehicle for CMs to commute to the OVLC office. If CDFW is unable to provide a vehicle for CMs to commute to the OVLC office, CMs will be reimbursed at the federal mileage rate ($0.67/mile) by OVLC. Dane St. George and Casey Horgan will communicate with Vivon Crawford Sedgwick and with CMs to verify service hours while CMs serve with OVLC.

Unique Characteristics of Placement Site:

The primary study species, Southern California Steelhead Rainbow Trout, are federally endangered and are currently a candidate species for listing on the California Endangered Species Act. Thus, CMs will acquire extensive experience surveying for an endangered species, which can be beneficial for them in the future if they go on to work with other threatened or sensitive species. CDFW Santa Barbara is the leading practitioner of salmonid monitoring in Southern California and employs several different survey methods. CMs will learn how to use a sonar camera (DIDSON & ARIS), operate a backpack electro fisher, conduct PIT tagging surveys, and operate a PIT tag array – all of which are highly sought-after skills in fisheries monitoring. CMs are also given the opportunity to see through and participate in the entire life cycle of data collection and presentation.

The CDFW Santa Barbara placement site offers a variety of microbiomes and unique conservation circumstances. CMs will conduct surveys in short, high-gradient, spring-fed coastal streams as well as expansive, large floodplain watersheds that expand farther inland where elevation and temperatures are higher. Many of the watersheds are impacted by urbanization and development, and these watersheds present unique opportunities for balancing conservation and restoration efforts with public use. This dynamic offers many possibilities for CMs’ volunteer events.

Through CDFW Santa Barbara’s close partners, there are opportunities to participate in other monitoring outside of fisheries (e.g., native plant propagation, water quality monitoring, invasive removal, fish passage barrier assessments) so the interests of CMs can best be met. CDFW also hosts an extensive network of trainings and software licenses to allow CMs to seek additional experience in other fields.

The partnership with OVLC offers first-hand opportunities to participate in watershed restoration, native planting, and nursery management for a highly respected local non-profit. It also allows CMs to contribute to fisheries monitoring and restoration work in the same watershed and helps them better understand and appreciate contributing factors to a healthy watershed as well as see the diversity of potential ecological careers. Since OVLC has a large team of volunteers, CMs will also have a leadership opportunity to share their expertise with engaged community members.

The city of Santa Barbara and the surrounding areas are highly desirable, albeit expensive, places to live. Hiking, camping, and surfing are all available within a 20-minute drive and the downtown area is bustling with restaurants, theaters, and art galleries. The weather is pleasant year-round and opportunities for community engagement are plentiful. Many of the streams in southern California are highly impacted by urbanization, so there are many opportunities for stream restoration and collaboration with local conservation organizations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Desired in CM:

Experience hiking, particularly through streams/riparian areas, handling fish/aquatic species, and fish species identification are helpful for conducting fieldwork
Experience with data collection and entry is useful
Enthusiasm, willingness to learn new skills, and curiosity about the bigger implications of ecological monitoring and restoration will help CMs be successful

RCD Santa Monica Mountains - Topanga | Two Corpsmembers

Placement Site Physical Address: 4505 Las Virgenes Rd. Suite 215, Calabasas, CA 91302 – Calabasas City Data Information Link

Mentors: Marilyn Brody French, Education Director; Alyssa Morgan, Conservation Biologist, Project Manager; and Jamie King, Senior Conservation Biologist

Number of CMs at Site: 1

Number of Years Site has Hosted WSP CMs: 12

Service Hours:

8-hour days: 75%
10-hour days: 15%
>10-hour days: 10% Housing Offered: No

Work Vehicle Provided: Yes

CM Time Spent in Field/Office:

In the field: 75%
In the office: 25%

Corpsmember Activities:

Education & Outreach: 20%
Snorkel Surveys: 15%
Data Entry: 10%
Commuting To/From Field Sites: 10%
Native Planting: 8%
H2O Monitoring: 8%
Habitat Surveys: 1%
Seining: 5%
Volunteer Management: 5%
Invasive Plant Removal: 1%
Post-Restoration Monitoring/Maintenance: 6%
Spawner/Redd Surveys: 1%
E-Fishing: 0.5%
Biological Sample Analysis Lab Work: 5%
CRAM or RIP RAM: 0.5%
GIS Mapping: 0.5%
Weir Operation/Maintenance: 0.5%
DIDSON Installation/Monitoring: 0.5%
Water Conservation Projects: 1%
Storm Water Mitigation: 1%
Field PIT Tagging: 0.5%

Placement Site Objectives and Organizational Needs:

The RCDSMM has been conducting research and restoration projects focused on recovering endangered Southern California Steelhead Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) since 2001. The CM placed with the RCDSMM participates in a wide variety of projects, such as on-going restoration of riparian, oak woodland, and wetland habitat, monthly snorkel, and spawner surveys, as well as assist in a variety of studies to help understand the complexity of coastal salmonid life cycles. The CM will work with neighboring WSP Placement Site (CDFW) in Santa Barbara to learn about mark-recapture, DIDSON and instream antenna monitoring, and weir trapping. Because the RCDSMM takes a watershed approach to research, CM will also participate in annual stream surveys focused on amphibian population abundance and distribution and assist with on-going monitoring of western pond turtles. CM will play a key role in riparian tree monitoring effort and oak riparian forest restoration. CM will also lead events involving invasive species removal and community-based Stream Team events, continue upper watershed tree and turtle monitoring, perform drought and storm event monitoring, and coordinate community science projects. The combination of research, monitoring and restoration experience not only will benefit the CM but provide essential personnel to support these efforts.

For education, the WSP CM can help create and lead environmental education lessons focused on various topics including watersheds, climate change, community science as well as flora and fauna of the Santa Monica Mountains. Lessons are available to K-12 students with most lessons being taught to 3rd – 6th graders. The CM will also participate in and lead outdoor field education programs at our 3 field sites where students engage in science-based hands-on learning in nature.

Mentorship Style:

The RCD of the Santa Monica Mountains has three Mentors. Marilyn Brody French is the RCD’s Director of Education & Engagement and will ensure the CM is well equipped to lead the RCD’s various online distance learning and outdoor science-based education programs and will help foster and grow the CM’s leadership and educational instructor skills. Alyssa Morgan (Conservation Biologist & Project Manager) and Jamie King (Senior Conservation Biologist) will be the CM’s field-based Mentors, leading all biological projects. Together this mentorship team brings a supportive, encouraging, and independent attitude along with a connection to an extensive network of watershed professionals throughout southern California. This site provides quality mentorship under a wide variety of projects and exposure to many facets of resource monitoring and management, and community engagement.

Unique Characteristics of Placement Site:

RCD is a unique Placement Site because the CM does not have a site partner. However, this is not necessarily a problem, as CM is involved in numerous projects very quickly alongside a multitude of young career scientists and can therefore grow within our community as well as independently as an individual. With multiple grants occurring simultaneously, CM will gain experience in a breadth of topics including direct fisheries work, tree surveys, stream surveys, and riparian habitat mapping. There are opportunities to publish peer-reviewed papers because of the work the CM will be involved in, which offers a great steppingstone to apply to graduate school. The jurisdiction of the Santa Monica Mountains is quite large, and there are many opportunities to attend interesting management meetings. The combination of urban and wildland areas in such proximity helps develop an understanding of land use planning and avoiding anthropogenic impacts on wildlife.

The southern region also has a unique situation when it comes to climate, where several local creeks will dry in sections or entirely by the end of the summer. Lagoons are connected to the ocean for short periods of time, and there are few anadromous fish coming into the system. This means that it is very busy during the short rainy season, and the CM will get to experience the monitoring of several lagoons at the RCDSMM.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Desired in CM:

Ability to swim with confidence
Desire to engage with community members including students
Ability/desire to work 1-2 weekend days a month