Payette National Forest – Watershed Crew AmeriCorps Member

Idaho Conservation Corps – AmeriCorps 680-Hour

U.S. Forest Service

Payette National Forest

McCall Watershed Crew

Position Title: Watershed Crew AmeriCorps Member

Grant Program: OYSI 22EDBDC0020010 / EAP 21EDBDC0010041

Position Summary:

The Payette National Forest watershed department is recruiting two 680-Hour Watershed Crew AmeriCorps Member beginning May through August 2024. Summary of work includes doing a variety of watershed related data collection and implementation projects. Examples include but are not limited to, flow permanence surveys, road surveys, stream surveys, beaver dam analogue building, planting, and fencing.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Specific activities include:

• Project Implementation (20%)
  • Provide hydrologic input during development.
  • Modeling watershed response to treatments or disturbance
• Pre-Project Implementation (20%)
  • Provide hydrologic input during project planning.
• Data Collection and Monitoring (30%)
  • Collection of hydrologic data to include stream discharge, water table elevations, stream temperature, stream shade, and other water quality indicators.
  • Collection of forest soil characteristics to include ground cover assessments and Forest Service
  • Disturbance Monitoring Protocol assessments.
  • Hydrologic and engineering survey of stream channels for restoration projects and monitoring
• Outdoor Education and Outreach (10%)
  • Provide hydrologic expertise during community outreach events.
• Work With Other Resources such as Timber/Wildlife/Botany (20%)
  • Work within interdisciplinary teams and support an inclusive work environment.

Required Qualifications:

• Valid Driver’s License
• Professional knowledge of basic principles, concepts and methodology of Hydrology as would typically be acquired through a bachelor’s degree program within the profession in which the work is to be performed, plus skill and knowledge gained through additional work experience, that provides the ability to perform recurring assignments independently.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Strong organizational skills. Ability to work independently and with others.
• Skill in using current desktop publishing software and equipment technology applicable to electronic and print publication procedures and word processing, including experience in Microsoft Office and Adobe software.
• Ability to gather and verify facts and to develop information that is clear and meaningful to the intended audience.
• Ability to review and/or edit reports prepared by others and to ensure that material conveys information that the writer intended, and that areas of misunderstanding or ambiguities are eliminated.
• Valid state driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle by the time of employment. Government vehicles are available for work-related travel, but Resource Assistants are responsible for travel to and from duty station.
• Successful completion of a background check.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ability to work in strenuous physical environments and carry field packs.
• Works well with others.
• Desire to learn new skills related to watershed sciences.
• Relevant coursework related to hydrology, ecology, or watershed management.

Duty Location:

Duties are performed within the Payette National Forest, McCall, ID.

Terms of Employment:

One AmeriCorps member will complete a term of service (length dependent on commitment of hours), starting May through August 2024. The members must complete a minimum of 680 service hours by the end of their term. The members will receive a 30-minute lunch each day and this lunch break does not count towards AmeriCorps member service hours. Training will not exceed 20% of total member service hours.

Program Benefits:

$7,650 living allowance dispersed monthly and upon successful completion of program requirements (680-hours), education award amount of $2,626.27. The position will also include a gear stipend of $201.19. Housing may be provided.

The living allowance and education award are taxable. Members are responsible for providing their own food. Service eligibility is contingent upon the results of a criminal and driving background check.

These positions are sponsored by The Corps Network’s OYSI and EAP program.