River Restoration Technician

Program Overview: River Science is the lead organization for River Corps and is a 501c(3) nonprofit located in Canon City, CO. The River Corps program places AmeriCorps members at organizations and agencies throughout Colorado to focus on helping the efficiency, efficacy, and scale or healthy rivers and watersheds. To thrive in these technical positions, Members will receive comprehensive training and ongoing support. Specifically, all members will receive training in water quality sampling, stream flow measurement, on-the-ground project monitoring with GIS, and essential watershed coordination techniques to ensure they are adding valuable capacity to watershed actions and initiatives across Colorado. Some positions will require members to be trained in low-tech process-based restoration (ltpbr).  

Service Position Summary: This position will focus on low-tech process-based restoration (ltpbr) techniques and implementation. Projects will be in northwest Colorado supporting our restoration partners. Training will include hands-on experience in the construction of beaver dam analogs (BDAs), post assisted log structures (PALS), and soil stabilization techniques of one-rock dams and Zuni Bowls.

Essential Functions (Primary Responsibilities):

• Implement ltpbr techniques
• Work with various partners
• Read and follow design plans
• Operate light and medium equipment (post pounders, UTVs, loppers)
• Follow all safety measures

Physical, Emotional, and Intellectual Demands:

• Strong work ethic
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and work within a team
• Willing to work outside
• Willing to work in inclement weather
• Capable of lifting 50 pounds
• Knowledge of operating small motors

Qualifications:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have their driver’s license, their own vehicle, and proof of auto insurance
• Must be a high school graduate, GED recipient, or working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED during the term of service. Members must obtain either a diploma or GED before using an education award.
• Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States
• Able to pass a National Service Criminal History Check (state, FBI, and National Sex Offender Public Website checks)

Additional Knowledge/Skills/Abilities necessary for this position.

• Effective time management and how to prioritize various tasks
• Basic computer skills:

  • Microsoft Word and Excel

  • Email

  • Managing a shared calendar 

• Desire to learn
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Ability to engage with the public and build relationships

Term of Service / Time Commitment: This position is offered as a Quarter Time (QT) service term which requires a total minimum of 450 hours during the service period (May 18 to August 14th, 2026). While the position service will occur mostly between Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, flexible hours may be required including occasional evening and weekend commitments for restoration hitch schedules. Within these hours, there will be sufficient opportunity to fulfill the full term of 450 hours, including holidays, time off, and missed hours to makeup.

Training and Support Provided: River Corps members receive significant training and experience in technical skillsets (e.g. hydrology, assessment with GIS) and community engagement (e.g. watershed coordination, stakeholder communication). Up to 20% of total hours served may be spent in applicable approved trainings. Members will be supervised and supported by River Science’s Director (Luke Javernick, luke@river.science) as well as by Allison Palmasano, Project Director, allison@river.science / 719.429.3707. The cohort of members serving throughout the region will act as additional resources and support for each other.  

Location and Service Conditions: This position is will be field based in Grand Junction (area), CO 81501.

Benefits:

• Living Allowance

  • QT: $6400 in total, with payments of $1066.67 issued every other week (on Fridays)

  • Note: Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member.

• An education award of $1718.25 for QT upon successful completion of term of service
• Training certificate in and River Restoration
• It is possible to temporarily postpone repayment of qualified student loans through forbearance while serving as an AmeriCorps member
• Mileage reimbursement for travel to required trainings and days of service
• Non-tangible benefits including valuable hands-on experiences, networking, opportunity to help river and watershed health in a local community.
• Alumni benefits include priority hiring with organizations that are part of Employers of National Service and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to eliminate educational debt.

River Conservation Corps(RCC) recognizes the value of diversity and inclusiveness to advance environmental education. RCC defines diversity in its broadest sense and welcomes everyone including but not limited to people of all races, ethnicities, genders, gender expressions, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, national origins, socioeconomic status, religious affiliations, languages, and heritages.

River Science shall not discriminate against any employee, volunteer or program participant on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, disability, political affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, marital, parental, veteran or military status, political service, or membership, participation or association with any employee organization. We provide equal employment and volunteer opportunities to all individuals based on relevant qualifications and abilities