Watershed Stewards Program (WSP) Team Leaders

WSP is seeking four proactive individuals who are inspired to help the WSP Team manage a statewide program and are eager to gain skills in program management, community outreach, and leadership.

If you’re interested in community outreach and collaborative environments, the WSP Team Leader (TL) position might be a good fit for you. WSP’s Team Leaders serve at one of WSP’s main offices, in either Eureka or San Luis Obispo and will mainly serve Monday – Thursday, on a 10-hours/day schedule.

WSP’s Team Leaders are integral members of the WSP team and are central to developing the Corpsmembers’ experience. TLs are required to complete all the same WOW! & WAVE program requirements as Corpsmembers and receive a larger living stipend given their elevated role in the program. Anyone can apply to be a WSP Team Leader, previous service with WSP is not required.

Ideal Applicant Traits:

• Follows written and verbal instructions
• Self-motivated, enjoys working independently and collaboratively
• Empathetic & compassionate, enjoys communicating and supporting others
• Detail-oriented and able to keep accurate and up-to-date records
• Curious and proactive

Program Timeframe: October 5th, 2026 – August 19th, 2027

Position & Program Overview:  

The Watershed Stewards Program (WSP) is celebrating its 32nd program year and is seeking enthusiastic, environmentally motivated individuals to help improve watershed health throughout California by addressing local issues in a variety of formats.

Each day, TLs serve under the guidance of a WSP Program Coordinator and help:

• Develop and deliver trainings and outreach lessons to WSP Corpsmembers and community members.
• Support Corpsmembers in their education/outreach requirements via peer editing, presentation feedback, and resource support.
• Develop networking opportunities for Corpsmembers – facilitate district check-ins.
• Build WSP’s capacity to reach communities across California by overseeing WSP’s media outreach and graphic designs.

*Note: TLs do not supervise Corpsmembers, they model best practices. See the complete list of Team Leader duties at www.ccc.ca.gov/wsp

The specific activities will differ depending on individual assignments and the Team Leader’s interests/strengths, but the main elements of the position include:

• Event Planning – hone your organizational skills and explore various program support roles.
• Volunteer Management – practice public speaking and inspire watershed restoration.
• Outreach Management – develop environmental lessons and programmatic standards, facilitate team building experiences, and represent WSP at many networking events.

Qualifications for Team Leader Applicants: 

• Be between 18 and 32 years of age (as of 10/5/2026)
• High school diploma or its equivalent
• U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the U.S.
• Complete a National Service Criminal History Check
• Possess or be willing to obtain a California Driver’s License with a clean driving record (No more than 2 points on CA driver’s record)
• Experience in conducting watershed restoration, conducting environmental surveys, or analyzing scientific data
• Interest in environmental education and volunteer management
• Willing and able to relocate to the Placement Site community (relocation expenses are not provided)
• Ability to pass a pre-enrollment physical based on this Position Analysis (reasonable accommodation can be requested with appropriate documentation)

Team Leader Benefits:  

• Jumpstart your career as an environmental scientist with mentorship from industry-leading environmental professionals
• A monthly living stipend of $2,967
• WSP Corpsmembers who complete a full-time 1700-hour service term will be eligible to receive the following education awards:
• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of up to $7,395
• California for All Award of $2,605
• Program-sponsored medical insurance. The monthly premiums will be fully paid by the program. Corpsmembers will be responsible for any required deductibles and out-of-pocket co-payments.
• Student loan forbearance on eligible loans.
• Uniform and field gear provided: waders, wader boots, shirts, pants, hats, raingear, fleece, etc.
• Expand professional development skills such as project management, public speaking,
  community engagement, etc.
• Hands-on training and exceptional networking opportunities.
• Childcare subsidy if Corpsmember meets eligibility requirements.