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

Service Site Overview: The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), based in Denver, exists to advocate the protection, conservation, and development of the water of the State in order to secure the greatest utilization of such waters and the utmost prevention of floods for the benefit of the present and future inhabitants of the State of Colorado. In 1973, the General Assembly authorized the CWCB to appropriate water rights for instream flows and natural lake levels to preserve the natural environment to a reasonable degree. Since 1973, CWCB has appropriated instream flow (ISF) water rights on nearly 1,700 stream segments covering more than 9,700 miles of stream, and natural lake level water rights on 480 natural lakes.

Service Position Summary: The Hydrology Technician will conduct fieldwork, hydrologic analyses, data entry and QA/QC, GIS mapping, and content creation in support of CWCB’s Instream Flow and Natural Lake Level Program. The member will serve both independently and alongside staff, in the field and in the office, according to the goals and objectives set by program staff.

Essential Functions (Primary Responsibilities):

Hydrologic investigations, analyses, and field work

• Travel to field sites across the state, individually or with other staff, to make stream flow measurements and document stream conditions. This may also include working with other staff to survey channel topography and water surface slopes, install or remove stream gage equipment, and take other measurements as necessary.
• Perform general quality control of collected field data.
• Work with Aquarius to assist in developing gage ratings.
• Work with publicly available stream gage data to support staff objectives.

Marginal Functions (Secondary Responsibilities):

• Prepare materials for CWCB meetings and in support of Board processes, including memos, graphs, graphics, maps, tables, and PowerPoint presentations.
• Use GIS and mapping software to create maps.

Physical, Emotional, and Intellectual Demands:

• Several days in the field each week, including some overnight travel.
• Willing to work outside in remote locations, which may involve inclement weather, hiking, wading in rivers, carrying equipment, and other physical labor.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
• Careful attention to accuracy in field measurements, data entry, and quality control.

Qualifications:

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Knowledge
  • Stream measurement competencies or knowledge of stream measurement techniques and equipment.
  • Working knowledge of Esri ArcGIS Pro software.
  • Computer experience is helpful (Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace).
• Skills
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills, written and oral.
  • Excellent writing and proofreading skills.
  • Experience working with the public.
• Abilities
  • Ability to think critically about complicated stream systems.
• Preferred
  • Knowledge of hydrologic modeling software.
  • Knowledge of Colorado’s water rights system.

AmeriCorps Required Qualifications:

• At least 17 years old at start of service
• 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) per 45 CFR 2540.202

Term of Service / Time Commitment: This is a three-quarter-time national and community service position requiring, at a minimum, a total of 1200 hours during the year (approximately 32.5 hours per week). The position begins Monday, March 8, 2027 and ends Friday, November 19, 2027. While 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. Within these hours, there will be sufficient opportunity to fulfill the full term of 1200 hours, including holidays, time off, and making up missed hours.

Training and Support Provided: River Corps members receive significant training and experience in technical skillsets (e.g. water quality data collection, 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 Robert Viehl, Chief, Stream and Lake Protection Section, Colorado Water Conservation Board, rob.viehl@state.co.us / 720.854.3237, as well as by Allison Palmasano, River Corps Program Director, allison@river.science / 719.429.3707. The cohort of members serving throughout the region will function as additional resources and support for each other.

Location and Service Conditions: This position is based at the Colorado Water Conservation Board, 1313 Sherman Street, Room 721, Denver, CO 80203, and will involve field work at stream sites across Colorado, including some overnight travel and service outdoors in inclement weather.

Number of Positions: 1

Benefits:

• A total living allowance of $19,000, paid in bi-weekly installments of $1,027.03 (on Fridays). Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member.
• An education award of $5,176.50 upon successful completion of term of service.
• Training certificates in Water Quality & Ecology, and Hydrology Technician 1.
• It is possible to temporarily postpone repayment of qualified student loans through forbearance while serving as an AmeriCorps member.
• 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.

How to Apply: Fill out the Application Form on the River Corps Position Page: river.science/rivercorps 

Equal Opportunity Statement:

River Corps recognizes the value of diversity and inclusiveness to advance environmental education. River Corps recognizes the value of diversity and inclusiveness to advance environmental education. This program is available to all, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, religion, age, national origin, genetic information, disability, military status, familial status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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

Reasonable Accommodation: River Corps and its host sites are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Applicants or members who need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position should contact Allison Palmasano, River Corps Program Director, at allison@river.science or 719.429.3707.