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 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 Estes Valley Watershed Coalition (EVWC) is a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and restoring the natural resources of the Estes Valley, part of the upper Big Thompson Watershed. Formed after the devastating 2013 flood, EVWC coordinates collaborative projects with landowners, agencies, and community partners to improve stream health, enhance forest resilience, and safeguard wildlife habitats. The coalition uses sound science to guide flood restoration, wildfiire mitigation, and watershed monitoring, while also fostering community engagement through education, volunteer opportunities, and partnerships. By aligning environmental and economic interests, EVWC works to ensure a healthy, resilient watershed that supports both ecological diversity and community well‑being.

Service Position Summary: The Watershed Monitoring Specialist will support the Estes Valley Watershed Coalition (EVWC) and Big Thompson Watershed Coalition (BTWC) by assisting with ecological monitoring, protocol development, and restoration implementation across multiple riparian and LTPBR project sites. Working closely with staff, contractors, and partners, the member will collect and analyze environmental data, contribute to restoration efforts, and help coordinate volunteers. This role strengthens collaborative watershed health initiatives while ensuring consistent monitoring practices that guide long‑term ecological resilience.

Essential Functions (Primary Responsibilities):

• Assist with monthly monitoring at EVWC sites, including camera traps, groundwater wells, vegetation surveys, water quality, and photo points
• Conduct additional data collection as requested (e.g., flow, velocity, sediment measurements)
• Collaborate with EVWC contractors and BTWC Project Coordinator to expand monitoring efforts
• Develop monitoring protocols for riparian and LTPBR project sites
• Support LTPBR implementation and volunteer coordination during the 2026 field season
• Assist BTWC Project Coordinator with weekly water quality monitoring at three sites
• Provide oversight support for BTWC LTPBR implementation

Marginal Functions (Secondary Responsibilities):

• Help create social media content related to monitoring and restoration efforts for both EVWC & BTWC
• Participate in partner meetings such as the Big Thompson Watershed Health Partnership and Monitoring Group
• Assist with planning and coordinating community tours of post‑fire LTPBR sites for BTWC

Physical, Emotional, and Intellectual Demands:

• Ability to conduct fieldwork in varying outdoor conditions (e.g., rivers, riparian zones, post‑fire landscapes)
• Comfort with physical tasks such as carrying equipment, walking long distances, and working in uneven terrain
• Attention to detail in data collection, monitoring protocols, and scientific documentation
• Strong collaboration and communication skills for working with staff, contractors, volunteers, and community partners
• Flexibility to balance multiple tasks across two organizations and adapt to evolving project needs

Qualifications:

• Basic understanding of ecological and watershed principles (riparian systems, water quality, vegetation monitoring)
• Familiarity with data collection methods and environmental monitoring tools (e.g., camera traps, groundwater wells, sediment measurement)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for data entry, reporting, and protocol development
• General knowledge of social media platforms for optional outreach and content creation (FB, IG, LinkedIn)
• Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro for mapping sites and monitoring locations
• Problem solving skills to adapt monitoring protocols and respond to challenges in the field
• Commitment to teamwork, flexibility, and contributing to long term watershed health initiatives
• Reliable personal transportation to access multiple watershed sites
• Proof of valid driver’s license and auto insurance
• Ability to commit to the required service hours (minimum 28 hours/week across EVWC and BTWC)

AmeriCorps Required Qualifications:

• At least 17 years old at start of service [may adjust to 18 years old per program design]
• 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 (TQT) national and community service position requiring, at a minimum, a total of 1200 hours during the year (approximately 37-40 hours per week). The position begins February 16, 2026 and ends September 30, 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. Within these hours, there will be sufficient opportunity to fulfill the full term of 1200 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. 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 receive guidance and support from Bob Leavitt, President of the EVWC Board (bob@bobleavitt.com), with additional assistance provided by Wilynn Formeller (wilynn.formeller@evwatershed.org /720.378.3540). 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 act as additional resources and support for each other.   

Location and Service Conditions: This position is based at Estes Valley Watershed Coalition, 1191 Woodstock Dr, Ste 5, Estes Park, CO, 80517 and will involve project and monitoring sites in the Estes Valley and Big Thompson Canyon.

Benefits:

• A living allowance of $17,500 will be made every other week (on Fridays) payments of $1060.61. 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
• 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.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

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.

Estes Valley Watershed Coalition 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