Watershed Stewardship Assistant with The Western Slope Conservation Center

Paonia, CO

Service Dates:  November 1, 2025-September 30, 2026         

Average Hours per Week: 35

Days/Hours of Service:  Generally Mon-Fri, some evening and weekend hours are required.

Minimum # of Hours to Complete Term: 675 hr term + 900 hr term

About Blue Elements Watershed Stewards: Blue Elements Watershed Stewards are committed to increasing community resilience in the face of changing water conditions by supporting sustainable access to one of Colorado’s most valuable natural resources. AmeriCorps members will support organizations serving the water education and monitoring sectors in the Arkansas River Valley and beyond. Members may provide water education to youth and adults, complete watershed management projects, and support water quality monitoring projects.

About our Partner Organizations: The Western Slope Conservation Center (WSCC) is a 48 year old grassroots nonprofit organization based in western Colorado’s North Fork Valley. WSCC’s mission is to build an informed and engaged community to protect and enhance the land, air, water and wildlife of the Western Slope. Programs center on watershed stewardship, public lands advocacy and community engagement.

About the Position: The Watershed Stewardship Assistant will work closely with WSCC staff, volunteers, community members and partners to strengthen and develop watershed restoration projects, oversee our River Park stewardship, and facilitate community science initiatives including River Watch and Dark Skies programs. This position will also have the opportunity to develop new initiatives and build regional partnerships.

Primary Position Duties and Responsibilities:

• Independently and in collaboration with WSCC staff and partner organizations, plan and implement stewardship projects that engage volunteers and result in more resilient natural systems. 
• Coordinate WSCC’s volunteer-led River Watch water quality monitoring program on the North Fork and Smith Forks of the Gunnison Rivers including sample collection, analysis and communication with Colorado River Watch. 
• Oversee stewardship and management of WSCC’s Paonia River Park, a restored in-stream gravel mine and now popular recreation area that is managed for wildlife and visitors and serves as a venue for educational activities and environmental monitoring projects.
• Facilitate and explore new collaborations and opportunities for community science and monitoring programs that connect community members to the natural world and help build awareness.
• Host and attend local and regional educational and outreach events that support WSCC’s stewardship and community engagement goals.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Create and implement outreach materials and plans to communicate stewardship opportunities, successes and news.
• Recruit and manage volunteers
• Support regular monthly volunteer Watershed Stewardship Committee meetings
• Identify and prepare grant applications and other funding opportunities to secure future funding for  projects such as habitat restoration, trail maintenance, wildfire mitigation and other environmental stewardship activities.
• Share responsibility with other staff for regular communications with the public and membership (social media, e-newsletters, etc.), event planning and participation, and office administration.

Trainings will be provided in First Aid/ CPR, 

Leave No Trace, Watershed Health and Water Quality Monitoring 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Knowledge of watershed science, environmental science, or related field
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for interacting with the public, team members, volunteers, and project partners.  
• Adept at data collection, entry, and analysis.
• Social media skills (Instagram and Facebook). 
• Ability to work effectively as part of a small and high functioning team
• Desire to build partnerships and collaborate with diverse stakeholders such as local landowners, partner organizations, and agencies.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks, stay organized, and execute project goals. 
• Familiar with standard office, communications and design software and apps such as Google Workspace, Slack, Asana, Canva and Mailchimp
• Comfortable speaking in front of small and large groups or motivated to develop this skill.  
• Some evening and weekend hours are required.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle are required.
• Candidates should be comfortable driving on rural mountain roads in all seasons.

AmeriCorps Required Qualifications: 

• At least 18 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. 
• Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States 
• Ability to pass a National Service Criminal History Check (state, FBI, and National Sex Offender Public Website checks) per 45 CFR 2540.202 

Physical Demands and Service Environment: 

• WSCC is located in a small mountain town in rural western Colorado.
• This position requires the ability to walk over uneven terrain, work outside in a variety of weather conditions, use standard landscaping and hand tools and occasionally carry loads up to 40lbs
• Work will take place at the WSCC offices as well as off-site locations

Watershed Stewards AmeriCorps Program Benefits: 

• Living Allowance- AmeriCorps member(s) will receive a total stipend of $17,324.00 paid out bi-monthly at $787.45 per pay period over the course of the term. Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member.
• Housing Stipend- AmeriCorps member(s) will receive a total stipend of $6,600 paid out bi-monthly at $300.00 per pay period over the course of the term. Taxes are deducted and the housing stipend is distributed by direct deposit to the member.
• Education Award / Tuition Assistance- AmeriCorps member(s) can receive an Education Award upon successful completion of service in the amount of $6,514.64. This can be used to pay back student loans or further your education. 
• All members receive professional development and training, plus covered travel costs for attendance at regional or state conferences. 
• All members may be eligible for the Federal Assistance Program (SNAP, Medicaid, etc.)
  ● All members may qualify for student loan forbearance while in service.
  ● Alumni benefits may include priority hiring with organizations that are part of Employers 

of National Service and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to eliminate educational debt. 

Blue Elements Watershed Stewards is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage people of every color, orientation, age, sex, origin, and ability to apply. Our service culture embraces—and is strengthened by—the unique perspectives, contributions and experiences of all our members.