Big Sky Watershed Corps

Reports to: Individual Placement Program Staff

Classification: Full Time – AmeriCorps Participant

Position Summary

Big Sky Watershed Corps (BSWC) is an AmeriCorps program that assists Montana’s watershed communities to make a measurable difference in local conservation efforts while strengthening the experience of young professionals.  

BSWC members develop and implement climate resiliency initiatives through stream and riparian restoration projects, re-vegetation projects, low-tech process-based restoration, drought planning, water quality/quantity monitoring, riparian fencing, river clean-ups, terrestrial/aquatic invasive species removal, abandoned mine reclamation, beaver mimicry, irrigation infrastructure improvements, watershed inventories and so much more! BSWC members also promote watershed health and natural resource conservation through outreach and education by engaging local communities through lessons in schools, community field days, workshops, trainings, and volunteer opportunities. Overall, BSWC members confront climate change with innovative solutions developed in direct partnership with community organizations and local stakeholders. 

Primary duties include:

• Work with Host Site staff/mentors to develop and implement watershed-related field projects.
• Assist Host Site staff/mentors in the completion of watershed-related plans.
• Recruit and manage volunteers on field and service projects; ensure participant safety on all projects.
• Develop materials (brochures, posters, etc.) to use in community presentations.
• Conduct community outreach to educate community stakeholders about watershed issues.
• Work with schools and/or youth groups to develop field projects or educational presentations.
• Maintain accurate personnel, safety and project records.
• Complete and submit required program reports in a timely manner.
• Help complete and submit relevant grants.
• Help develop and write watershed-related plans, proposals and reports.

Program Benefits

• Professional Training/Certification: ArcGIS-Certificate from U.C. Davis; Accredited Experiential Education-Instructor Certification; Principles of Fundraising, Philanthropy & Grant Writing; Communication, Marketing & Outreach Best Practices; Federal, State, and Private Fundraising Strategies & Good Grant Management Workshop; Standard Operating Procedures in Water Quality & Quantity Collection; The Science & People behind Agriculture & Irrigation; Aquatic Invasive Species Monitoring and Education Certification
• Opportunities to network with and shadow experts in the natural resource profession.
• Supportive coaching staff invested in your success.
• Community and connection with other program participants.
• Free access to mental health counseling, medical advocacy, financial assistance, legal assistance,
• and life coaching.
• Health insurance provided at no cost to you.
• An education award of $7,395 upon successful completion of the program.
• Biweekly living stipend of $1,200

Minimum Qualifications:

• U.S. citizen, U.S. National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien.
• College degree (B.A./B.S.), preferably in a natural resource related field.
• Valid driver’s license, ability to pass a motor vehicle records check, and ability to provide 
• personal transportation to worksites, housing and trainings.

Desired Experience:

• Previous watershed-related experience, including fieldwork, data collection and analysis, or plan
• development.
• Previous teaching or volunteer management experience.
• Ability to work with and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Open and adaptable to new environments, different perspectives and rural communities.

MCC is committed to being diverse, welcoming, and inclusive. We are working to reduce barriers to participating in our programs. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

While this position description describes the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position, it is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All Montana Conservation Corps positions may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities.