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. Specifically, all members will receive training in water quality sampling, stream flow measurement, on-the-ground project monitoring with GIS, and essential watershed coordination techniques to ensure they are adding valuable capacity to watershed actions and initiatives across Colorado. Some positions will require members to be trained in low-tech process-based restoration (ltpbr).
Service Site Overview: The Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership (UWP) exists to help protect the natural, scenic, and economic values of the Upper Uncompahgre River Watershed, from its headwaters to the northern Ouray County line. Among other objectives, UWP is focused on improving the understanding of watershed health and evaluating changes through time by monitoring and analyzing conditions in the watershed. The River Conservation Corps member will be working with UWP staff and volunteers, as well as several of our local partners: Colorado River Watch, Colorado Data Sharing Network, Ouray County Public Health Office, Colorado Water Conservation Board, and American Rivers.
Service Position Summary: The Hydrologist/Hyrdographer Member will work for UWP and its partners, assisting with collection, analysis and reporting on streamflow and water quality data for diverse water sources. In this position, the Member will produce technical hydrologic analyses, data entry, content creation, and public outreach designed to support UWP and its partners with understanding water conditions.
Essential Functions (Primary Responsibilities):
Water quality data collection at various sources and shipping to laboratories
Streamflow measurements for individual flows as well as building stage-discharge ratings
Coordinate with volunteers to take measurements
Conduct channel topographic surveys and water surface slopes
Assist in online data management and data access including in the River Watch database, USGS, CDSN, and others
Marginal Functions (Secondary Responsibilities):
Analyze and report on data
Assist with public outreach for position-related education
Help produce resources for use on the website
Use Aquarius, GIS, coding software, and other online platforms
Maintenance and inventory management of sampling equipment
Physical, Emotional, and Intellectual Demands:
Strong interpersonal communication skills (written and oral)
Strong work ethic and ability to perform manual labor
Ability to work with minimal supervision and work within a team
Computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Google, and others)
Willing to work outside
Willing to work in inclement weather or otherwise unpleasant conditions
Capable of lifting 20 pounds
Attention to detail and must follow all safety procedures when handling chemicals, potentially harmful pathogens, etc.
The position requires interpretation of data and observing trends in sample collection, requiring a solid grasp of the testing processes and the ability to identify potential issues with sample integrity.
Additional Site-based Minimum Qualifications:
Age Requirement: 18 years old or older
Must be a high school graduate or GED recipient.
Valid Driver's License, personal vehicle, and proof of auto insurance
Good physical condition to handle tasks like lifting, bending, and other physically demanding tasks
Preferred Qualifications (not required):
Stream measurements competencies or knowledge of stream measurement techniques and equipment
Working knowledge of Esri ArcPro GIS software
Knowledge of hydrologic modeling software
Knowledge of Colorado’s water rights system
Excellent writing and proofreading skills are essential for this position
Computer experience, especially with MS Office Suite and Google App Suite
Understanding of local laws and regulations regarding sewage and waste management
Some education or experience with coding (python, java, java script) and website design
Experience with web scripts, html, or CSS-based website
A bachelor’s degree or some college experience
Additional Skills and Qualities:
Ability to work with minimal supervision and work within a team.
Ability to work with a team, report issues, and follow instructions effectively
Strong interpersonal communication skills (written and oral)
Ability to think critically about complicated stream systems
Experience working with the public
Ability to follow specific procedures and ensure the safe operation of equipment
Ability to work with tools, equipment, and perform physical tasks for long periods
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 35-40 hours per week). The position begins March 3, 2025 and ends November 21, 2025. While the position service will occur mostly between Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5:30 pm, flexible hours may be required including occasional early morning, evening, and weekend commitments. Within these hours, there will be sufficient opportunity to complete the 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 be supervised and supported by UWP Executive Director Tanya Ishikawa [tanya@uncompahgrewatershed.org, 303.819.7784], as well as CDSN Executive Director Lynn Padgett, CWCB Stream and Lake Protection Section Chief Rob Viehl, and Ouray County Public Health Director Kristin Kelley. Allison Palmasano, River Corps Project Director, will also provide supervision [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 the UWP Office at 133 N. Lena St. Unit 3, Ridgway, Colorado, and will involve fieldwork around the Western Slope mainly in Ouray County, as well as at partner organizations in the county.
Benefits:
A living allowance of $17,500 will be made in bi-weekly (every other Friday) payments of $921.05 before taxes. 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 include 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.
Table 1: Service hours, living allowance, Segal Education Award, and bi-weekly bank deposits from living allowance.
Diversity and Equal Opportunity Statement:
In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, there shall not be any discrimination against an 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 organization. We provide equal employment, volunteer, and experience opportunities to all individuals based on relevant qualifications and abilities. River Science prohibits any such discrimination or harassment.
River Science will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. This policy governs all aspects of the position, including: selection, assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training. If you believe you need an accommodation due to a disability, contact the Executive Director immediately. Employees with questions or concerns about discrimination in the workplace are encouraged to bring these issues to the attention of the Executive Director.