Watershed AmeriCorps Service Member

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has been dedicated to protecting and restoring the region’s exceptional natural places since 1932. As a member-based nonprofit organization, we work in cities and towns across Western Pennsylvania and rely on the help of thousands of members, partners and volunteers. We are making a difference in our region’s water, land and life. We do this work for the benefit of wildlife and people who call Western Pennsylvania home, and for future generations. 

We are seeking one (1) Pennsylvania Mountain Service Corps AmeriCorps member to serve the Watershed Conservation Program for one year at our Indiana office.  The service member will work under the supervision of assigned Watershed Conservation staff. 

The service member will assist with implementing a variety of watershed restoration projects and aquatic surveys, in close coordination with Watershed Conservation staff.   

Job Duties

• Water quality monitoring & assessment;
• Watershed restoration including riparian tree plantings, tree maintenance and instream habitat projects;
• Volunteer training;
• Assisting managers with biological survey work focusing on macroinvertebrates, various fish species, freshwater mussels, and hellbender salamanders are possible.
• Delivering educational programs to Watershed Conservation Program constituents including K-12 programs.
• Extensive overnight travel required

Requirements

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree in biology, watershed science, stream ecology, environmental studies or a related field; 

• Ability to work independently or with minimal supervision; 

• Proficiency with all Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel; 

• Able to travel to various worksites and willing to work some evenings, weekends, and overnight trips as needed. 

• The ability to conduct field research in remote locations is essential for this position.  

• Valid Driver’s License. 

Physical Requirements

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Swimming and wading in flowing water  

• Position requires the ability to traverse rugged terrain while carrying at least 50 pounds of sampling gear in a variety of weather conditions, and assist with strenuous physical duties including heavy lifting and using hand/power tools to complete construction activities. 

• Utilizing keyboarding and fine motor skills   

• Bending, twisting, lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds 

• Climbing up and down stairways 

• Sitting/standing/walking for periods in excess of 2 hours traversing rugged terrain   

• Speaking and hearing in-person, telephone, and other remote speech (2-way radio)  

• Seeing with near, far, and peripheral visual acuity  

• Evenings and weekend hours 

• Ability to meet physical requirements of the job with or without accommodation 

Qualifications

• Completion or progress toward bachelor’s degree in biology, watershed science, stream ecology, environmental studies or a related field;
• Ability to work independently or with minimal supervision;
• Proficiency with all Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel;
• Able to travel to various worksites and willing to work some evenings, weekends, and overnight trips as needed.
• The ability to conduct field research in remote locations is essential for this position.
• Swimming and wading in flowing water
• Position requires the ability to traverse rugged terrain while carrying at least 50 pounds of sampling gear in a variety of weather conditions, and assist with strenuous physical duties including heavy lifting and using hand/power tools to complete construction activities.

Location

This position's primary location(s): Watershed Conservation Office (Indiana, PA)

Position Duration

This is a seasonal position. September 10, 2026 – August 14, 2027 

Additional Details

This is notan employment opportunity. This is a National Service AmeriCorps position to serve within Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, which is a designated National Service Site. 

To learn more about the Pennsylvania Mountain Service Corps (PMSC) visit https://www.pmsc.org/.

Pay

Application Process

Please send a cover letter, resume, salary expectations, and referral source to View email address on waterlandlife.org list “Watershed AmeriCorps Service Member” in the subject line. 

Application Deadline