River Assessment and Restoration Assistant

Restored Wilson Ranch Meadow, California | Allison Hacker
Restored Wilson Ranch Meadow, California | Allison Hacker

Job Title: Associate Director, Planned Giving
Reports to: Associate Director, CA Headwaters Conservation
Location: Nevada City, CA

Click Here to Apply

 
ABOUT AMERICAN RIVERS 
American Rivers is championing a national effort to protect and restore all rivers, from remote mountain streams to urban waterways. Healthy rivers provide people and nature with clean, abundant water and natural habitat. For 50 years, American Rivers staff, supporters, and partners have shared a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers℠.

The beauty of rivers is that they connect all people and communities – including within our organization. The life experiences, knowledge, innovation, and talent that different people bring to our work provides perspectives, experiences, and competencies which are critical to our effectiveness in protecting wild rivers, restoring damaged rivers, and conserving clean water for people and nature.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Sierra Nevada AmeriCorps Partnership (SNAP) is seeking enthusiastic, conservation-minded people to commit to 11 months of service, protecting Sierra natural resources and working to create sustainable communities, including one individual to be placed with American Rivers as the River Assessment and Restoration Assistant. During the term, the SNAP member placed at American Rivers will gain skills and technical training, receive mentorship with outstanding environmental leaders, and receive an education award at the successful completion of service.

The River Assessment and Restoration Assistant will gain project management, restoration, assessment, and outreach skills and experience on a diversity of projects at American Rivers. Assessment experience will include field work as well as desktop methods. Field assessment will include vegetation, groundwater, hydrology, fuel loading, water quality, geomorphology/topographical surveys, and other biological assessments conducted in Sierra streams and high-elevation meadows. Desktop assessment will include GIS analysis, literature reviews, and research on best management practices. The member will assist with field monitoring, data analysis, presentations, and writing.

The member will gain experience with a variety of watershed restoration, protection, and outreach projects. Our meadow restoration projects are at multiple stages of implementation, from initial assessment and prioritization to construction, and the AmeriCorps member will assist with and gain exposure to each phase of restoration. American Rivers is currently managing several meadow restoration projects, each with different needs, including pre- and post-implementation monitoring, report preparation, data analysis, etc. The forest fuels management and road management work will involve identifying new projects, monitoring fuel reduction projects, and monitoring the implementation of road repairs and decommissioning to reduce road-related erosion that impacts the local watershed. The AmeriCorps member will also help with outreach for the American Rivers’ California Regional office working with staff in the CA and National office to develop outreach materials specific to river and watershed conservation in California.

The AmeriCorps member will be encouraged to take on leadership of one or more projects with the goal of gaining in-depth experience in restoration project management and implementation. The particular focus project(s) will be decided upon once the member has more knowledge of American Rivers’ program areas and it becomes clear where enthusiasm, aptitude, and need overlap best.

This position will start on November 1, 2025 and end on September 30, 2026.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Conduct monitoring at meadow restoration and forest health projects across the Sierra Nevada
  • Assist with data management, entry, and analysis
  • Design maps and perform analyses in GIS
  • Assist with developing outreach and communication materials for the American Rivers website
  • Lead education and outreach events about the California Headwaters Program’s projects and restoration work

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Study or interest in river science
  • Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, natural resources/planning, geomorphology, or related field OR one year’s experience in natural resource restoration
  • Experience in field studies and stream sampling
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Interest in social networking, blogging, and web communication
  • Interest or experience in data analysis and data management
  • Knowledge of GIS software
  • Interest in/ability to participate in multi-day trips in the field, including camping

Candidates who are unsure if they meet all minimum qualifications or who have transferrable skills and experience beyond the conservation sector are encouraged to apply.


LOCATION
Nevada City, CA

COMPENSATION

  • A taxed $2,773 monthly living allowance
  • Standard health, vision, and dental insurance
  • A $10,000 education award to pay educational expenses at eligible post-secondary institutions, including many technical schools and G.I. Bill approved programs, or to repay qualified student loans
  • Student loan forbearance during the service term
  • $500 Individual Training Budget for professional environmental experience and networking

APPLICATION PROCESS
This position is employed by the Sierra Nevada AmeriCorps Partnership (SNAP) through the Sierra Nevada Alliance; this position is not employed by American Rivers.

  1. Read about the SNAP Program here: https://sierranevadaalliance.org/join-snap/
  2. Fill out the SNAP online application at this link: https://sierranevadaalliance.org/snap-position-descriptions-2/
  3. Email your resume and a 1-page cover letter stating your interest in the SNAP Member position and your best qualifications for the position/s to Rebecca Williams at rebecca@sierranevadaalliance.org. Candidates are requested to use the following headings and labels when submitting their applications:
  • Email subject line: [Full Name] SNAP AmeriCorps Application
  • Cover Letter attachment: [Full Name] Cover Letter
  • Resume attachment: [Full Name] Resume

For more information please contact:

All submissions are confidential. The Sierra Nevada Alliance and AmeriCorps are equal opportunity employers.

Click Here to Apply

COMMUNITY AND OPPORTUNITY
At American Rivers, our core values drive everything we do – we Lead with Collaboration and Trust, Infuse Equity and Justice, Deliver Results, and Ensure Staff and Volunteers Thrive. We are committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to make a difference.

At American Rivers, our people are our strength, and we are dedicated to building a thriving, inclusive workplace where everyone can grow and contribute to our mission.

Candidates of all personal and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.