NEWFOUND AMERICORPS WATERSHED STEWARDS
Serve the Newfound watershed and gain hands-on conservation experience through a region-wide AmeriCorps program.
The Newfound Lake Region Association is one of seven host sites of the Lakes Region Conservation Corps, an AmeriCorps state service program developing skills and experiences for conservation professionals through applied service projects.
THE NEWFOUND WATERSHED STEWARD EXPERIENCE
NLRA’s AmeriCorps members serve the community as Watershed Stewards, advancing NLRA’s conservation mission while gaining important skills and experience to further their careers. Watershed Stewards spend an impactful season working with local partners and community members— growing the stewardship of our lake, rivers, forests, and mountains— and leave the program with the confidence to make an impact wherever their conservation journey leads them.
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Watershed Stewards are immersed in all aspects of NLRA’s work including:
Water Quality Monitoring
Watershed Stewards get out on the water and contribute to a 36-year record of water quality. Through weekly sampling of seven lake and 35 tributary sites, Stewards develop an understanding of aquatic ecology and monitoring techniques and support data-driven management of a high quality natural resource.
Invasive Species Prevention
Invasive species pose a significant threat to the health of Newfound’s ecosystems. Stewards learn how to identify common and invasive aquatic plants and animals of the Northeast and prevent the spread of invasives to Newfound by participating in the Lake Host and Weed Watcher programs.
Environmental Education
Stewards develop and lead impactful environmental education experiences that engage participants with conservation work and connect them to the environment in new ways. Through monthly guided exploration programs, Stewards help community members and visitors of all ages to become life-long caretakers of the Newfound Watershed.
Stormwater Management
Watershed Stewards protect water quality and get hands-on experience in stormwater prevention and management. Watershed Stewards learn how water moves across the landscape and to site stormwater control structures while installing stormwater management projects.
Public Engagement & Communications
Stewards serve as an ambassador for NLRA throughout the watershed and engage with the wider Newfound community by leading volunteer events and working with NLRA staff to produce professional communication materials that are published regularly across diverse platforms.
Grey Rocks Conservation Area
Make an impact while playing an active role in the stewardship of our unique 30-acre conservation property. Watershed stewards promote access, biodiversity, and environmental awareness by maintaining trails, tending conservation plantings, and engaging with diverse user groups at Grey Rocks.
Service Term Project
With professional guidance, Watershed Stewards develop an independent service project that supports NLRA’s mission while showcasing their expertise, interests, and aspirations. Projects highlight individual strengths, knowledge gained, and illustrate the impact made over their term of service.
MEMBER BENEFITS
Newfound AmerCorps members/Watershed Stewards receive the following over the course of the program:
- Career building mentorship experience
- NH Commercial boating license
- Wilderness First Aid & CPR certification
- Loan forbearance on qualifying loans
- Housing provided
- Living allowance of $772.17 biweekly (before taxes)
- AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,447.50 (before taxes) upon successful completion of program
EXPECTATIONS
- This is a seasonal, full-time-capacity AmeriCorps position requiring 900 hours over the service term to be fully eligible for all member benefits.
- Watershed Stewards typically serve five days per week averaging 40 hours per week with rotating weekend coverage.
- Collect and report data including but not limited to record keeping, field data collection and entry, and biweekly timesheets.
- Participate in weekly meetings with NLRA’s Host Site supervisor, including two performance evaluations at the mid-point and end of the term.
QUALIFICATIONS
Newfound AmeriCorps members/Watershed Stewards must meet the following qualifications:
- Must be 18 years of age by May 20, 2024
- Able to work independently and with a group
- Must be covered by health insurance for duration of program
- Available from May 20, 2024 through October 30, 2024
- Must apply online
- Must pass all certification exams
- Must meet the Corporation for National Community Service’s minimum requirements:
- Must clear all required National Service Criminal History Checks
- Must be a US citizen, US national, or legal permanent resident of the US
- Must be high school graduates, GED recipients, or must be working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED during their term of service
LAKES REGION CONSERVATION CORPS
Lakes Region Conservation Corps members are the driving force behind many of the conservation efforts of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region. The program is based out of the Squam Lakes Association, with sites at Green Mountain Conservation Group, Squam Lakes Conservation Society, Camp Hale, Newfound Lake Region Association, Lakes Region Conservation Trust, and the Merrimack River Watershed Council.
The Lakes Region Conservation Corps is the region-wide AmeriCorps program that makes this position possible. Learn more.
Newfound Watershed Stewards write about their experience serving the Newfound community in the Stewardship Journal. Read their entries here:
