(479) 444-1916
The purpose of the Conservation Training Program (CTP) is to develop a workforce with the skills needed to construct and maintain environmental restoration, green infrastructure, and natural landscaping projects. The CTP provides experience that can lead to employment opportunities in the fields of environmental construction and native plant landscaping. Two levels are offered. The first level, Conservation Associate, includes training workshops. The second level, Conservation Technician, includes training workshops and work-based learning.
The first level, Conservation Associate, is for individuals interested in the field of ecological restoration and native plant landscaping. Participants will learn what it takes to implement a restoration plan and maintain a newly restored site, so it is functional for years to come. Interested community members, individuals considering working in the implementation field, and environmental professionals can all benefit from this program. Through hands-on workshops, field demonstrations, and collaborative learning, participants gain practical experience in conservation practices that support healthy watersheds, rivers, and sustainable land management, while learning how to apply these practices on their own properties and/or projects.
The second level, Conservation Technician, is for individuals who want to work in the field of environmental construction and native plant landscaping. Ideal candidates enjoy working outside in both hot and cold weather, are comfortable working along rivers, forests, and other natural settings, and enjoy hands-on construction work that improves and restores the environment. The Watershed Conservation Resource Center, Illinois River Watershed Partnership, and Beaver Watershed Alliance have developed a pilot program for the Conservation Technician level.
The two-level Conservation Training Program is a pilot program being developed under the EPA CPRG Workforce Development Grant administered by MetroPlan and NWA Regional Planning Commission. Project Partners implementing the grant are Watershed Conservation Resource Center (lead), Illinois River Watershed Partnership, Beaver Watershed Alliance, and Arkansas Advanced Energy Foundation.
Conservation Associate offers an engaging introduction to the world of implementing ecological restoration with no prior experience or skills verification required. Participants must complete five required Basic Workshops, three Elective Workshops, and complete eight hours of conservation-based volunteer service. The workshops and volunteer hours must be completed within two years to receive a certificate of completion, and the organization you volunteer with must be preapproved by a CTP program administrator.
This level is designed to provide exposure to a variety of conservation practices through hands-on learning opportunities, including workshops that cover topics such as Invasive Plant Removal, Riparian Restoration, Low Tech Erosion Control, and Native Plant Landscaping.
The Conservation Technician level will benefit those looking to work in the field of environmental construction and native plant landscaping. Participants must complete five required Basic Workshops, five Elective Workshops, eight hours of conservation-based volunteer service, and a one-year apprenticeship. The workshops and volunteer hours can be completed by the end of the apprenticeship to receive a certificate of completion, and the organization you volunteer with must be preapproved by a CTP administrator.
The environmental construction skills taught during this apprenticeship help individuals qualify for jobs that focus on the implementation of stream restoration, erosion control, native plant installation, and habitat restoration. Career opportunities may include roles such as conservation technician, environmental field technicians, or stream restoration team members with nonprofits, government agencies, or environmental contractors. Apprentices will have the opportunities to assist with riparian restoration and prairie establishment, plant production activities including propagation and transplanting, and collecting and documenting field data.
Apprentices will rotate between the Watershed Conservation Resource Center (WCRC), Beaver Watershed Alliance (BWA), and Illinois River Watershed Partnership (IRWP), spending eight months with WCRC, two months with BWA, and two months with IRWP. There is no guaranteed employment at the end of the one-year apprenticeship, but there is the potential for full-timeq employment with WCRC, BWA, or IRWP, depending on job availability.
The first year of the CTP is a pilot for Northwest Arkansas, and there are three positions open. Individuals will be selected by the three participating organizations but will be employed by the WCRC during the apprenticeship.
To be eligible for the Conservation Technician Certificate, a one-year apprenticeship is required. The apprenticeship is an hourly, shared, one-year position that focuses on outdoor, hands-on restoration techniques.
The Conservation Technician Apprentices will rotate between Watershed Conservation Resource Center (WCRC), Beaver Watershed Alliance (BWA), and Illinois River Watershed Partnership (IRWP), spending eight months with WCRC, two months with BWA, and two months with IRWP. There is no guaranteed employment at the end of the one-year apprenticeship, but there is the potential for full-time employment with WCRC, BWA, or IRWP, depending on job availability.
The first year of the Conservation Training PRogram is a pilot for Northwest Arkansas, and there are three apprentice positions open. Individuals will be selected by a team representing the three participating organizations but will be employed by the WCRC during the apprenticeship.
Ideal candidates for this apprenticeship enjoy working outside in both hot and cold weather, are comfortable working along rivers, forests, and other natural settings, and enjoy hands-on construction work that improves and restores the environment.
Job Duties
The following describes the type of work that apprentices will be conducting at each organization, and day-to-day operations will vary depending on the types of projects each organization is conducting at that time.
Watershed Conservation Resource Center: Assist with installation, planting, and maintenance of vegetation areas at restoration sites including assisting with on-the-ground efforts to maintain areas of new vegetation at stream restoration projects and activities associated with newly constructed restorations of stream channels, riparian areas, and wetlands. Day-to-day activities may include:
Beaver Watershed Alliance: Gain hands-on experience and build skills in forestry, habitat restoration, and land management, while protecting Northwest Arkansas’s drinking water source, Beaver Lake. Day-to-day activities may include:
Illinois River Watershed Partnership: Assist with the identification and removal of plant species using appropriate techniques and safety practices. Support restoration efforts through field data collection and community engagement. Day-to-day activities may include:
Requirements
Desired Attributes
Work Environment
Apprentices will be required to work in several different environments which include:
Compensation
Apprentices will work 40 hours per week and receive a wage of $18 per hour. Some work hours may occur outside of regular office hours to accommodate fieldwork, events, or project needs. Apprentices will receive nine paid holidays in accordance with the WCRC policy and 24 hours of sick leave.
Other Information
The WCRC will accept applications until the position(s) are filled. If you have questions, please email or call Kelley Beth with Watershed Conservation Resource Center at kbpaul@watershedconservation.org or 479-444-1916.
Watershed Conservation Resource Center
Mission Statement: The Watershed Conservation Resource Center strives to protect, conserve, and restore natural resources by utilizing the watershed approach, environmental outreach, providing planning and technical assistance to landowners, communities, and government.
Beaver Watershed Alliance
Mission Statement: To proactively protect, enhance and sustain the water quality of Beaver Lake and the integrity of its watershed.
Illinois River Watershed Partnership
Mission Statement: The Illinois River Watershed Partnership works to improve the integrity of the Illinois River Watershed through public education, outreach, and implementation of conservation and restoration practices throughout the watershed.
Email: Kelley Beth with Watershed Conservation Resource Center at kbpaul@watershedconservation.org
Phone: 479-444-1916
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