*Some workshops are not offered every year and others may be added

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 a minimum of 6 months with WCRC, two months with BWA, two months with IRWP, and two months to be determined. There is no guaranteed employment at the end of the apprenticeship but provides experience for potential for employment with environmental and land management entities. 

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:  

• Assist with plant production at the native plant nursery   
• Installation of erosion control materials (raking/spreading soil and installation of wooden stakes with sledgehammers); some hardscaping involved  
• Removing invasive plant species through chemical and mechanical applications   
• Native vegetation management (planting, irrigation, fertilization, pruning, and thinning)  

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: 

• Assist with outreach and education efforts, including signage installation, community events, and partner engagement.  
• Evaluate and document stream barriers and connectivity issues.   
• Support habitat stewardship by removing invasive plant species using both mechanical and chemical methods (under supervision) and implementing forestry practices.   
• Assist with monitoring restoration efforts by collecting field data and photo documenting.  
• Assist with installation and maintenance of erosion control structures, riparian restoration, modified ponds, and prairie establishment.  

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:  

• Support collecting and documenting field data including vegetation surveys, basic soil and hydrology observations, and site characteristics.  
• Assist with workshops, volunteers, and field demonstrations while interacting with community members, partners, and landowners.  
• Identify common riparian and upland native plants and establish native plants using planting techniques, mulching, using tools and safety precautions  
• Identify and assist with the removal of invasive plant species

Requirements   

• Valid Driver’s license
• 18 years or older   
• Ability to work outside on your feet for a full 8-hour day  
• Willingness to mix and apply herbicide chemicals to invasive plant species  
• Ability to regularly lift and walk easily with 50 pounds  
• Ability to drive throughout Northwest Arkansas to WCRC (Fayetteville), IRWP (Cave Springs), BWA (Elkins), and project sites  

Desired Attributes  

• Self-motivated, hard-working person who enjoys hands-on outdoor work and wants to start a career working outdoors, executing conservation-based projects
• Works well with a team and positively contributes to team goals  
• Maintains respectful behavior, integrity, and a positive attitude  
• Demonstrates dedication and motivation and completes tasks on time  
• Strong interest in ecological restoration and land conservation   

Work Environment  

Apprentices will be required to work in several different environments which include:  

• Occasionally working close to swift and/or deep moving water   
• Loud noise levels in some areas   
• Working closely with heavy equipment  
• Outside weather conditions year-round, including hot summertime weather 
• In natural environments where insects and other natural elements are present 

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.

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.

Beaver Watershed Alliance

Mission Statement: To proactively protect, enhance and sustain the water quality of Beaver Lake and the integrity of its watershed.