Headwaters Initiative Program (HIP) Regional Mentor and Water Research Specialist

Location: Groveland and Ojai hubs, with project work throughout California, including the Eastern Sierra and Mendocino County. 
Status: Full-time or part-time, depending on program needs and candidate fit. 
Compensation: $26.00 – $36.00 Based on experience and appointment status. 
Benefits: Benefits for eligible employees may include vacation, training/wellness stipends, 401(k) match, long-term disability, short-term disability, and a collaborative team environment. 
Start Date: To be determined. 
Closing Date: Open until filled or as otherwise posted. 

position Summary 
Watershed Progressive (WP) is seeking a HIP Regional Mentor and Water Resource Specialist to support mentorship, field-based project implementation, regional coordination, and program development. This role combines team leadership, technical project support, administrative coordination, and hands-on experience with regenerative landscaping and water management practices. 

Full-Time Appointment 

• Co-lead a designated HIP regional team of interns in day-to-day project installation efforts with the support of the regional project supervisor.
• Build and maintain supportive relationships with HIP team members through mentorship, education, training, role modeling, and advocacy.
• Assist the HIP Director in coordinating and facilitating planned and ad hoc development, training, and mentoring sessions.
• Support and at times lead installation and training related to native, ecologically regenerative, climate-appropriate landscapes, including greywater, stormwater, rainwater, and other low impact design (LID) systems.
• Conduct regular safety meetings and model safe work practices.
• Track schedules and timekeeping and coordinate weekly and daily work schedules with project partners and sponsors.
• Assist with recruiting, interviewing, hiring, performance development, program evaluation, and strategic planning for future HIP direction.
• Maintain healthy working relationships with program partners, including youth corps, agencies, and community organizations.
• Travel as needed to support projects, teams, and program operations.

Part-Time Appointment 

• Remotely oversee regional HIP team project installation efforts and support the regional team leader in supervision, coordination, and installation planning.
• Maintain strong mentoring relationships with HIP team members and support their development through training and advocacy.
• Travel periodically to regional team locations during the course of the program.
• Assist with installation and training related to greywater, stormwater, rainwater, low impact design (LID), and ecological design / green infrastructure projects.
• Support the Program Director with recruiting, interviewing, hiring, mentoring, performance development, evaluation, and strategic planning.

Required Skills and Qualifications 

• Experience in team building, leadership, youth development, and mentoring.
• Field installation experience in water resource management or a related field.
• Strong partnership-building and communication skills, with the ability to represent WP and HIP in alignment with WP’s mission.
• Basic project coordination skills, including reporting, schedule management, workflow planning, and communication of project and program needs.
• Public speaking skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to recognize project-site hazards and support safe decision-making in the field.
• Strong initiative, integrity, and a constructive, collaborative work ethic.
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout California and work outdoors in diverse landscapes and varying weather conditions.

Education and Experience 

• At least 1 year of experience leading or supervising youth in restoration or conservation work; 2 or more years preferred.
• At least 2 years of experience performing water resource management or related field installation work.
• At least 1 year of experience in team building, environmental outdoor education, and/or youth career development; 2 or more years preferred.

About Watershed Progressive 
Watershed Progressive connects communities with their watersheds through integrated strategies for a healthy, resilient future. WP is a consulting and design-build collaborative focused on appropriate water management through regenerative, whole-systems approaches. The team integrates greywater reuse, rainwater harvesting, stormwater management, and ecological design to support water conservation, hazard mitigation, community water security, and watershed health. 

The Headwaters Initiative Program (HIP) offers young adults hands-on experience and training in appropriate and responsible water management practices through regenerative, community-minded approaches. Through relationship building, experiential education, hard work, and mentorship, HIP creates opportunities for vocational and personal development while supporting resilient futures for watersheds and communities. 

How to Apply 
Submit a resume and cover letter to applications@h2oprogressive.com. 
Position inquiries may be directed to Adam Bulla Zamastil at adam@h2oprogressive.com. 
Watershed Progressive is an equal opportunity employer.