can you see yourself working outdoors?
One week, you might be maintaining a forest campground or a fishing access area, the next you might be working in a state Wildlife Area or a Natural Area Preserve, and the next you might be rebuilding a trail or fighting a forest fire. Whatever the project, you will be able to look back at the end of the week, tired and sore, and know that your efforts have made a positive change on the face of the land.
The Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) was established in 1983 and is modeled after the original Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s.
Today, the WCC Program provides an opportunity for young adults (18 to 25) to be a part of the National Service movement while making a difference right here in Washington State.
If you’re up for the challenge, serving a term in the WCC Program can be one of the most rewarding and valuable experiences of your life.
Cooperative Program
The Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife have joined forces to operate a cooperative Washington Conservation Corps Program. Members will serve on small teams within geographic working circles that complete projects for both Departments.
WCC Mission
To conserve and enhance the natural resources of Washington and to help young adults enrich themselves by providing a meaningful work and service experience.
Cooperative Program Objectives
To create collaborative working circles that will enhance the stewardship of state-managed lands, foster positive working relationships between the Departments, and maximize the efforts and Corps member experience of both agencies' WCC Programs.
We are looking for individuals who are committed to completing their term of service, willing to accept challenges, participate as a team player, and have the desire to learn and grow.
Earn, Learn, & Make A Difference
We are looking for young adults who are willing and able to work hard, will interact positively with other Corpsmembers, agency staff and the public, and who are excited about the opportunity to get work experience and make new contacts.
The Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) is an opportunity to make a positive contribution to the stewardship of Washington’s natural resources, while gaining job experience and earning money to go to college or to pay back student loans.
The Cooperative WCC Program currently has teams based in: Spokane County, Okanogan County, Kittitas County, Klickitat County, King County, Skagit County, and Thurston County.
To be eligible
You must be 18 years of age and not yet 26 (eligibility set by state law); be a U.S. citizen (to be eligible for the AmeriCorps Education Award), and be currently living in Washington.
No previous experience is required.
Duties
Members will serve on small teams within geographic working circles that complete projects for both the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife and the Department of Natural Resources.
Terms of service are either six months or one year, depending on location and available funding.
Service projects will focus on increasing the quality and quantity of recreation and public access, and enhancing the stewardship of state-managed lands such as designated Wildlife Areas, Natural Area Preserves, and Natural Resources Conservation Areas.
The work is physically demanding, involving work on various types of terrain and in adverse weather conditions.
The typical work week is Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Some projects may require traveling out of town for up to a week at a time (meals and lodging provided during travel). Emergency response assignments may require longer hours and extended stays.
Benefits
The WCC provides the opportunity for Corpsmembers to learn valuable job skills and receive training while working on environmental stewardship projects. Our training program is comprised of a series of formal trainings and on-the-job learning experiences.
Corpsmembers are paid the current Washington State minimum wage, receive a basic health insurance package, and have the opportunity to earn an AmeriCorps Education Award voucher that can be used to pay for tuition at an institution of higher education (trade schools included) or to pay back qualified student loans.
After successful completion of your WCC service term, you will receive an education award voucher for $4,725 (1 year / 1700-hour service term) or $2,363 (6 month / 900-hour service term) from AmeriCorps. The voucher is good for up to seven years.
In addition to the Education Award, qualified student loans may be placed in Forbearance status during a Corpsmember's term of service. AmeriCorps will pay the interest accrued on the loan(s) for members who successfully complete their term of service.