Young Adult Conservation Crew Member

BENEFITS: 

• $6,000 living stipend
• $1,956.35 AmeriCorps education Award

position OVERVIEW:  

Build Your Future with Northwest Youth Corps! 

• A Better You: Earn money and potential high school credit while gaining job skills and professional references needed to build your resume. Meet new people and build physical and mental strength while completing conservation projects across the Northwest.
• A Better Planet: Spend weeks working on conservation projects such as tree planting, fuels reduction, invasive plant removal, trail construction, and fencing. Play a vital role in improving public lands and the environment.

Northwest Youth Corps is seeking young adults ages 19-26 to camp, travel, and work together on challenging conservation projects across the Northwest. 

Crew members camp in tents for 10 weeks, traveling to multiple sites across the mountains and forests of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Experienced field staff provide training on projects such as tree planting, fuels reduction, invasive plant removal, and trail construction, using hand and power tools. You join a close-knit team of 4-5 crew members who play a vital role in improving our public lands and the environment. 

This is tough work. We work in all weather. Our projects are hands-on, team-based, and physically demanding. Crews camp together the entire session continuously. On weekends, crews usually go into town to resupply on food, get showers and laundry, and explore the area. Occasionally we have backcountry work deep in the forest for two weeks or more. We value community, connection with others, and mutual support. All training is provided. If you haven’t had access to the outdoors but are interested in growing your skills, come learn with us. 

All crew member positions are AmeriCorps service programs designed to provide hands-on training and experience. Crew alumni often go on to work for land management agencies like the Forest Service or Fish and Wildlife Service, other nonprofits, or in leadership roles with NYC.  

There is also the opportunity to earn a Public Land Corps hiring authority upon program completion, which makes getting a federal job less competitive. Graduates of the program also gain access to our Alumni Network for career development and networking opportunities, and for staying connected with crewmates. Training varies, but may include chainsaw/crosscut certification, trail construction and maintenance techniques, conservation education, driver training, and more. 

QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Age 19-26 (some flexibility for 18-year-olds with prior relevant experience)
• High School Diploma or GED
• Ability to lift 50 lbs., hike several miles, and be on foot for 8-10 hours per day
• Positive mental attitude, flexibility and commitment to success
• Desire to learn and grow
• Excellent judgment
• Ability to listen, give and take feedback
• Desire to go the extra mile to make a positive impact on oneself, others and the environment
• Ability to pass a criminal history background check (NYC will consider qualified applicants with prior criminal legal system involvement in compliance with applicable laws and position requirements)

Northwest Youth Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer.