Department of Ecology News Release - July 7, 2017

Now recruiting 300 environmental positions for Washington Conservation Corps

Apply now to join Ecology’s Washington Conservation Corps!
OLYMPIA  – 

With a $1.8 million federal AmeriCorps investment, the Department of Ecology is now recruiting for 300 full-time environmental positions across the state to serve in the Washington Conservation Corps (WCC).

This is an opportunity for young adults and military veterans to gain hands-on experience implementing environmental restoration projects, engaging in environmental education, and providing disaster response services for communities across the state.

To experience the wide variety of projects and opportunities WCC crews support, check out pictures and stories on FacebookTwitter,Instagram and Flickr.

“It is incredible to watch our members grow into confident, capable leaders during their service,” said Gordon White, who oversees Ecology’s community conservation for shoreline, wetlands, floodplains and WCC activities. “After they graduate from our program, our alumni are highly desirable candidates for private sector and local non-profit entities, or state and federal employers looking for passionate, dedicated environmental stewards.”

WCC is recruiting young adults ages *18-25, as well as Gulf War Era II veterans, reservists and dependents with no age restrictions. Members will begin their 11-month service term on Oct. 2, 2017.

Apply

To apply, go to www.ecy.wa.gov/wcc.

About WCC

Members plant 1 million trees annually, build or repair more than 400 miles of trail and boardwalk, and respond to local and national disasters. Typical projects range from planting native trees and shrubs along rivers and streams, building or repairing bridges and backcountry trails, or supporting responses to local or national disasters. Positions provide unique leadership opportunities in addition to paid, career-transferable job training.

In addition to career experience, benefits include the AmeriCorps Education Award of $5,815 (scholarship) upon completing 11 months of service, and 1,700 hours. Full-time members are eligible for educational loan forbearance, interest payments, health insurance, and Washington state minimum wage throughout the year.

Beginning in October, WCC AmeriCorps members will join more than 80,000 AmeriCorps members serving in 21,600 locations across the country. These members help communities tackle pressing problems while mobilizing millions of volunteers for the organizations they serve.

More than 1 million individuals across the nation have served in AmeriCorps since it was formed in 1994, providing more than 1.4 billion hours of service and earning more than $3.3 billion in education scholarships to continue their education or pay back student loans.

The $1.8 million AmeriCorps funding for these WCC positions comes from the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that oversees national volunteer service programs.

*Age restrictions are based on legislative mandate; limited exceptions may be made for Gulf War Era II veterans, reservists and dependents or participants with a sensory or mental disability.

Contact:

Contact information

Laura Schlabach
outreach coordinator
360-407-6924