Northwest Youth Corps
Hiring:
Crew Member, Young Adult Programs
To Apply: Applicants can contact - Rebecca Cashero, Young Adult Recruitment Coordinator, (541)-239-7173 or RebeccaC@nwyouthcorps.org.
NYC’s young adult programs are innovative AmeriCorps service programs designed to provide hands-on training and experience to those interested in pursuing employment with conservation corps, land and water resource management agencies, and other outdoor careers. Our program integrates team-based work projects, education, and on-site vocational training into an experience that prioritizes personal development and conservation work skills.
Locations: Various, but starting and ending in Eugene, OR or Lake Wenatchee, WA
The position is challenging.
Participants work on physically demanding conservation projects in all kinds of weather and terrain.
Our program is a highly structured immersive experience, in an environment that does not allow for much independent time away from the crew, time in “civilization,” or access to electrical power.
We focus intentionally on the concept of community within our crews, which means we focus on being present with one another and do not use cell phones until after 8 PM each evening (we intentionally “unplug”).
Participants engage in many group activities each day to help the crew function, including meal prep, water treatment, and tool maintenance, followed by a family-style dinner and formal educational sessions.
Participants are actively mentored and empowered by their leader and expected to take on increasing leadership roles within the crew, including acting as a “leader of the day/week” by the end of the program.
Through these challenging and rewarding experiences, our programs consistently help members become resilient, disciplined, empathetic, and strong. A high value is placed upon interpersonal dynamics and the development of robust workplace skillsets.
Members receive a living allowance of $2,600 prorated through their term of service, along with earning a $1,638 AmeriCorps Education Award upon the successful completion of the program.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Work Project Participation – Crew Members will be part of a four-person crew led by one staff member. Crew Members are responsible for the safe completion of assigned projects promptly to predetermined specifications under the direction of their Crew Leader. They work closely with program staff and other participants, paying specific attention to safe workplace practices, proper tool use, work quality, and efficiency. Participants will work on high priority conservation projects for land management partners like the Forest Service, BLM, and Bureau of Reclamation. Some crews may be focused on the construction of bridges and kiosks, while others focus on the restoration of at-risk landscapes and watersheds. Other projects may include fuels reduction or GIS mapping and surveys.
Development & Education: - Crew Members participate in informal and formal educational discussions. A Participant Success Plan will be created by each member to foster self-improvement and reflection throughout the program. Participants will have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials.
Required Qualifications:
Desire to learn and grow
19+ years old
High School Diploma, 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
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
Additional Information About Northwest Youth Corps
Since 1984, Northwest Youth Corps (NYC), a non-profit organization, has given tens of thousands of youth and young adults opportunities to learn, grow, and experience success. Through partnerships with conservation agencies, youth and young adults gain the personal and professional skills needed to carry out a variety of stewardship projects, from which they can earn a stipend, high school credit, and/or an AmeriCorps educational award. More importantly, these young people gain skills needed to become economically and socially self-sufficient, benefit their communities as citizen stewards, and recognize that they can make a positive difference. NYC also operates an accredited charter school, internship program, and the Idaho Conservation Corps (ICC).