WA Conservation Corps looking to fill 300 positions

OLYMPIA - The Department of Ecology's Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) is looking for applicants to fill nearly 300 AmeriCorps service positions in 16 counties across the state.

Local communities rely on WCC to complete environmental projects by forming cost-share agreements with Ecology.

Typical WCC activities include planting trees and vegetation, repairing stream and stream-side habitat, constructing and upgrading trails, building fencing and providing environmental education.

The WCC also helps communities cope with natural disasters by responding to and removing storm, flood, fire and other debris and recruiting and managing emergency response volunteers. In 2012, members assisted with flood response near Ellensburg and wild land firefighting near Entiat.

Most members work in six-member crews, but the WCC also provides opportunities for individuals to serve with natural resource organizations throughout Washington.

The upcoming WCC AmeriCorps service year starts Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 19, 2013. Job seekers can apply at www.ecy.wa.gov/wcc/memberpositions.

In addition, Ecology will be recruiting up to 14 crew supervisor positions to manage new crew members in the field. To apply, go to www.ecy.wa.gov/wcc/supervisor.

The Jobs Now Act also provides opportunities for veterans to serve as part of a new trail crew in Mason County or on urban forestry projects in Clark County.

WCC members earn $9.04 an hour and receive a $5,550 AmeriCorps education award upon completing their service year. The award may be used for student loans or future tuition expenses.

- Staff report