Recruitment is open. The Washington Conservation Corps, a program within the Washington Department of Ecology, opened 300 jobs that will help protect and restore the environment today.

In partnership with AmeriCorps, the WCC provides year-long, full-time member positions statewide for young adults ages 18-25, with no age restrictions for Gulf War Era II veterans, reservists and dependents.*

WCC AmeriCorps members gain valuable, hands-on experience working in the environment. Crews rebuild boardwalks and trails, plant native trees and shrubs, and provide emergency and recovery response for communities in need after natural disasters.

“The WCC is a great pathway for members and our resource for recruiting the next generation of environmental leaders.” said Nick Mott, WCC Director. WCC alumni are prominent in natural resource jobs across Washington state government and the overall Pacific Northwest.

This month, 85 WCC supervisors and AmeriCorps members dispatched to assist with the Sleepy Hollow Fire out of Wenatchee, in addition to working at fires near Lake Spokane and Tonasket. Twenty WCC supervisors and AmeriCorps members have also joined the first response firefighting efforts near Mount Stewart, in northwest Washington. WCC gives its members opportunities to strengthen their skills and help communities at their highest time of need. It truly is a life-changing experience.

In addition to paid training, members receive an AmeriCorps Education Award scholarship of $5,730 upon successful completion of one year service. Full-time members also receive Washington State minimum wage throughout the year, and are eligible for basic medical benefits and educational loan forbearance.

Learn more and apply online: www.ecy.wa.gov/wcc

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