Conservation Crew Member - Spring Young Adult Women's Camping Crew - Northwest Youth Corps

YOUNG ADULT WOMEN'S CAMPING CREW MEMBER - SPRING 2025

POSITION: AmeriCorps Crew Member

LOCATION: Starts and ends in Eugene, OR. Project locations generally include national forests, national parks, and wilderness areas throughout Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Crews can expect to work in one location for multiple weeks at a time. Crew camp together onsite for their entire session, so housing is not required.

COMPENSATION: Members receive a living allowance of $6,000* dispersed in pro-rated monthly increments, along with a $1,956.35 AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of the program which can be used for college tuition or loans. All meals, transportation, and camping locations will be provided at no cost to the member. *2024 Living stipend listed. Living stipend rates subject to change in 2025.

DATES / HOURS: Session runs March 5 - May 16, 2025. Members must complete a minimum of 450 hours of service including: work, training, education, and travel time, and two breaks each day. This is a community-oriented program, so members are required to partake in group activities both after work and on weekends. Many of these non-project work hours do count toward AmeriCorps member service hours, but lunch breaks do not. No vacation time is provided during the 10-week immersive program.

TO APPLY: Please submit an application on our website (https://nwyouthcorps.workbrightats.com) under "Apply Now", which will ask for a resume and short questionnaire, and will send you a confirmation email. For questions, please contact Khalil Caffrey, Member Services Coordinator: khalilc@nwyouthcorps.org.

We are currently reviewing applications for spring programs, so you may not receive a response to your application initially. However, we review applications as they are received, and early applicants are at an advantage.

DESCRIPTION:

Northwest Youth Corps is seeking women ages 19+ to camp, travel, and work together on challenging conservation projects across Oregon.

Applicants must be in good physical condition; capable of working on strenuous, labor-intensive projects as training and work projects often require heavy lifting, constant bending, digging, and hiking long distances to and from the worksite, being on foot for 8-10 hours per day. The applicant must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds (with or without reasonable accommodation).

These crews are designed for young adult women, including cisgender and trans women, with an interest in conservation opportunities and exposure to careers in parks and natural resource management. The crew will carry out conservation projects under the supervision of a trained and experienced female crewleader. In addition to the scheduled work projects, participants will learn more about careers through education provided by NYC staff and project partners, who will also help these young women identify potential pathways to implement their goals.

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+ (some flexibility for 18-year-olds with prior relevant experience)
• Identify as a woman; cisgender and transgender women are welcome
• 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 - Our core purpose is to provide opportunities for youth and young adults to learn, grow, and experience success. We believe diversity is a key source of strength for our communities, and we strive to create a safe and empowering environment for participants from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. We are deeply invested in the success of youth and young adults of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, religions, sexual orientations, economic statuses, or other socio-cultural identifiers.

In accordance with 45CFR 2520.65, AmeriCorps members may not perform prohibited service activities directly or indirectly by recruiting, training, or managing others for the primary purpose of engaging in the activities. Prohibited service activities are outlined in the Service Agreement and AmeriCorps member manual.