Urban and Community Forestry Year Round Young Adult Crew Member (WA) - Northwest Youth Corps

POSITION: AmeriCorps Crew Member

LOCATION: Tacoma, WA. Local housing is not provided for this program.

COMPENSATION: Members receive a living allowance $21,600* dispersed in prorated monthly stipends along with a $5,176.50* AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of the program which can be used for college tuition or loans. *2024 Living stipend and Education Award listed. Living stipend and Education Award rates subject to change in 2025.

QUESTIONS/CONTACT: Carson Fleming, Member Services Assistant Manager, carsonf@nwyouthcorps.org

DATES / HOURS: Session runs February 17th - November 7th, 2025. This program is a Monday- Friday (with occasional Tuesday-Saturday) work schedule from 8:00am-4:30pm. All missed days, without a compelling circumstance, must be made up and supporting documentation may be required.

Members must complete a minimum of 1200 hours of service including: work, training, education, and travel time, a 30-minute lunch and at least two breaks each day. Members will receive time off on all NYC holidays (5 days- May 26th, June 19th, July 4th, Sept. 1st, and Oct. 13th) and for two weeks (5/12 and 9/1) during this period.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

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 long hikes to and from the worksite, be 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*).

DESCRIPTION:

Help create robust urban forests that reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and improve public health and well-being.

Northwest Youth Corps is seeking young people aged 19-26 interested in a jobs-training and educational opportunity, working outdoors while making a positive impact on our urban forests. Work completed by this crew will go on to help the development of the urban tree canopy in areas deemed underserved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) crew members will work with 4-5 other members and 1 crew leader to complete urban forest health projects for 36 weeks throughout the Tacoma area.

Experienced field staff provide training and education on urban forestry projects such as tree planting and maintenance, wildfire protection, invasive plant management, and tree surveying. Training and education will be provided for all projects by field staff.

The work is physical and rigorous. Crews work in all weather and terrain and use a variety of hand and power tools in primarily urban areas. A key focus is building leadership and cooperation within the team. Prior experience is not necessary, and all training is provided, but maturity, teamwork, and openness to new challenges are vital.

TRAINING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES (varies by session): Participants are provided with comprehensive training during their term of service. Training will not exceed 20% of total member service hours. Depending on your crew's projects, training MAY cover the following topics:

• USDA Chainsaw Operation and Maintenance
• Brush Cutter Operation and Maintenance
• Power Pole Saw Operation and Maintenance
• Wood Chipper Operation
• Driver (select members only) and Trailer Use
• Tool Use and Maintenance
• Native and Invasive Species Identification
• Pesticide Applicator Training
• Forestry Education including Tree Identification, Proper Tree Planting and Maintenance techniques, Common Health Issues in Trees, Surveying Techniques
• OHSA Training
• UCF Crew members can gain industry-recognized credentials and skills that can be added to their CV/Resume. These will assist Crew members in gaining access to outdoor-related career careers.

* Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Qualifications:

• Age 19+ (some flexibility for 18-year-olds with prior relevant experience)
• 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.