Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) AmeriCorps Member (Multiple Openings)

State of Washington

WA

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Aged Care, Background Investigation, Childcare, Collective Bargaining, Compensation and Benefits, Conservation, Diversity, Ecology, Emergency Response, Employee Benefits, Firefighting, Flexible Spending Accounts, Forebearance, Gardening, Government, Hand Tools, Health Maintenance, Healthcare, IP (Internet Protocol), Leadership, Loans, Materials Management, Mentoring, Military, Nonprofit, Production Control, Production Support, Recreation, Reimbursement, Resource Management, Risk Management, Scholarship, Scientific Research, Stewardship, Student Loans, Sustainability, Team Player, Training/Teaching, United States Citizen, Use Tax, Willing to Travel
LOCATION
WA
POSTED
7 days ago

Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) AmeriCorps Member (Multiple Openings)

Salary

See Position Description

Location

Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

Job Type

Seasonal

Job Number

2026-SEAAmeriCorps

Department

Dept. of Ecology

Division

Shorelands and Environmental Assistance

Opening Date

07/14/2026

  • Description
  • Benefits

Description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

Please note: These are AmeriCorps member positions serving in an Ecology-sponsored program. Members are not considered Ecology/State employees.

The Shorelands and Environmental Assistance (SEA) program is recruiting Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) AmeriCorps Member positions.

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to serve outdoors completing environmental stewardship projects across Washington State? WCC provides an opportunity for young adults and military veterans to gain hands-on experience, field skills, and professional training, while implementing meaningful service projects. WCC AmeriCorps Members serve on habitat restoration and recreation enhancement projects in partnership with nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies. Projects may include planting native trees and shrubs, building trails, conducting ecological field surveys, reducing wildfire risk in forests, developing and implementing habitat restoration projects, and more.

WCC is a career development program and offers professional mentorship, on-site skills training, and paid professional training opportunities. Networking opportunities abound with project partners from a diverse network of more than 100 federal, local, state, Tribal, and non-profit organizations.

WCC supports a variety of position types. Most members will serve on a field crew of five members led by an experienced crew supervisor who provides training, mentorship, and professional development support. Crew members serve outdoors, in all weather conditions and work as a team to implement projects. Individual Placement members will serve directly within partner organizations on a wide variety of projects including field surveys, education and outreach, research, and others. Members serve in-person, 40 hours per week. The typical schedule is Monday through Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Joining Ecology's Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) means becoming a part of a team committed to protecting and restoring Washington States environment. A term of service in WCC allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state. If you are interested in developing hands-on skills in the natural resource field while serving communities across Washington State, we encourage you to apply for this position.

As an agency, our mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washingtons environment for current and future generations. We invest in our employees and AmeriCorps Members to create and sustain an environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism and accountability.

HOW TO APPLY: Review open positions on the Washington Conservation Corps Locations web map and apply directly online through the WCC Member Application.

Application Timeline:

  • Application closes Thursday, September 24, 2026.
  • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and positions may be filled before the application closes. We encourage you to apply early!

Location Options:

This posting will be used to fill vacancies in the following counties: Chelan, Clallam, Clark, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, King, Kittitas, Mason, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Spokane, Thurston, Whatcom, and Yakima Counties.

What will I earn?

WCC AmeriCorps Members earn a living stipend equal to $2,952 per month ($1,476twice a month, before taxes). *Location-based elevated living allowance available for members with positions based in King, Snohomish, and Clark counties: $3,218 per month ($1,609 twice a month, before taxes).

What benefits are offered?

  • Health Insurance - All WCC members are offered a basic health insurance policy. WCC pays the monthly insurance premium. Members are eligible for insurance coverage on their first day of service.
  • Member Assistance Program - All members are offered free, accessible, and high-quality mental health services.
  • AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of service term, more details in next section.
  • Childcare and Food Assistance - Assistance is available to those who qualify through DSHS and / or the AmeriCorps Childcare Program.
  • Loan forbearance - eligible for deferred payment on qualified loans. Contact your lender to learn if your loan qualifies for National Service forbearance.
  • GED Reimbursement - GED exam fee reimbursement is available for those who successfully pass the exam during their WCC term.
  • Members serving 11-month and nine-month terms will have two weeks paid professional training, including a variety of certifications that WCC offers to both supervisors and members (e.g. Hazwoper, Wildland Firefighting, and Wilderness First Responder).
  • Paid Time Off in addition to observed state holidays and a winter break at the end of December Up to 120 hours for 11-month service term, 90 hours for nine-month service term, and 40 hours for three-month service term.

Educational benefits:

The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award (scholarship) is available to members upon successful completion of service term and required service hours. For the 2025-26 program year, our available terms and scholarship amounts are anticipated to be:

  • Full-term positions (Oct. 1 - Sept.10 / 1,700 hours): $7,395.00
  • Three-quarter-term positions (Jan. 20 - Sept. 10 / 1,200 hours): $5,176.50
  • Quarter-term positions (Jun. 8 - Sept. 10 / 450 hours): $1,956.35

Local efforts... Diverse people... Statewide impacts

Duties

The Shorelands and Environmental Assistance (SEA) program helps communities manage shorelands and wetlands. Our primary focus is on state and local responsibilities for administering Washington state and federally-delegated laws. Our mission is to work in partnership with communities to support healthy watersheds and promote statewide environmental interests.

The SEA programs Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) section is looking to fill AmeriCorps Member positions located across the State of Washington.

Please note: These are AmeriCorps member positions serving in an Ecology-sponsored program. Members are not considered state employees, and are not eligible for state employee benefits.

These are eleven-month service positions that begin October 5, 2026 and end September 15, 2027. Typical schedule will be Monday-Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. but may change based on project requirements.

The positions will serve to complete natural resource assignments. WCC projects focus on habitat enhancement and recreation access enhancement. As a leading AmeriCorps program with a nationally recognized disaster response program, WCC members may serve on deployments to local and national disasters.

Field Crew members serve on a crew of five members:

  • Restoration crews focus on habitat restoration and enhancement projects especially focused on salmon and riparian habitat, such as planting trees and shrubs, removing invasive species, and monitoring and maintaining restoration sites.
  • Trail crews focus on recreation enhancements such as building and maintaining trails, public camping infrastructure, bridges, boardwalks and more.
  • Spike crews travel around the state of Washington to complete both restoration and recreation focused projects. Food and lodging are provided while in travel status.
  • Many crews will complete both habitat restoration and recreation enhancement projects.

Individual Placement (IP) positions offer a variety of opportunities to experience roles directly with environmental professionals to support scientific research, community education, and many other projects.

Duties typically include:

  • Serving outdoors in all weather conditions.
  • Serving in a variety of terrain and habitat types including steep inclines, river and stream banks, forested areas, marshlands, etc.
  • Walking several miles per day and carrying tools and materials. May require lifting and carrying up to 60 pounds repetitively for long periods of time.
  • Using hand tools, such as shovels, hoes, rakes, hammers and axes.
  • Operating small power tools, such as chainsaws, brush cutters, drills, augers, and more.
  • Crew members will take on roles to support production tracking, communications, education, safety, materials management, and other essential roles.
  • Individual placement members may support a combination of indoor and outdoor projects.

Working Conditions - this position may require:

  • Travelling overnight to accomplish assignments.
  • Serving in excess of 40 hours per week.
  • Serving in inclement weather.
  • Travelling over rough terrain and wilderness areas.
  • Lifting 60 pounds repetitively for extended periods of time.
  • Serving four (4) or eight (8) consecutive days in travel status.
  • Deploying to natural disaster areas in an emergency response capacity for up to 30 consecutive days.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • Must be 18 - 25 years old, with exceptions for those with military service or mental or sensory disabilities.
  • AmeriCorps Eligibility: U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or Lawful Permanent U.S. Resident Alien.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Preference is given to Washington State residents per WCC's legislation.

Special Requirements / Conditions of Employment:

  • Prior to enrollment, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude enrollment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

For more information about the Washington Conservation Corps, please visit the following: AmeriCorps member positions - Washington State Department of Ecology and Chapter 43.220 RCW: WASHINGTON CONSERVATION CORPS.

HOW TO APPLY:

Review open positions on the Washington Conservation Corps Locations web map and general position description. Apply directly online through the WCC Member Application.

Supplemental Information

Other Information:

If you need assistance applying for this job, please call our team at (360) 407-7248 or e-mail wccactivities@ecy.wa.gov.

The act of submitting application materials electronically is considered affirmation that the information is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information and any untruthful or misleading answers are cause for rejection of your application or dismissal if enrolled.

The Washington State Department of Ecology is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 407-7248. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov

About the Company

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State of Washington