WCC Member Positions

Immerse yourself in outdoor environmental projects and cultivate a connection to the Northwest, your teammates, and the unique ecological features that define our region.

Ecology's Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) program provides young adults and military veterans an opportunity to jumpstart their careers and gain hands-on experience in the environmental field. We offer paid service opportunities where members restore critical habitat, build recreational trails, and respond to local and national disasters.

Curious what life in WCC is like? Hear from WCC's Belfair multi-partner crew, based out of the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group office, as they share their experience. Video by WCC member, Emmy Trivette.

Eligibility

• 18-25 years old on the first day of service. Exceptions may be made for applicants who have served or are serving in the U.S. military or who have a sensory or mental disability.
• A U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or Lawful Permanent U.S. Resident. Successful applicants will be asked to undergo criminal history checks.
• Able to commit to a 40-hour service week and a designated service term.
• Able to provide your own living arrangements and transportation to your designated meet-up location.

Priority is given to Washington residents per our legislative mandate. Out-of-state candidates are considered after in-state candidate pools have been exhausted. WCC service is limited to a maximum of two years.

Benefits

During the 2025-2026 service term, WCC members receive:

• A living allowance of $1,455* issued twice a month ($2,910 per month, before taxes). *Positions in King, Snohomish, and Clark counties receive a location-based elevated living allowance of $1,582 issued twice a month ($3,164 per month, before taxes).
• Education benefits, including:
  • AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of the term. Award amounts are $7,395 (full term), $5,176.50 (three-quarter term), and $1,956.35 (quarter term).
  • Forbearance on qualified student loans. Upon successful completion of the term, AmeriCorps will pay interest that accrues on qualified student loans that were put into forbearance while serving in WCC.
• Time off: Full term members may use up to 120 hours of personal time off. Our program calendar also observes state holidays.
• Health insurance: Members are eligible for WCC-offered insurance. WCC pays the monthly insurance premium.
• Mental health services: Members receive mental health services through the Member Assistance Program (MAP).
• Food assistance: Members may qualify for food assistance through the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).
• Childcare assistance: Members may qualify for childcare assistance through the AmeriCorps Childcare Program.
• Pro deals: Access to professional discounts on outdoor gear.

Training

Continued learning is at the heart of our program. In collaboration with our governmental, Tribal, and nonprofit partners, WCC members gain experience in trail construction, restoration planning, tool use, plant identification, environmental monitoring, and volunteer management while receiving mentorship from our experienced crew supervisors.

Along with daily training, WCC organizes a series of formal training events for members. All WCC training events are paid service hours and WCC provides food and lodging when overnight travel is required. Our in-person training conferences are typically held at Cispus Learning Center in Randle, Wash.

Orientation Training Conference

In October, WCC members attend a weeklong orientation training. Orientation sets members up for a successful term and offers an opportunity to network with fellow WCC members and staff from around the state.

During orientation, members typically learn about:

• WCC and our program focus areas: environmental stewardship and disaster response
• Safety topics, including risk management, ergonomics, and first aid/CPR certification
• Conservation topics, including salmon 101, Leave No Trace, and environmental justice

Members starting service in January attend a two-day, virtual orientation during their first week.

March and June Training Conferences

In spring, WCC provides two weeks of career-transferable, professional development training. Members choose from more than a dozen professionally taught courses covering a range of career interests. Most courses lead to professional certification after successful completion.

Course options may include hazardous waste operator (HAZWOPER) certification, swiftwater rescue, wildland firefighting (Red Card) certification, introduction to wetland delineation, ethnobotany, grant writing, wilderness first responder (WFR) certification, wilderness advanced first aid (WAFA) certification, forestry basics, and others.

Noxious Weed Workshops

In the spring, WCC's team of restoration specialists hosts regional noxious weed workshops for members and staff. These one-day, in-person workshops provide networking opportunities with local professionals in noxious weed management and curriculum on noxious weeds, current management practices, and proper use and storage of herbicide.

Assistant Training Conference

Members serving as assistant supervisors attend a weeklong in-person leadership training in November. Assistant training focuses on leadership topics like deep listening, effective facilitation, team building, and defensive driving.

Additional Training Opportunities

Depending on position needs, members may earn additional licenses or certifications in pesticide application, boat operation, incident management, and more. WCC’s project partners and our state commission, Serve Washington, may offer training opportunities beyond those listed here.

Application Timeline

Our service year runs from October to early September. We offer three term lengths throughout the service year.

• Full term: Members start in October and finish in early September. Applications open in late July.
• Three-quarter term: Members start in January and finish in early September. Applications open in November.
• Quarter term: Members start in July and finish in early September. Applications open in April.

Once an application period opens, supervisors conduct interviews on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. We recommend submitting your application early to ensure consideration.

Join our email list to be notified when our application periods open.

Position Types and Locations

WCC offers field crew and individual placement (IP) positions. Field crew members serve on a crew of six (five members and one supervisor) to complete habitat restoration and recreation improvement projects. Four of our field crews are designated as disaster response crews, which are the first to be called when WCC deploys on disaster response. Individual placement members serve individually within a partner organization; assisting biologists, researchers, environmental educators, and others.

Check out our recruitment map to view our crew and IP locations and read detailed position descriptions.

Contact Information

WCC Outreach Team
wccactivities@ecy.wa.gov