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.

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.

Orientation Training Conference

In October, WCC members attend a weeklong orientation training... (details on topics).

March and June Training Conferences

In spring, WCC provides two weeks of career-transferable, professional development training...

Noxious Weed Workshops

In the spring, WCC's team of restoration specialists hosts regional noxious weed workshops...

Assistant Training Conference

Members serving as assistant supervisors attend a weeklong in-person leadership training in November...

Additional Training Opportunities

Depending on position needs, members may earn additional licenses or certifications...

Application Timeline

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

• 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 June 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.

Position Types and Locations

WCC offers field crew and individual placement (IP) positions. Field crew members serve on a crew of six... Individual placement members serve individually within a partner organization...

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