Enjoy using the outdoors as a platform for personal growth and professional skills development!

LOCATION: Tacoma, WA. Local housing is not provided for this program. Project locations generally include parks and natural areas in the Treasure Valley Area. Local housing is not provided for this program. 

DATES / HOURS: The service term of 480 total hours runs from September 21 through December 18, 2026. This program operates Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-4:30 pm (some variation expected, occasional Tuesday-Friday). 

All missed days must be made up to complete the service term, and supporting documentation may be required for compelling circumstances.  

BENEFITS/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES: Members receive a total stipend of $7,680 (before taxes) dispersed in pro-rated monthly increments, plus an AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,956.35 upon successful completion of the service term of 480 total hours, which can be used for college tuition, loans, trade schools, or outdoor certificates.  

UCF Crew members can gain industry-recognized credentials and skills that can be added to their CV/Resume. These will help Crew members gain access to outdoor-related careers. Depending on your crew's projects, training MAY cover the following topics:  

• Brush Cutter Operation and Maintenance 

• Wood Chipper Operation  

• Driver (select members only) and Trailer Use  

• Tool Use and Maintenance  

• Native and Invasive Species Identification  

• Forestry Education, including Tree Identification, Proper Tree Planting and Maintenance techniques, Common Health Issues in Trees, Surveying Techniques  

• OHSA Training  

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:   

Help create robust urban forests that reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions to 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 the South Puget Sound's urban forests. Work completed by this crew will help develop the urban tree canopy in areas deemed underserved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  

Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) crew members will work with four other members and one crew leader to complete urban forest health projects. Experienced field staff provide training and education on urban forestry projects, including tree planting and maintenance, wildfire fuels mitigation, invasive plant management, and tree surveying. Field staff will provide training and education for all projects.  

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.  

QUALIFICATIONS:  

• 19-26 years old (age at enrollment) 

• US citizenship or permanent residency    

• High School Diploma, GED*  

• *If you do not currently hold a High School Diploma or GED, NYC may be able to waive this requirement and provide support under the condition that the GED exam is taken within 60 days of completing the session  

• Pass a background check   

• Current First Aid/CPR certification, or applicants must obtain certification before their participation. Reimbursement (up to $35) for this certification may be available upon completion of the session.  

• Ability to arrive on time at the pre-designated meeting point during all training and service  

• Desire to learn and grow  

• Positive mental attitude, flexibility, and commitment to success  

• Excellent judgment  

• Consistent attendance and punctuality 

• Ability to listen, give and take feedback  

• Desire to go the extra mile to make a positive impact on oneself, others, and the environment  

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 being on foot for 8 hours per day.   

• Physical Condition: Applicants in good physical condition, capable of working long hours on strenuous, labor-intensive projects are preferred as NYC's work projects often require heavy lifting, constant bending, digging, and long hikes to and from the worksite.     

• Work environment: temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.     

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of the position.  

 https://youtu.be/54GELeHYzJE?si=EdVaZV3u5HZ7L2_e 

TO APPLY: Full job description and application can be found here: https://nwyouthcorps.workbrightats.com/pages/opportunitiesbycategory/. For questions, please contact Aggie Ryan, Member Services Coordinator: aggier@nwyouthcorps.org. 

Northwest Youth Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer.