Northwest Youth Corps’ Conservation Internship Program provides training and hands-on experience with land and water resource management agencies, such as the National Park Service, United States Forest Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, State Organizations and Non-Profits, in Idaho, Oregon and Washington.
Video showcasing Northwest Youth Corps internship experience and partnership with Lewis and Clark National Historical Park
Join the Conservation Internship Program
The Conservation Internship Program is a cooperative effort between Northwest Youth Corps and partner agencies to provide our participants meaningful, paid paraprofessional experiences while living near and working on public lands to advance mission critical work. These opportunities allow emerging professionals to acquire the skills needed to qualify for permanent and seasonal employment and allow agencies to build the next generation of land and water resource management leaders.
BENEFITS MAY INCLUDE:
- AmeriCorps Education Award
- Public Lands Corps Noncompetitive Hiring Authority
- USFS Direct Hire Authority
- Housing
- Health Insurance
- Worker’s Compensation
- Reimbursement Funding
- Paid Professional Development
Through these partnerships, public agencies and community organizations host a Conservation Intern to directly address pressing community resource needs from 12-weeks to 12 months in duration. Northwest Youth Corps supports the partnership by supplying placement, administrative, and training support.
Our Conservation Intern Program is open to U.S. Citizens and national, or lawful permanent resident aliens of the United States aged 18 or older – current college students and recent graduates are strongly encouraged to apply!
POTENTIAL WORK AREAS MAY INCLUDE:
- Habitat Restoration, Improvement & Impact Mitigation
- Invasive Species Management
- Trail Maintenance and Recreation Infrastructure
- Interpretation and Education of Natural, Cultural and Historical Resources
- Community Engagement and Outreach
Internship Paraprofessional programs
CONSERVATION INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
Northwest Youth Corps works in partnership with agencies to provide rigorous, immersive, paid, paraprofessional internships for individuals interested in careers with federal agencies and/or water and land resource management.
Many of these opportunities are considered entry-level (GS3-5 equivalent) and require minimal previous experience or education. Each 12 to 52 week position provides unique hands-on learning opportunities relevant to partner agencies. Upon completion of a 16+ week term, participants are eligible to receive the Public Lands Corps Noncompetitive Hiring Authority with the Department of Agriculture or Department of Interior. Preference will be given to the selection of individuals who are from the local community, enrolled in an institution of higher education or are recent graduates from an institution of higher education, with particular attention given to minority serving institutions ensuring full representation of women and participants from historically Black, Hispanic, Asian American and Native American schools. Positions may include an AmeriCorps education award, reimbursement funding, housing, health insurance, worker’s compensation, paid professional development and the Public Lands Corps Noncompetitive Hiring Authority.
Additionally, Northwest Youth Corps is a partner of AmeriCorps (a network of national service programs, made up of three primary programs that each take a different approach to improving lives and fostering civic engagement). Positions may include opportunities with AmeriCorps that receive an Education Award upon successful completion of a term of service. To learn more, please visit americorps.gov.
RESOURCE ASSISTANT PROGRAM (RAP)
Northwest Youth Corps works in regional partnership with the USDA Forest Service to provide rigorous, immersive, paid, paraprofessional internships for individuals interested in US Forest Service careers. Through a GS5-9 equivalent experience, direct training and exposure, Resource Assistants gain the tools to launch their careers. Upon completion of an 8 to 12 month term, participants are eligible to receive Direct Hire Authority with the United States Forest Service. Preference will be given to the selection of individuals who are enrolled in an institution of higher education or are recent graduates from an institution of higher education, with particular attention given to minority serving institutions ensuring full representation of women and participants from historically Black, Hispanic, Asian American, and Native American schools. Positions may include travel/training/relocation funding, housing, worker’s compensation, health insurance, paid professional development and the Direct Hire Authority.
To learn more about the program, visit the USDA website: USFS Resource Assistants Program
Join the Conservation Internship Program
For additional questions or concerns regarding the application process, please contact:
Idaho – Matthew Schlegel, Internship Program Coordinator
Phone Number: (208) 625-8402 Email: matthews@idahocc.org
Oregon and Washington – Abi Snow, Internship Program Coordinator
Phone Number: (541) 521-3139 Email: abigails@nwyouthcorps.org
Lev Kellendy, Conservation Internship Director
Phone Number: (208) 805-0325 Email: levk@nwyouthcorps.org