Urban and Community Forestry Crew Member (WA)

URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY (UCF) CREW MEMBER Spring 2026

POSITION: AmeriCorps Crew Member

LOCATION: Tacoma WA Local housing is not provided for this program.

COMPENSATION:

Members receive a total stipend of $7680 (before taxes) dispersed in pro-rated monthly increments.

AmeriCorps Education Award of $1956.35 upon successful completion of the service term of 480 total hours which can be used for college tuition loans trade schools or outdoor certificates.

AmeriCorps term of 450 hours with education award of $1956.35 based on the successful completion of the service term of 480 total hours. Ed awards can be used for a variety educational fees/tuition and student loans.

DATES / HOURS:

Service term of 480 total hours from February 23 through May 15 2026

Monday- Friday (with occasional Tuesday-Saturday). Work schedule is typically 8:00am-4:30pm. Members receive a 30-minute lunch daily that does not count towards required service hours.

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

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 being on foot for 8 hours per day. The applicant must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds (with or without reasonable accommodation*).

DESCRIPTION: Help create robust urban forests that reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and 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 our urban forests. Work completed by this crew will go on to help the development of the urban tree canopy in areas deemed underserved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) crew members will work with 4 other members and 1 crew leader to complete urban forest health projects. Experienced field staff provide training and education on urban forestry projects such as tree planting and maintenance wildfire fuels mitigation invasive plant management and tree surveying. Training and education will be provided for all projects by field staff.

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.

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Since 1984 Northwest Youth Corps (NYC) a non-profit organization has given tens of thousands of youths and young adults opportunities to learn grow and experience success. Through partnerships with conservation agencies youth and young adults gain the personal and professional skills needed to carry out a variety of stewardship projects from which they can earn a stipend high school credit and/or an AmeriCorps education award.

More importantly these young people gain skills needed to become economically and socially self-sufficient benefit their communities as citizen stewards and recognize that they can make a positive difference. NYC also operates an accredited charter school internship program and the Idaho Conservation Corps (ICC).

TRAINING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES (varies by session): Participants are provided with comprehensive training during their term of service. Training will not exceed 20% of total member service hours. Depending on your crews 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
• UCF Crew members can gain industry-recognized credentials and skills that can be added to their CV/Resume. These will assist Crew members in gaining access to outdoor-related career careers.

* Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 19-26 years old (age at enrollment).
• High School Diploma GED
• Pass a background check (applicants with past involvement with the criminal legal system encouraged to apply)
• Current First Aid/CPR certification or applicants must obtain certification before their participation. Reimbursement (up to $35) of this certification may be possible on completion of the session.
• Be able to arrive on time to 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.
• Ability to listen give and take feedback.
• Desire to go the extra mile to make a positive impact on oneself others and the environment.

TO APPLY: Please submit an application on our website () under Apply Now which will ask for a resume and short questionnaire and will send you a confirmation email. For questions please contact Khalil Caffrey Member Services Coordinator: .

We review applications as they are received and early applicants are at an advantage.

Northwest Youth Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our core purpose is to provide opportunities for youth and young adults to learn grow and experience success. We strive to create an empowering environment for participants from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. We are deeply invested in the success of youth and young adults of all races ethnicities gender identities religions sexual orientations economic statuses or other socio-cultural identifiers.

In accordance with 45CFR 2520.65 AmeriCorps members may not perform prohibited service activities directly or indirectly by recruiting training or managing others for the primary purpose of engaging in the activities. Prohibited service activities are outlined in the Service Agreement and AmeriCorps member manual.