WCC accepting applications to fill more than 250 positions across the state

The Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) is actively recruiting for over 250 member positions that will begin on Oct. 1, targeting young adults aged 18-25 and military veterans. Participants will engage in essential environmental projects, including invasive species removal and habitat restoration, while gaining valuable hands-on experience. WCC provides professional training opportunities, covering topics like wildland firefighting and hazardous waste operations, enhancing members' career prospects. Established in 1994 through a partnership with AmeriCorps, WCC faces potential challenges due to recent federal funding cuts, which may affect the availability of AmeriCorps-specific benefits.

Despite this uncertainty, the state budget for WCC aims to ensure the program's stability in the upcoming service year. Members typically plant 400,000 native trees and shrubs and improve thousands of acres of habitat annually. With applications now open, interested individuals are encouraged to apply soon, as interviews for field crew positions are conducted on a rolling basis. This program not only supports environmental initiatives but also fosters community engagement and professional development for its members.