WCC Puget SoundCorps
In 2011, the Washington State Legislature passed
House Bill 1294 folding all existing
Washington Conservation
Corps (WCC) activities into the state
Department of Ecology
(Ecology). This new consolidated program serves the following
state agencies:
A critical part of this multi-agency effort is the creation
of the Puget SoundCorps (PSC) – which is part of the broader WCC
AmeriCorps program administered by Ecology. Puget SoundCorps
crews work on critical projects to help restore and protect
Puget Sound.
SoundCorps is creating jobs while cleaning up state lands across
the 12-county
Puget Sound region. By combining our resources, we are
effectively and efficiently helping carry out the
Puget Sound Partnership’s
Action Agenda – the single playbook for prioritizing and
focusing Puget Sound recovery and protection efforts.
Helping young adults and veterans, benefiting Puget Sound
According to the Washington Department of Employment
Security, the unemployment rate in Washington for young adults,
ages 18 to 25 and veterans returning from war is nearly 20
percent.
The Puget SoundCorps employs young adults and
veterans –
building their job skills while they earn money to continue
their education and help clean up Puget Sound.
Example work
The Puget SoundCorps does a wide array of work activities
including:
- Removing creosote-treated wood, bulkheads and other
shoreline structures that damage habitat and pollute Puget
Sound.
- Restoring habitat at toxic cleanup sites.
- Repairing stream and streamside habitat damaged by
unlawful uses of public lands.
- Removing invasive species.
- Helping remove barriers for fish, and characterizing
stream, habitat and pollution issues.
- Repairing and removing forest roads to keep our streams
free from sediments.
- Conducting educational activities that help support the
Puget Sound Partnership
Eligibility
Puget SoundCorps accepts 18-25 year olds* who are willing to
work hard. Previous experience is not required. SoundCorps
members must provide their own transportation and living
accommodations.
Training/ Education
All SoundCorps members receive first aid and career skills
training. They also get specialized training to help assess
wetlands, use electronic equipment, fight fires and support
other types of emergency incidents. Members who complete a year
of service receive a $5,550 AmeriCorps Education Award that can
be used for future tuition expenses or repaying student loans.
Work Schedule
Puget SoundCorps crews typically work 40 hours per week 7am –
5:30pm (Monday through Thursday).
Service Assignments and Locations
The Puget SoundCorps consist of five person crews working in
various locations, (five
members and a supervisor) based upon their interests, location
and availability.
Compensation
SoundCorps members earn the state minimum wage (currently
$9.04 an hour) and receive a $5,550 AmeriCorps Education Award
upon completion. They also receive medical benefits and
educational loan forbearance is available on qualified loans
serving in the Puget SoundCorps.
How to Apply
We accept applications beginning July for full term (12
month) positions with a start date in October. 6-month and
4-month vacancies open in January and April.
Learn more about member positions...
*Age restrictions are based on legislative mandate; limited
exceptions may be made for veterans, leadership positions, and
participants with a sensory or mental disability.
Questions or comments?
Contact WCC.
