Join A Crew
Interested in conservation projects? Want to get paid while earning a scholarship? How about beginning a career in the government or private sector through trainings, certifications, and internships?
Programs Offered
Program Comparison
| Program | Length/Time | Ages | Scholarship |
| UrbanCorps *Currently N/A | One Month/June or July | 14-15 | None |
| Learn and Serve *Currently N/A | One Month/Summer | 6th-9th Grade | 100 Hours = $500 |
| YouthCorps Crew Member | Fall/Winter/Spring/Summer | 16-25yo | 300 Hours = $1000 450 Hours = $1250 900 Hours = $2362 |
| YouthCorps Crew Leader | Fall/Winter/Spring/Summer | 21+yo | 300 Hours = $1000 450 Hours = $1250 900 Hours = $2362 |
| YouthCorps Assistant Crew Leader | Fall/Winter/Spring/Summer | Americorps Eligible | 300 Hours = $1000 450 Hours = $1250 900 Hours = $2362 |
UrbanCorps Crew
*Currently Not Available
UrbanCorps is split into two one-month sessions. The first session takes place in June and the second in July. UrbanCorps crews are composed of 6-8 youth between the ages of 14-15, a Crew Leader, and an assistant Crew Leader.
Learn and Serve
*Currently Not Available
Learn and Serve is a month-long Summer volunteer program, in which participants entering the 6th-9th grade work on community-based service learning projects. The primary focus is on environmental issues and community engagement. In conjunction with service projects formal training and education on skills such as team building, problem solving, environmental education, outdoor living, communication, and trail rehabilitation is provided in the daily sessions. Participants who complete the 100 hours of service will receive a $500 scholarship towards higher education. Apply early because spots are limited!
WCCC Youth Corps
Corpsmembers camp and work in the backcountry of Western Colorado. Corpsmembers earn a wage, plus food and lodging when required to camp at project site. Experiential job training takes place primarily in a backcountry setting and involves, but is not limited to building and maintaining trails and fences, invasive species removal, and habitat restoration. Learn to camp, cook, orienteer, and live in a community setting. Corpsmembers also have the opportunity to earn up to $2,362.50, in addition to an hourly wage, from an AmeriCorps Education Award (restrictions apply).
Roles & Positions
Crew Member
Corpsmembers camp and work in the backcountry of Western Colorado. Corpsmembers earn a wage, plus food and lodging when required to camp at project site. Experiential job training takes place primarily in a backcountry setting and involves, but is not limited to building and maintaining trails and fences, invasive species removal, and habitat restoration. Learn to camp, cook, orienteer, and live in a community setting. Corpsmembers also have the opportunity to earn up to $2,362.50, in addition to an hourly wage, from an AmeriCorps Education Award (restrictions apply).
Duties (Not limited to those listed):
- Must be willing and able to camp at least 3 nights per week
- Must be motivated, responsible, and have a positive attitude
- Willing to cook at camp site when necessary
- Must participate in WCCC education program
Physical Requirements
- Lifting 30-50 lbs
- Hiking up to 8 miles per day
- Run a chainsaw and use hand tools
- Must be able to complete arduous work in adverse weather conditions
Qualifications: No experience necessary! However, you must:
- Be a United states citizen or permanent resident
- Be available full time between the dates specified on the Corpsmember contract
- Be between the ages of 16-25
AmeriCorps Education Award enrollment type:
900 service hours- $2362.50; 450 hours- $1250.00; 300 service hours-$1000.00
Starting Wage: $7.50 per hour
Timeline: To be announced (WCCC operation on a seasonal session schedule)
Deadline: Rolling
Wages and duration of employment are subject to change
Crew Leader
Crew Leaders will lead a crew of 6-10 youth 16-25 years old, along with the aid of an assistant crew leader or crew leader in training, in a ten week work session. The position also requires preparation time and post session clean up. The leader will report to and take direction from the Field and Education Coordinators. Crew leaders are initially paid at a reduced rate while they are trained until regularly demonstrating capacity for successful crew leadership.
Essential Job Duties:
Lead the crews on special work projects such as trail building and maintenance, wildlife habitat restoration, fence building and maintenance, and invasive species removal. The leader is also required to supervise the crews during camping, cooking, recreation, environmental education, and group learning programs. The leader may also work with the other staff in planning recreational and educational activities, interviewing participants, marketing, equipment purchasing and maintenance, and program evaluation.
Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
- Leadership experience preferred, preferably with young adults
- Experience teaching outdoor and/or environmental education curriculum preferred
- Excellent organization and written and oral communication skills
- Passion for an outdoor lifestyle
- Hands-on physical labor experience preferred
- Committed to making a positive difference in youth
- Wilderness First Responder (WFR) preferred
- Current driver’s license with a good driving record
- High School Diploma or GED required; relevant bachelor’s preferred
- Must be 21 years old
Working Environment/Physical Requirements:
This position requires arduous work in adverse weather conditions. Crew leaders must be physically fit and able to lift, bend, carry, push and other heavy physical labor
Materials & Equipment:
The leader is responsible for their own work clothes, all leather boots, sleeping bag and pad. All other equipment will be supplied and will be under the accountability of the leader.
Position Type: Field-based, full-time, temporary
Salary: $11.10 per hour | $9.10 per hour (Initial)
Deadline: Rolling, seasonal session-based
Assistant Crew Leader (In Training)
Assistant Crew Leaders camp and work in the backcountry of Western Colorado. Asst. Crew Leaders earn a wage, plus food and lodging when required to camp at a project site. Experiential job training takes place primarily in a backcountry setting and involves, but is not limited to building and maintaining trails and fences, invasive species removal, and habitat restoration. They will camp, cook, orienteer, and live in a community setting. Asst. Crew Leaders also have the opportunity to earn up to $2362.50, in addition to an hourly wage, from an AmeriCorps Education Award (restrictions apply).
Asst. Crew Leaders also work with the Crew Leader and the Education Coordinator to facilitate implementation of the WCCC Education Curriculum. Asst. Crew Leaders train Corpsmembers in job-related skills in addition to delivering safety preparation instructions and daily debriefing.
Duties (Not limited to those listed):
- Must be willing and able to camp at least 3 nights per week
- Must be motivated, responsible, and have a positive attitude
- Willing to cook at camp site when necessary
- Must be capable of implementing WCCC education program
Physical Requirements:
- Lifting 30-50 lbs
- Hiking up to 8 miles per day
- Run a chainsaw and use hand tools
Qualifications:
- Must have a high school Diploma or GED
- College experience preferred
- Must be eligible for AmeriCorps Award
- Experience teaching outdoor education curriculum preferred
- Must be able to complete arduous work in adverse weather conditions
- Committed to making a positive difference in youth
- Excellent communication skills
AmeriCorps Education Award enrollment type:
900 service hours-$2362.50; 450 hours- $1250.00; 300 service hours-$1000.00
Starting Wage: $8.50 per hour
Timeline: To be announced (WCCC operation on a seasonal session schedule)
Deadline: Rolling
Wages and duration of employment are subject to change
Benefits of Work
AmeriCorps Education Award
Americorps educational awards are available in amounts ranging from $1000.00 – $2362.50. New hires can sign-up to receive an Americorps Education Award on succesful completion of the chosen hours within a one-year time period. Please contact the Educational Coordinator if you have further questions about the Americorps Education Award or other scholarship opportunities.
Educational Benefits
Western Colorado Conservation Corps members receive both formal and informal education in environmental conservation and business expectations. Educational sessions are built into the program and focus on conservational aspects pertinent to the work corps members are conducting. Additionally, corpsmembers are exposed to the wealth of natural beauty on Colorado’s West Slope: working and learning in the ultimate classroom-workplace.
Salary
Salary can vary based on educational training, certifications, etc but start at $7.50/hr for crew members, $9.10-$11.10/hr for crew leaders, and $8.50/hr for Asst. Crew Leaders.
Applications
Please either use the form below to submit application, email completed applications to the Education Coordinator or bring them into our office.
Crew Leader (Youth Corps, Learn & Serve, or UrbanCorps)
Apply to be a Crew Leader or Assistant Crew Leader. (DOC) (PDF)
Crew Member
Summer Learn & Serve Program
Summer UrbanCorps Program
Upload Your Application
FAQs
Where is WCCC?
Our office address is 2818 ½ North Avenue. We are located across from K Mart; our driveway is between Discount Tire and Sound Stage.
How Do I apply?
There are several ways to apply for a job at WCCC. You can download applications from our website by going onto the employment page and selecting the position you are interested in applying for. Applications can be emailed, mailed, faxed, or brought to the office in person. More detailed instructions are on the job description.
What are WCCC’s Office Hours?
The office is open from 7AM to 5 PM from Monday through Thursday.
Is WCCC hiring?
WCCC’s hiring process is rolling. We usually reduce the number of crews working during the winter and increase our numbers during the summer. Most of our interviewing and hiring takes place in the spring in order to prepare for the summer. Although WCCC always accepts applications, you may want to call and ask whether we are hiring before submitting an application.
How many nights per week do Corps members camp?
WCCC has both camping crews and day crews. Camping crews camp Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday night. All crews work 40 hours per week, from 7 AM to 5 PM Monday through Thursday. Corps members are responsible for their own housing arrangements during non-work hours.
Does WCCC provide uniforms, tools, and camping supplies?
We provide hard-hats, eye protection, gloves, and uniforms, as well as all necessary tools. WCCC also provides some camping equipment although Corps members are encouraged to bring their own if possible.
How old do I have to be to be eligible for a Corps member position?
Corps members must be between the ages of 16 and 25. If you are interested in earning the AmeriCorps award, you must be over 17 years old.
Does WCCC only offer seasonal employment?
WCCC views itself as a steppingstone allowing Corps members to reach the next phase in their education or career rather than as a permanent job. However, some Corps members remain at WCCC for multiple seasons and there is the opportunity for promotion to the Senior Corps member position. All employment is contingent on availability of projects.
How are Corps members compensated?
Corps members are paid a starting of wage of $7.50 per hour. By completing WCCC’s 3-phase education program, Corps members may earn up to $0.60 more per hour. Eligible corps members may also earn the AmeriCorps education scholarship.
What qualifications do I need to apply?
Corps members must be US citizens or permanent residents and must available to work during the hours specified above. Corps members must also be able to perform arduous work in adverse conditions as described in the job description.
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