Community Conservation Crew Member

POSITION: Community Conservation Crew Member – Portland Summer Youth Crews 

DATES: 

• Session 1: 6/15/26-7/17/26
• Session 2: 7/21/26-8/21/26

LOCATION: Portland, OR. Crew members are responsible for arriving at the designated meeting site on time each day (we can provide info on bus and bike routes as needed). Project locations generally include city parks, public lands, and community gardens. 

BENEFITS: 

• Compensation: *$480 weekly stipend (plus $40 potential bonuses), paid to you at the end of the session
• Tuition fee: *$240-300 tuition cost, paid to us; significant financial aid available based on need
• Safety gear, uniforms, and all training provided
• Up to 2 high school credits with school approval

* May change (based on the previous year) 

POSITION OVERIVEW: 

Build Your Future with Northwest Youth Corps! 

• A Better You: Earn money and potential high school credit while gaining job skills and professional references needed to build your resume. Meet new people and build physical and mental strength while completing conservation projects in your own community.
• A Better Planet: Spend weeks working on conservation projects such as tree planting, fuels reduction, invasive plant removal, trail construction, and fencing. Play a vital role in improving your own local community and the environment.

Portland Community Crews (ages 15-18) spend five weeks working on conservation projects, including tree planting, invasive plant removal, trail construction, and fencing. Crews play a vital role in improving green spaces in the greater Portland community and the environment while gaining hands-on skills and work experience to support their professional development. Members work an average of 6.5 to 7 hours a day (depending on travel time) and spend an hour working on a SEED (Something Educational Every Day) lesson. SEED topics typically cover environmental science, career pathways, and leadership development. The potential to earn high school credit is also available. 

By focusing on local projects, members will become more connected and invested in their community and can take pride in the benefits they create for their neighborhood. Our Community Programs are offered each year only in certain communities in the Northwest, and youth must reside in these locations to participate. 

This is tough work. We work in all weather, and our projects are hands-on. We value community, connection with others, and mutual support. All training is provided, and you do not need prior experience to apply. If you haven’t had access to the outdoors but are interested in learning, come join us! 

REQUIREMENTS: 

• Age 15-18 at the start date
• US citizenship or permanent residency
• Positive mental attitude, willingness to learn, and a team player
• Desire to conserve natural spaces and make an impact on the environment
• While no experience with these is required, you should be physically and mentally prepared to:
• Hike several miles and be on foot for 8 hours per day
• Follow safety protocols
• Build community with people very different from you

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of the position. 

Northwest Youth Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer.