Northwest Youth Corps’ Conservation Internship Program provides training and hands-on experience with land and water resource management agencies, such as the National Park Service, United States Forest Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, State Organizations and Non-Profits, in Idaho, Northern California, Oregon and Washington.


Video showcasing Northwest Youth Corps internship experience and partnership with Lewis and Clark National Historical Park
Join the Conservation Internship Program
The Conservation Internship Program is a cooperative effort between Northwest Youth Corps and partner agencies to provide our participants paid opportunities to acquire the skills needed to qualify for permanent and seasonal employment opportunities while living near and working on public lands.
BENEFITS MAY INCLUDE:
- AmeriCorps Education Award
- Public Lands Corps Noncompetitive Hiring Authority
- USFS Direct Hire Authority
- Housing
- Health Insurance
- Worker’s Compensation
- Reimbursement Funding
- Paid Professional Development
Through these partnerships, public agencies and community organizations host a Conservation Intern to directly address pressing community resource needs from 12-weeks to 12 months in duration. Northwest Youth Corps supports the partnership by supplying placement, administrative, and training support.
Our Conservation Intern Program is open to U.S. Citizens and national, or lawful permanent resident aliens of the United States aged 18 or older – current college students and recent graduates are strongly encouraged to apply!
POTENTIAL WORK AREAS MAY INCLUDE:
- Habitat Restoration, Improvement & Impact Mitigation
- Invasive Species Management
- Trail Maintenance and Recreation Infrastructure
- Interpretation and Education of Natural, Cultural and Historical Resources
- Community Engagement and Outreach
Internship Program Areas
USFS RESOURCE ASSISTANT PROGRAM (RAP)
Northwest Youth Corps works in regional partnership with the USDA Forest Service to offer this rigorous, immersive, paid internship program for individuals interested in US Forest Service careers. Through direct training, experience, and exposure, Resource Assistants gain the tools to launch their natural and cultural resource careers. Upon completion of a Resource Assistant Program term, interns are eligible to receive Direct Hire Authority with the United States Forest Service. Preference will be given to the selection of individuals who are enrolled in an institution of higher education or are recent graduates from an institution of higher education, with particular attention given to ensure full representation of women and participants from historically Black, Hispanic, and Native American schools. To learn more about the program, visit the USDA website: USFS Resource Assistants Program
AMERICORPS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs, made up of three primary programs that each take a different approach to improving lives and fostering civic engagement. AmeriCorps positions include an Education Award upon successful completion of a term of service. To learn more, please visit americorps.gov.
CONSERVATION INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
Most of these placements are considered entry-level and require minimal previous experience or education. Each opportunity provides unique hands-on learning experiences relevant to partner agencies. Individual Placement positions may include reimbursement funding, housing, and the Public Lands Corps Noncompetitive Hiring Authority.
Join the Conservation Internship Program
For additional questions or concerns regarding the application process, please contact:
Idaho – Liv Kelley, Internship Program Officer
Phone Number: (208) 805-0325 Email: livk@nwyouthcorps.org
or
Oregon and Washington – Kate Sanders, Internship Program Coordinator
Phone Number: (541) 239-7122 Email: kates@nwyouthcorps.org