Conservation Internship Program
Northwest Youth Corps’ Conservation Internship Program is designed to provide training and experience to those interested in experiencing hands on, “real work” internships in resource management and interpretation, and for pursuing employment opportunities with land and water resource management agencies, and other outdoor programs. The Conservation Internship Program is a cooperative effort between Northwest Youth Corps and our partners (mostly federal land management agencies) designed to address community, environmental, and resource management projects, needs and initiatives. Through these partnerships, public agencies and community organizations host a Conservation Intern to directly address pressing community resource needs for a three to ten month period. Northwest Youth Corps supports the partnership by supplying placement, administrative, and training support. Our Conservation Intern Program is open to applicants aged 18 or older - current college students and recent graduates are strongly encouraged to apply!
Conservation Interns work on a diverse array of projects, including (but not limited to):
- Improvement and Restoration of Public Lands and Waters
- Habitat Restoration & Impact Mitigation
- Invasive Species Inventory and Treatment
- Trail Maintenance and Recreation Infrastructure
- Interpretation of Natural, Cultural and Historical Resources
- Natural Resource Data Collection
The Internship program is an effective way for Federal, State, and Municipal agencies and non-profit organizations to harness the passion and energy of young adults interested in natural resources, public lands management and stewardship. The program engages the citizen stewards of tomorrow on projects that will help them learn, grow, and gain valuable experience while also providing real work outcomes to the partnering agencies.
Northwest Youth Corps is also working in partnership with the USDA Forest Service to run their national Resource Assistants Program (RAP), which is a 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: https://www.fs.fed.us/working-with-us/volunteers/resource-assistants-program.
- To see available RAP positions in partnership with Northwest Youth Corps, please click here.
Below are all current internship positions available with Northwest Youth Corps in Idaho, Northern California, Oregon and Washington.
OPEN INDIVIDUAL PLACEMENT POSITIONS:
Maintenance Intern
Minidoka National Historic Site | Jerome, ID
Application deadline: Open until filled
Minidoka National Historic Site is recruiting for two 640 HR Maintenance Interns beginning July through October 2022. This internship is located in a National Park Service Unit. The intern will perform simple and routine tasks involved in the maintenance and repair of grounds, exterior structures, buildings, and related utilities, requiring the use of a variety of trade practices associated with occupations such as carpentry, masonry, plumbing, electrical, cement work, painting, and other related trades. Intern may also interact with visitors while performing maintenance work.
Facilities Management Intern
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve | Arco, ID
Application deadline: Open until filled
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve is recruiting two 640 HR Facilities Management Interns beginning May through August 2022. The selected intern will assist with administration of natural resources and facilities at Craters of the Moon National Park, Minidoka National Historic Site, and Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument. The work will be primarily office based with the possibility of assisting the vegetation, wildlife, and facilities programs with field activities if the intern desires.
Visitor Center Interpretation and Education Intern
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park | Seattle, WA
Application deadline: Open until filled
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is recruiting one 16-week (640HR) Visitor Center Interpretation and Education Intern beginning May through September 2022. This position is located at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park - Seattle in Pioneer Square. While the majority of the job is inside, individuals may be needed to attend outdoor activities in conditions varying from warm sunshine to cool, wet, coastal weather. More information about Klondike-Seattle can be found at www.nps.gov/klse.
Interpretation and Education Intern
Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial | Bainbridge Island, WA
Application deadline: Open until filled
Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial is recruiting one Interpretation and Education Intern beginning May through September/October 2022 (Depending on 640-Hour or 800-Hour lengths). The National Park Service is recruiting a summer intern to provide educational and interpretation assistance at the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial. The member will serve with the interpretive and education team within the Visitor Services Division
Community Assessment Specialist Intern
Northwest Youth Corps | Community Wildfire Protection Corps - White City, OR
Application deadline: Open until filled
The CWPC Community Assessment Specialist (CAS) is an important part of field programs at NYC. The CAS implements dynamic aspects of CWPC and plays a key role in coordinating with representatives of the communities CWPC will have crews working in. The CAS will spend the vast majority of their time in the field, working and moving between work sites on a daily basis for the duration of their position. The CAS will perform Site Assessments per CWPC CAS Site Assessment SOP, be responsible for performing quality control of service projects and data collection. They may help staff for the successful and safe implementation of projects as well as provide technical assistance on the worksite. The CAS assists in creating resilient communities in the face of Wildfire.
Interpretation and Education Intern
Nez Perce National Historical Park | Lewiston, ID
Application deadline: Open until filled
Intern will work with park staff to interpret the history and culture of the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) and other park features to visitors of all ages. Intern will research, develop, and present interpretive programs including guided hikes, short programs for tour bus groups, children’s programs including Junior Rangers and possibly other interpretive programs. There may be opportunities to assist park staff in other aspects of park management. Intern may also complete a relevant project.
Trade Skills Intern
Nez Perce National Historical Park | Lewiston, ID
Application deadline: Open until filled
This internship will be learning based, and will provide opportunities for the intern to grow, develop, and apply general facility management skills through a mix of training and participation in park projects and operations. Interns will receive one-on-one mentorship from experienced park staff and will work at a pace that allows an appropriate amount of time for learning, understanding, and skill development. Trade skills learned will include carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and masonry skills. Interns will also focus on career building and professional development skills. This will include resume writing, overview of park operations such as interpretation, natural and cultural resource management, and public engagement/community involvement.
OPEN AMERICORPS POSITIONS:
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.
Outreach and Education Steward Intern
Olympic National Park | Port Angeles, WA
Application deadline: Open until filled
The Olympic National Park is recruiting for one 1040 and one 680 Hour Outreach and Education Steward Intern beginning April/May – October/November (1040HR) or May/June through September/October (680HR). This position is located in the Outreach and Education Branch, Division of Interpretation, Olympic National Park. This position is supervised by the Outreach and Education Specialist and is stationed at the Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles, WA. The selected applicant will work with students, teachers, and community members - facilitating their connections to the remarkable resources protected within Olympic National Park.untry camps. Member will have an opportunity to meet and learn from a variety of park employees representing almost all park programs.
Intern Crew Steward Intern
North Cascades National Park | Marblemount, WA
Application deadline: Open until filled
The North Cascades National Park is recruiting one 680 Hour Trail Crew Steward Intern beginning May through September 2022 to provide recreation and natural resource management assistance North Cascades is the largest of the three National Park Service units which comprise the North Cascades National Park Service Complex. Several national wilderness areas and British Columbia parkland adjoin North Cascades. The selected member will work shoulder to shoulder with the Parks professional trails staff to complete annual trail maintenance and construction on portions of a 360-mile trail system, which includes the maintenance of 100 backcountry camps. Member will have an opportunity to meet and learn from a variety of park employees representing almost all park programs.
Forestry Technician (Developed Recreation/YCC Crew Lead) Intern
Boise National Forest | Idaho City and Mountain Home Ranger Districts, ID
Application deadline: Open until filled
The Boise National Forest, Idaho City and Mountain Home Ranger District is recruiting two 520 Hour Forestry Technician (Developed Recreation/YCC Crew Lead) Interns beginning May 22nd through September 2022. Incumbent will primarily maintain recreation facilities for the first 4 weeks and transition to YCC crew leader for the remaining 8weeks. This placement will typically work four five eight-hour days per week Mondays through Friday. One position will be on the Idaho City Ranger District and the other will be on the Mountain Home Ranger District.
Forestry Technician (Range) Intern
Boise National Forest | Idaho City Ranger District, ID
Application deadline: Open until filled
The Boise National Forest, Idaho City Ranger District is recruiting one 680 Hour Forestry Technician (Range) Intern beginning June 6th through September 2022. Incumbent will primarily assist in Range monitoring and Noxious weed spraying on multiple districts. This placement will typically work four or five eight-hour days per week Mondays through Friday. Position will be on the Idaho City Ranger District.
Forestry Technician (Trail Crew Member) Intern
Boise National Forest | Lowman Ranger District, ID
Application deadline: Open until filled
The Boise National Forest, Lowman Ranger District is recruiting one 520 Hour Forestry Technician (Trail Crew Member) Intern beginning May 22nd through September 2022. Incumbent will primarily maintain (brushing, logging, and construction trail tread) system trails on the NZ of the Boise NF. This placement will typically work four 10-hour days per week Mondays through Thursday.
Timber Sale Preparation Intern
Boise National Forest | Emmett and Idaho City Ranger Districts, ID
Application deadline: Open until filled
The Boise National Forest, Emmett and Idaho City Ranger District is recruiting four 680 Hour Timber Sale Preparation Interns beginning May 8th through September 2022 (dates can be flexible depending on selectee's schedule) with additional weeks available by mutual agreement. Working in Timber Sale Preparation requires knowledge of timber sale layout, harvest systems, equipment capability, and implementing silvicultural prescriptions to meet forest health or fuels reduction goals. An intern in this position will be given an opportunity to work in a variety of aspects of timber sale preparation including sale layout, marking, and cruising timber, and active sale administration. Mentorship and training in these tasks will be provided throughout the season to the candidate selected.
Cultural Resources Management Intern
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers | The Willamette Valley Project - Lowell, OR
Application deadline: Open until filled
The USACE, Willamette Valley Project is recruiting two 480 Hour Cultural Resource Management Interns beginning early/mid-June through August 2022. These positions will assist with cultural resource management at 13 reservoirs that compose the Willamette Valley System.
Natural Resources Steward Intern
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers | Dalles Lock and Dam - Dalles, OR
Application deadline: Open until filled
The USACE, Dalles Lock and Dam is recruiting one 480 Hour Natural Resources Steward Intern beginning June through August 2022. The position will support botany, natural resources, and wildlife habitat management and restoration in the Mid-Columbia region near The Dalles, Oregon. As a natural resource steward, you would assist with management of natural resources at US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) lands along the Columbia River between The Dalles Dam and John Day Dam in both Washington and Oregon.
Forestry Technician (Recreation) Intern
Idaho Panhandle National Forest | St. Maries, ID
Application deadline: Open until filled
The Idaho Panhandle National Forest, St. Joe Ranger District is recruiting two 680 Hour Forestry Technician (Recreation) Interns beginning May 23rd through September 2022. Incumbents will primarily serve in a frontline visitor contact position serving the public at the Emerald Creek Garnet Area, answering questions, and assisting forest visitors. The Emerald Creek Garnet Area is a unique forest recreation site that allows visitors and families to dig for Star Garnets. They are a rare gem found at the Garnet Area and only one other place in the world, India.
Forestry Technician (Recreation) Intern
Idaho Panhandle National Forest | Avery, ID
Application deadline: Open until filled
The Idaho Panhandle National Forest, St. Joe Ranger District is recruiting two 480 Hour Forestry Technician (Recreation) Interns beginning May 23rd through August 2022. Incumbents will perform a variety of work in support of the unit's recreation program along the St. Joe and St. Maries Rivers. The St. Joe River is classified as a Designated Wild & Scenic River from Avery, Idaho up to St. Joe Lake. The St. Joe River has 17 campgrounds ranging in size from 2 to 18 sites, and 9 of those campgrounds are within the St. Joe River Corridor.
Forestry Technician (Trails) Intern
Idaho Panhandle National Forest | Bonners Ferry, ID
Application deadline: Open until filled
The Idaho Panhandle National Forest, Bonners Ferry Ranger District is recruiting one 680 Hour Forestry Technician (Trails and Recreation) Intern beginning May/June through September 2022. Incumbent will primarily maintain trails and recreation facilities on the district. This placement will typically work four ten-hour days per week Mondays through Thursday.
Trail Steward Intern
Trailkeepers of Oregon | South Coast - Brookings, OR
Application deadline: Open until filled
This position will provide trail maintenance and education assistance on hiking trails and trailheads through volunteer engagement of southern Oregon Coast communities. We are seeking a candidate interested in pursuing careers in public lands management and have a desire to work outdoors by engaging the public in trail stewardship experiences. This steward will report to OPRD workstations in the Harris Beach Management Unit 1-2 times per week and work directly with OPRD trail crews/staff on trail maintenance projects. They will also collaborate with TKO staff, volunteers, and OPRD personnel to establish, lead, and document 1-2 weekly trail stewardship events and 1-2 trail ambassador events. This steward will also assist TKO in hosting trail stewardship training and outreach events in the Southern Oregon Coast region.
Trail Steward Intern
Trailkeepers of Oregon | Central Coast Ranger District - Lincoln County, OR
Application deadline: Open until filled
This position will provide trail maintenance assistance on hiking trails through volunteer engagement at three different sites in Oregon. We are seeking candidates interested in pursuing careers in public lands management and have a desire to work outdoors by engaging the public in trail stewardship experiences. This steward will report to FS workstations in the Siuslaw National Forest 1-2 times per week to work directly with FS trail crews/staff on trail maintenance projects. They will also collaborate with TKO staff, volunteers, and FS personnel to coordinate and/or lead 1-2 weekly trail stewardship events and 1-2 trail ambassador events for community volunteers. This steward will also assist TKO in hosting trail stewardship training and outreach events to expand stewardship expertise in the region.
Recreation Trail Technician Intern
Payette National Forest | Cambridge, ID
Application deadline: Open until filled
This position will be part of the West Zone Trail Crew. The West Zone has a diverse Forested landscape stretching from Hells Canyon, along Hells Canyon Reservoir, to high mountain roadless areas on Cuddy and West Mountains. Work will entail trail maintenance and construction projects across the Zone. Work may entail a significant amount of overnight camping.
Biological Technician (Weeds) Intern
Fremont-Winema National Forest | Chiloquin and Silver Lake, OR
Application deadline: Open until filled
The incumbent will be paired with another intern and coordinate with Botany staff to survey, document, map, and treat noxious weed infestations in areas burned in 2021 fire season. This position will typically work four ten-hour days per week (Monday through Thurs). The member will map and document any new invasive plant populations located and record the spread of any pre-existing populations. Surveys will also identify any unique vulnerable habitats and assess how plant communities are recovering from disturbance. The member will collect data using tablets, GIS applications and paper survey forms. Treatment will be completed by interns on small to medium populations as time allows. Treatment methods will include both manual removal and application of herbicide (training provided).
Forestry Technician (Recreation and Trails) Intern
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area | Hood River, OR
Application deadline: Open until filled
Incumbents will perform recreation site operations and maintenance and trail maintenance duties at sites throughout the Scenic Area. This placement will typically work five eight-hour days per week Thursday through Monday. Schedule may be modified as needed for participation in training events.
Forestry Technician (Silviculture) Intern
Payette National Forest | Council, Idaho
Application deadline: Open until filled
Working in silviculture requires some very broad knowledge of site and stand characteristics, insect and disease, forest ecology, and law/policy/regulations in order to prescribe activities on the ground. An intern in this position will be given an opportunity to work in a variety of aspects of silviculture, including reforestation, timber stand improvement (non-commercial thinning), and diagnosis and prescriptions.
Biological Technician (Weeds) Intern
Payette National Forest | New Meadows, Idaho
Application deadline: Open until filled
The incumbent will be paired with a Forest Service Employee to identify, document, map, and treat noxious weed infestations. This position will typically work four ten-hour days per week (Monday through Thurs). The member will conduct field surveys to identify, document, map, and treat noxious weed infestations. The member will collect data using GPS technology, collector, and field maps. They will also assist in the maintenance and inspection of fences.
Biological Technician (Weeds) Intern
Payette National Forest | Council, Idaho
Application deadline: Open until filled
The incumbent will be paired with a Forest Service Employee to identify, document, map, and treat noxious weed infestations. This position will typically work four ten-hour days per week (Monday through Thurs). The member will conduct field surveys to identify, document, map, and treat noxious weed infestations. The member will collect data using GPS technology, collector, and field maps. They will also assist in the maintenance and inspection of fences.
Administrative Technician Intern
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve | Arco, Idaho
Application deadline: Open until filled
The National Park Service, Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve is recruiting for one Administrative Technician Intern that will support all programs at the three National Park Units. The selected intern will assist with administration of Natural and Cultural Resources, Facilities, and Interpretation and Education at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Minidoka National Historic Site, and Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument. The work will be primarily office based with the possibility of assisting the vegetation, wildlife, facilities, and interpretation programs with activities if the intern desires.
Recreation Trail Technician Intern
Payette National Forest | Yellow Pine, Idaho
Application deadline: Open until filled
This position will be embedded as a crew member on a Forest Service Trail and Wilderness Crew in Krassel Ranger District. The District is made up of rugged mountains, densely forested, deep canyons with many wild rivers and high mountain lakes. The duties will entail working as a crew member on a self-contained backpacking crew that performs light and heavy maintenance on the District system trails, including logout and tread repair.
OPEN RESOURCE ASSISTANT POSITIONS:
The Resource Assistants Program is a rigorous, immersive, paid internship program for individuals interested in 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 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: https://www.fs.fed.us/working-with-us/volunteers/resource-assistants-program
Botany Program Resource Assistant
Boise National Forest | Supervisor's Office - Boise, ID
Application deadline: Open until filled
The Botany Program Resource Assistant will support the Botany and Ecology programs on the Boise National Forest. The hired individual will work within the Forest Service botanical resources and ecology programs under the direction of a botanist, Forest Ecologist or other botanical professional. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, botanical resources field surveys for rare plants and invasive species; gathering, managing, and analyzing field data; researching specific topics; producing documentation such as site forms, reports, maps and geospatial data; organizing and managing botanical materials; developing or leading educational/interpretive materials and programs; and stewardship activities.
Reforestation Planning Specialist Resource Assistant
U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Regional Office | Portland, OR
Application deadline: Open until filled
Through a partnership with Northwest Youth Corps, the selected Resource Assistant will serve as the Reforestation Planning Specialist for the Silviculture Program. The Reforestation Planning Specialist will support and assist the Regional Silviculturist in implementation of the REPLANT Act and the Forest Service Reforestation Strategy on Forest Service land in Oregon and Washington. The REPLANT Act requires the Forest Service to address our existing reforestation needs by 2030. The Reforestation Planning Specialist will be one of just two positions in the Regional Office dedicated to the implementation of the REPLANT Act and the Forest Service Reforestation Strategy. However, they regularly interact with a broader set of colleagues in the Forest Service, including Regional Office staff; staff in national forest and ranger district offices across OR and WA; and agency-wide teams working on the REPLANT Act and the Forest Service Reforestation Strategy
Landscape Architect/Sustainable Recreation Planner Resource Assistant
U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Regional Office | Portland, OR
Application deadline: Open until filled
Northwest Youth Corps (NYC) in partnership with the United States Forest Service (USFS) welcomes applications for two Landscape Architect/Sustainable Recreation Planner Resource Assistant position. This is a 26-week full-time work experience from approximately June 1, 2022 to December 1, 2022. Created in 1984 and modeled after the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s, NYC is a non-profit job training and experiential education program for youth and young adults to learn and work in the field of natural resource management. NYC will recruit and hire the selected RA candidate providing personnel and Human Resources needs during the placement. The daily activities of the RA will be primarily under the direction of Forest Service staff.
Communications and Data Specialist Resource Assistant
U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Regional Office | Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail Program - Portland, OR
Application deadline: Open until filled
Northwest Youth Corps (NYC) in partnership with the United States Forest Service (USFS) welcomes applications for a Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail Program Communications and Data Specialist Resource Assistant (RA) (Recreation) position. This is a 26-week full-time work experience from approximately June 1, 2022 to December 1, 2022. Created in 1984 and modeled after the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s, NYC is a non-profit job training and experiential education program for youth and young adults to learn and work in the field of natural resource management. NYC will recruit and hire the selected RA candidate providing personnel and Human Resources needs during the placement. The daily activities of the RA will be primarily under the direction of Forest Service staff.
For questions or concerns regarding the application process, please contact the Internship Program Officer:
Liv Kelley
(208) 805-0325
livk@nwyouthcorps.org