Urban And Community Forestry Crew Member- (Or)

URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY (UCF) CREW MEMBER – Spring 2026

POSITION: AmeriCorps Crew Member

LOCATION: Eugene, OR. Local housing is not provided for this program.

COMPENSATION:

Members receive a total stipend of $7,680 (before taxes) dispersed in pro-rated monthly increments, plus an AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,956.35 upon successful completion of the service term of 480 total hours, which can be used for college tuition, loans, trade schools, or outdoor certificates.

DATES / HOURS:

The service term of 480 total hours runs from February 23 through May 15, 2026. This program operates Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-4:30 pm (some variation expected, occasional Tuesday-Friday). Members receive a 30-minute lunch daily that does not count towards required service hours.

All missed days must be made up to complete the service term, and supporting documentation may be required for compelling circumstances.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT: Applicants must be in good physical condition; capable of working on strenuous, labor-intensive projects, as training and work projects often require heavy lifting, constant bending, digging, and being on foot for 8 hours per day. The applicant must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds (with or without reasonable accommodation*).

DESCRIPTION: Help create robust urban forests that reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions to improve public health and well-being.

Northwest Youth Corps is seeking young people aged 19-26 interested in a jobs-training and educational opportunity, working outdoors while making a positive impact on Eugene's urban forests. Work completed by this crew will help develop the urban tree canopy in areas deemed underserved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) crew members will work with four other members and one crew leader to complete urban forest health projects. Experienced field staff provide training and education on urban forestry projects, including tree planting and maintenance, wildfire fuels mitigation, invasive plant management, and tree surveying. Field staff will provide training and education for all projects.

The work is physical and rigorous. Crews work in all weather and terrain and use a variety of hand and power tools in primarily urban areas. A key focus is building leadership and cooperation within the team. Prior experience is not necessary, and all training is provided, but maturity, teamwork, and openness to new challenges are vital.

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Since 1984, Northwest Youth Corps (NYC), a non-profit organization, has given tens of thousands of youths and young adults opportunities to learn, grow, and experience success. Through partnerships with conservation agencies, youth and young adults gain the personal and professional skills needed to carry out a variety of stewardship projects, earning a stipend, high school credit, and/or an AmeriCorps education award.

More importantly, these young people gain skills needed to become economically and socially self-sufficient, benefit their communities as citizen stewards, and recognize that they can make a positive difference. NYC also operates an accredited charter school, internship program, and the Idaho Conservation Corps (ICC).

TRAINING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES (varies by session): Participants are provided with comprehensive training during their term of service. Training will not exceed 20% of total member service hours. Depending on your crew's projects, training MAY cover the following topics:

• USDA Chainsaw Operation and Maintenance (depending on crew assignment)
• Brush Cutter Operation and Maintenance
• Power Pole Saw Operation and Maintenance
• Wood Chipper Operation
• Driver (select members only) and Trailer Use
• Tool Use and Maintenance
• Native and Invasive Species Identification
• Forestry Education, including Tree Identification, Proper Tree Planting and Maintenance techniques, Common Health Issues in Trees, Surveying Techniques
• OHSA Training
• UCF Crew members can gain industry-recognized credentials and skills that can be added to their CV/Resume. These will help Crew members gain access to outdoor-related careers.

* Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 19-26 years old (age at enrollment).
• High School Diploma, GED
• Pass a background check 
• Current First Aid/CPR certification, or applicants must obtain certification before their participation. Reimbursement (up to $35) for this certification may be available upon completion of the session.
• Be able to arrive on time at the pre-designated meeting point for all training and projects
• Desire to learn and grow.
• Positive mental attitude, flexibility, and commitment to success.
• Excellent judgment.
• Ability to listen, give and take feedback.
• Desire to go the extra mile to make a positive impact on oneself, others, and the environment.

TO APPLY: Please submit an application on our website (https://nwyouthcorps.workbrightats.com) under "Apply Now", which will ask for a resume and short questionnaire, and will send you a confirmation email. For questions, please contact Khalil Caffrey, Member Services Coordinator:

khalilc@nwyouthcorps.org

We review applications as they are received, and early applicants are at an advantage.

Northwest Youth Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our core purpose is to provide opportunities for youth and young adults to learn, grow, and experience success. We strive to create an empowering environment for participants from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. We are deeply invested in the success of youth and young adults of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, religions, sexual orientations, economic statuses, or other socio-cultural identifiers.

In accordance with 45CFR 2520.65, AmeriCorps members may not perform prohibited service activities directly or indirectly by recruiting, training, or managing others for the primary purpose of engaging in the activities. Prohibited service activities are outlined in the Service Agreement and the AmeriCorps member manual.