Washington State Department of Ecology's Washington Conservation Corps is hiring for 2009-2010. Please visit the WCC website to apply for year long positions throughout the state. http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/wcc/ Pierce County positions: Crews: City of Tacoma Crew Contact: Jessica Asplund Telephone: 253-306-2148 Location: Tacoma Email: jasp461@ecy.wa.gov<mailto:jasp461@ecy.wa.gov> Description: This crew works in multiple riparian locations throughout Tacoma, sponsored by the City of Tacoma Public Works department. An average year consists of planting in the winter, maintenance in the early spring, and site clean-up in the fall. Some examples of work include native plant reforestation, mulching, maintenance of salt marshes and river shores, installation of goose and rabbit-proof fence building, and site productivity monitoring. In addition to project work, numerous formal and on-the-job-training opportunities are provided throughout the year. These trainings and events will vary according to individual corpsmember interests. Past experiences have included résumé-building workshops, tree planting with children, and learning about ECO housing. Working with this crew is an admirable way to build job and life skills while working in an outdoor environment. Metro Parks Crew Supervisor: Jessica Asplund Telephone: 253-306-2148 Location: Tacoma Email: jasp461@ecy.wa.gov<mailto:jasp461@ecy.wa.gov> Description: The Metro Parks Tacoma crew will be working in an array of upland riparian, wetland, and meadow locations all maintained by Metro Parks Tacoma. A typical year with this WCC crew will consist of turf conversions and native plantings in the fall through winter and spring, site maintenance beginning in spring and continuing throughout the summer. We will be visiting many of the parks in Tacoma including Point Defiance and the Snake Lake Nature Center. We will also be working cooperatively with park stewards to complete work in Blueberry Park, Oak Tree Park, along Puget Creek, and even have a chance to do some native meadow plantings at Meadow Park Golf Course. The crew will also attend New Member Orientation Training (NMOT), native plant identification, endless on the job training opportunities, and two weeks of formal WCC training. Past opportunities have included: Wilderness First Responder, Wilderness First AID, HAZWOPER, Red Card Wildland Firefighting, Pumps and Saws, Enthnobotany, Proper Functioning Conditions in streams, Wetlands informational course, GIS and GPS. More information: Washington Conservation Corps Tacoma- City of Tacoma 2009-2010 Term [cid:image003.jpg@01CA272D.41AF0080] · Hours--40 hrs/wk Monday-Thursday 7:00am-5:30pm · Start Date: October 5, 2009 End date: September 23, 2010 · Pay: state minimum wage. Currently: $8.55/Hr · Working on a 5-person crew with 1 crew supervisor. CMs must be between 18-25 years old on start date and must be a US citizen. · $4725 AmeriCorps Education Award for completing your contract by September 23, 2009. This award is all or nothing; if you quit mid-term there is no pro-rated award. · 3 weeks of formal training + endless opportunities for on-the-job training. · Medical insurance provided through AmeriCorps. · Student loans may be deferred while in the corps and accrued interest will be paid for upon completion of term. · Child care benefit · Crewmembers must be strong willed with ability to handle harsh environmental settings and strenuous working conditions such as: · Early morning starts-must have reliable transportation to Tacoma · Working outside, every day in all weather conditions: rain, heat, snow. Temperatures ranging from ~20 to 90 degrees. · Thorny plants, stinging bugs. · Intensive exposure to potential allergens, especially pollen. · Working with and around hazardous materials--diesel exhaust, pesticides, gasoline, solvents. · No bathroom facilities on most job sites. · Repetitive work--extended use of weed-whackers, hand pulling weeds, etc. · Some heavy lifting. · Potentially working late to finish projects. · Potentially working/running volunteer events on some Saturdays. · Must have 8-inch, lug sole leather work boots; work pants; watch; and water bottle. · Uniform shirts, raingear, hard hats, and gloves are provided. · Must have an interest in learning both personally and professionally. · Must be willing to work closely on a crew with diverse backgrounds and lifestyles. Approximate Breakdown of Work 35% site maintenance-controlling invasive species 35% planting native species 5-10% Training ~5% working for non-profits in Tacoma area 20% other--construction, erosion control, fencing, watering, etc.