Join the Corps (U.S. Applicants)
EarthCorps' Corps Program is an intensive year-long training program based in Seattle, WA that combines hands-on field service with a broad, cross-cultural education in environmental restoration. Young people from across the United States join their peers from around the world to learn skills in community building, habitat restoration, and leadership. EarthCorps program participants, known as Corpsmembers, are part of a diverse group of young adults committed to teamwork, service, and personal growth.
Check out our Day in the Life video.
Positions with the Corps:
*Applicants from outside the U.S. should read our International applicants page.
Corpsmember
Crew Leader
Volunteer Specialist
Corpsmember
Corpsmembers spend 80% of their time in the field on a crew of 6-7 young adults performing environmental restoration. A crew leader guides the crew as they complete restoration projects throughout the Puget Sound region (in urban, suburban, and rural settings). Restoration is physically demanding work that takes place outdoors in all weather conditions. Projects can include stream and salmon habitat restoration, erosion control, invasive plant removal, native plant installation, trail construction and maintenance, and volunteer management. Workdays are from 7:30 am - 5:00 pm, and many volunteer events are held on weekends.
Corpsmembers spend 20% of their time in classes, workshops, and field trainings as part of EarthCorps' education program. Education sessions mirror the learning goals of the EarthCorps experience, with curriculum covering basic botany and ecology of the Pacific Northwest, environmental restoration theories and concepts, topics in natural resource management and global environmental issues, leadership skills, and interpersonal and cross-cultural communication. The program includes three or four multi-day, off-site retreats.
Corpsmember Term of Service & Benefits:
• Living stipend of $1120 per month
• $5,550 AmeriCorps education award upon completion of 1,700 hours of service for qualifying participants (awarded at end of program)
• Paid vacation and accrued sick leave
• Health insurance coverage for participants
• No housing provided for U.S. participants
Corpsmember Opportunities:
Corpsmember positions typically run from February through December (10.5 months) each year. Occasionally, shorter-term positions become available throughout the year, depending on the needs of our project staff.
How to apply to become a Corpsmember:
To be considered for a Corpsmember position, email the following to apply
earthcorps.org, with "National Corps Recruitment" in the subject line of your email:
- Application
- Resume
- 2 Reference forms
Application deadline:
The application deadline for the June - December 2012 position is 5/2/12.
The application deadline for the 2013 Corps Program is August 2012. We will begin reviewing applications in July or August 2012 - early applications are kept on file until that time. Complete applications are reviewed in the order they are received, so early submission is recommended to ensure consideration.
Crew Leader
Crew leader positions provide the opportunity for talented, young restoration professionals to refine their leadership skills. The Crew leader position involves project coordination between EarthCorps project managers, the Field Operations Director, and their crew; facilitation of crew safety and well-being, productivity, morale and quality of work; corpsmember training and education in the field; and responsibility for maintaining the objectives of EarthCorps in all endeavors. Crew leaders are typically selected from among program alumni or extremely qualified outside applicants.
Crew Leader Opportunities:
Crew Leader positions typically run from January through December each year. Occasionally, shorter-term positions become available throughout the year, depending on the needs of our project staff.
How to apply to become a Crew Leader:
To be considered for a Crew Leader position, email the following to applyearthcorps.org, with "National Corps Recruitment" in the subject line of your email:
- Resume
- 2 Letters of Reference (see below)
- Applicant Question Responses (see below)
Questions for Reference
Please address the following in your letter of reference:
1. How is the applicant prepared to supervise young adults engaged in physical labor?
2. Describe the applicant’s ability to problem-solve and work independently.
3. Describe how the applicant could motivate, mentor and teach a culturally diverse team.
Questions for Applicant
Please limit your answers to the following questions to one page (in total):
1. Why is EarthCorps a good match for you and how does being a crew leader fit with your professional and personal experiences?
2. Describe your experience supervising and your leadership style.
3. Describe your experience working in a multicultural setting.
Application deadline:
The application deadline for the 2013 Corps Program is August 2012. We will begin reviewing applications in July or August 2012 - early applications are kept on file until that time. Complete applications are reviewed in the order they are received, so early submission is recommended to ensure consideration.
Volunteer Specialist
Volunteer Specialist positions at EarthCorps provide the opportunity for talented, young adults to refine their leadership and volunteer management skills. This position will assist in all aspects of managing volunteer and youth outreach events. Tasks will include volunteer event planning, on-site supervision of volunteers, creating and leading environmental education activities for youth and adults, and maintenance of Volunteer Program tools and materials. Volunteer Specialists are typically selected from among program alumni or extremely qualified outside applicants.
Volunteer Specialist Opportunities:
Volunteer Specialist positions typically run from January through December each year.
How to apply to become a Volunteer Specialist:
To be considered for a Volunteer Specialist position, email the following to applyearthcorps.org, with "National Corps Recruitment" in the subject line of your email:
- Resume
- 2 References
- Applicant Question Responses (see below)
Questions for Applicant
*Please limit your answers to the following questions to one page (in total):
1. Why is EarthCorps a good match for you and how does being a Volunteer Specialist fit with your professional and personal experiences?
2. Please describe your experience leading groups and your leadership style.
3. Describe your independent work style and also how you function in a team setting.
Application deadline:
The application deadline for the 2013 Corps Program is August 2012. We will begin reviewing applications in July or August 2012 - early applications are kept on file until that time. Complete applications are reviewed in the order they are received, so early submission is recommended to ensure consideration.