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Conservation Corps Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Conservation Corps information

See Portland, OR salary details

$33.9K

$39.2K

$44.5K

How much do conservation corps jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for conservation corps in Portland, OR is $39,174.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,600.00 and $40,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Conservation Corps?

Conservation Corps are organizations or programs that engage young adults and volunteers in projects to restore, protect, and improve natural resources and public lands. Participants typically work on activities like trail building, habitat restoration, wildfire prevention, and environmental education. These programs often provide valuable job training, education awards, and opportunities for personal growth while contributing to environmental stewardship. Many Conservation Corps are modeled after the historic Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s and operate at local, state, or national levels. They play a crucial role in maintaining parks, forests, and other public spaces.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Conservation Corps role?

Success in a Conservation Corps position requires physical stamina, teamwork, a basic understanding of environmental stewardship, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand tools, power equipment, GPS devices, and basic safety certifications (such as Wilderness First Aid) is common. Strong communication, adaptability, and a positive attitude toward outdoor work are vital soft skills. These abilities ensure that participants can safely and effectively complete conservation projects while collaborating well with team members and community partners.

What are some common challenges faced by members of a Conservation Corps, and how are they typically addressed?

Members of a Conservation Corps often encounter challenges such as physically demanding outdoor work, unpredictable weather conditions, and adapting to remote or rugged environments. Teams address these challenges through comprehensive training, strong team support, and clear communication. Corps members are encouraged to build resilience, work collaboratively, and follow safety protocols, which not only help them overcome difficulties but also foster personal growth and teamwork skills.

What is the difference between Conservation Corps vs Environmental Technician?

AspectConservation CorpsEnvironmental Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some programs may require basic certificationsAssociate degree or higher in environmental science or related field
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, outdoor conservation projects, community serviceField and laboratory work, data collection, environmental assessments
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, non-profits, conservation organizationsEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies, research institutions

Conservation Corps programs focus on outdoor conservation projects and community service, often requiring minimal formal education. Environmental Technicians typically hold higher education credentials and work in labs or field assessments. Both roles contribute to environmental protection but differ in qualifications and work settings.

What are popular job titles related to Conservation Corps jobs in Portland, OR?

For Conservation Corps jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Conservation Corps jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Conservation Corps job openings:

Infographic showing various Conservation Corps job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,174 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter (Job Corps Fire & Fuels Training Specialist)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Estacada, OR • On-site

$67K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


United States Department Of Agriculture rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

455th of 855 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

These positions are located at Forest Service Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center locations.
Incumbent serves primarily as a Training Specialist for fire and fuels training, vocational instructor for Forestry Practices, and also serves in a variety of fire suppression and Incident Management assignments.
For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Dirk Huber at dirk.huber@usda.gov.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-8 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-7); OR two full years (36 semester/54 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level education or master's degree if the coursework is directly related to the work of the position (such as forestry, range management, agriculture); OR combinations of graduate level education that is directly related to the position (in excess of 18 semester/27 quarter hours) and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.
Examples of specialized experience are: Assisting in the development of fire training and instructional curriculum; performing wildland fire suppression duties; and/or assisting in formulating and developing plans, contracting specifications, and scheduling for well-precedented fire management operations.
For the GW-9 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-8); OR two full years (36 semester/54 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level education or master's degree if the coursework is directly related to the work of the position (such as forestry, range management, agriculture); OR combinations of graduate level education that is directly related to the position (in excess of 18 semester/27 quarter hours) and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.
Examples of specialized experience are: Providing instruction on a variety of fire-related management problems; identifying and procuring the most current information and materials applicable to the jobs, techniques and procedures, for which program courses are intended; and/or determining training needs, job task analysis, and establishing performance standards.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a secondary firefighter position under 5 USC 8336 (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. There is no age limit for entry into secondary positions. Firefighter retirement coverage of the incumbent depends upon his or her individual work history.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:See QUALIFICATIONS section for education requirements.Employment Type: OTHER

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