1

Oregon Conservation Corps Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Oregon Conservation Corps information

What is the Oregon Conservation Corps?

The Oregon Conservation Corps (OCC) is a state-funded program that provides young adults with opportunities to work on natural resource projects, such as wildfire fuels reduction, habitat restoration, and trail maintenance across Oregon. The OCC aims to reduce wildfire risks, promote environmental stewardship, and provide valuable job training and educational experiences. Members typically work in teams and gain hands-on experience, leadership skills, and certifications that can help them pursue careers in conservation and natural resources.

What types of projects do members of the Oregon Conservation Corps typically work on, and how do these projects impact local communities?

Members of the Oregon Conservation Corps generally engage in hands-on environmental projects such as wildfire fuel reduction, invasive species removal, habitat restoration, and trail maintenance. These projects are often conducted in collaboration with local land management agencies, non-profits, and community organizations. The work not only helps protect Oregon's natural landscapes and wildlife but also contributes to public safety and recreational access. Participants gain valuable field experience, teamwork skills, and a deeper understanding of conservation practices, all of which can open doors to future environmental careers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a member of the Oregon Conservation Corps, and why are they important?

To thrive as a member of the Oregon Conservation Corps, you need a solid understanding of environmental stewardship, basic land management, and physical fitness, often supported by high school completion or equivalent. Familiarity with tools like chainsaws, hand tools, GPS units, and safety equipment is typically required, along with completion of relevant safety training or certifications such as first aid/CPR. Strong teamwork, communication, and adaptability are essential soft skills for working effectively in variable outdoor conditions and diverse teams. These skills and qualities are critical for ensuring safe, effective conservation work that benefits Oregon's landscapes and communities.

What is the difference between Oregon Conservation Corps vs Oregon Conservation Technician?

AspectOregon Conservation CorpsOregon Conservation Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require certifications in first aid or CPRSimilar credentials; often requires basic environmental or conservation training
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in outdoor settings, conservation projects, trail work, habitat restorationField and project-based work, often supporting conservation initiatives
Employer & IndustryState and federal agencies, non-profits, conservation programsGovernment agencies, environmental organizations, conservation projects

The Oregon Conservation Corps and Oregon Conservation Technician roles both involve outdoor conservation work, often with similar credentials and work environments. The Corps typically offers broader program participation, while Technicians focus on specific project support. Both roles serve conservation goals within Oregon's environmental agencies and organizations.

What job categories do people searching Oregon Conservation Corps jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Oregon Conservation Corps jobs in Oregon are:

Infographic showing various Oregon Conservation Corps job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Community Wildfire Protection Crew (CWPC) Member

Northwest Youth Corps

Pendleton, OR

$12.25 - $16/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

POSITION:Community Wildfire Protection Crew (CWPC) Member

LOCATION(S):Serve in communities across Eastern Oregon while working in a camping-based 10-days-on/4-days-off format. Mandatoryinitialtraining in Eugene, OR,with travel providedfrom Eastern Oregon.

Eastern Oregon candidates strongly preferred. Meetup point for the crew located in Pendleton, OR.

BENEFITS OVERVIEW:

  • A total living stipend of $9,000 (before taxes) will be prorated and distributedmonthly. Meals and camping accommodations during workdays are included.
  • A 450-hour AmeriCorps term earning a $1,956.35 education award will be earned at the end of a successfully completed service term.

PROGRAM DATES:

  • Service term: September 22nd- December 18th, 2026
  • Member training: September 22nd-September 25th, 2026. Transportation to training sites will be provided from Pendleton, OR.

https://youtu.be/M5pOO7aZ5rs?si=wfwBDC-0I7rNcU_t Members will be expected to camp as a crew 24/7 with cycles of10 dayson and 4 days off throughout the session in Eastern OR. Meetup point for the crew is Pendleton, OR.

POSITION SUMMARY

Community Wildfire Protection Crew Members create fire-resilient communities and reduce fire risk in high-priority areas whileprovidingworkforce development and career-building opportunities to program participants.

This highly structured immersive program integrates team-based work projects, education, and on-site vocational training into an experience that prioritizes personal development and Wildfirefuelsreductionwork skills.Participants work on physically demandingfuelsreduction projects in all kinds of weather and terrain, creating defensible space around critical infrastructure and homes.

  • We focus intentionally on the concept of community building within our crews, which means we focus on being present with one another and CWPC Crew members do not use cell phones or headphones during work hours (we intentionally "unplug").
  • Participants engage in many group activities each day to help the crew function, including tool maintenance, daily debriefs, formal educational sessions and more.
  • Participants are actively mentored and empowered by their Crew Leader and expected to take on increasing leadership roles within the crew, including acting as a "leader of the day/week" by the end of the program.

Training/Professional Development may cover: Intro to home ignition zone, USDA Chainsaw Operation and Maintenance, Brush Cutter Operation, Power Pole Saw Operation,Wood ChipperOperation, Driver training and Trailer Use, Conservation Tool Use and Maintenance, Defensible Space Training, Work Site Analysis, Conservation Education, Risk Management and Safety Procedures, and more.

Introductory Wildland Firefighter courses may also be completed during the session: IS-100, IS-700, S-130, S-190, L-180. By completing the above course requirements, you will be eligible to complete apacktest (i.e.Red Card). Having your "Red Card" will qualify you for employment as a Wildland Firefighter (NWCG Firefighter 2).

POSITION DETAILS

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Safety is the number one priority in everything we do, including work, education, and recreation.
  • Work Project Participation: CWPC members will be part of a crew with up to 5 Crew members, led by one Crew Leader. Crew membersare responsible forthe completion of assigned projects under the direction of their Crew Leader.
  • Development and Education: Crew membersparticipatein informal and formal educational discussions. Each member will create a Participant Success Plan to foster self-improvement and reflection throughout the program.

Position Qualifications and Certifications

  • 19-26 years old (age at enrollment)
  • Desire to learn and grow
  • Positive mental attitude, excellent judgment, and commitment to success
  • Ability to listen, give andtakefeedback
  • Current First Aid/CPR certification, or ability to obtain certification before their participation
  • Commitment to making a positive impactinthe lives of other crew members and the community
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • US citizenship or permanent residency
  • Acceptable criminal history background check
  • Past outdoor work experience preferred
  • While no experience with these isrequired, you should be physically and mentally prepared to:
  • Hike several miles and be on foot for8 hours per day
  • Camp in tentscontinuously without modern conveniences
  • Follow safety protocols
  • Build community with peoplevery differentfrom you

Physical Demands/Work Environment

  • Physical Condition: Applicants in good physical condition, capable of working long hours on strenuous, labor-intensive projects are preferred as NYC's work projects often require heavy lifting, constant bending, digging, and long hikes to and from the worksite.
  • Work Environment: temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the position.
  • Applicants must be prepared to spendmost ofthe time with the crew as thecrewsare expected to remaintogetherweekends/non-working hours.

TO APPLY: Pleasesubmitan applicationon our website (https://nwyouthcorps.workbrightats.com/jobs/1263924) 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.

Northwest Youth Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer.