What is the King County Parks Youth Conservation Corps?
King County Parks Youth Conservation Corps is a new internship program that will provide environmental learning opportunities for 10 high school-aged youth.  This is a seven-week program that runs from July 6 –August 20, 2021. Interns will work with King County Parks & Recreation Division staff at multiple Parks locations to better understand the breadth and depth of environmental justice, conservation, environmental stewardship, and parks and recreation management practices. The program will provide growth and learning opportunities, foster positive work relationships, and support youth in experiencing the work life environment.

Why does this program matter? 
The King County Parks Youth Conservation Corps strives to support the career interests of a new generation of environmental leaders who represent the diversity of the King County’s communities.

Who should apply?
We seek individuals interested in learning about parks and the environment.  Prior experience or previous involvement with parks, environmental activities, or similar programs is not required. Populations who are historically underrepresented in environmental leadership careers and land management roles are encouraged to apply. King County and the Parks and Recreation Division values diverse perspectives and life experience and encourages people of all backgrounds to apply,

Individuals interested in joining our team must be committed to racial, social and economic equality for ALL people in King County. We welcome applications from people who will help us consistently demonstrate the values of equity, respect, and partnership.

Duration: This program is seven weeks from Tuesday, July 6 – Friday, August 20, 2021

About King County Parks:  Be a part of King County Parks! King County Parks has evolved from 150 acres in 1938 to more than 28,000 acres. Today, our system consists of more than 200 parks, 175 miles of regional trails, and 215 miles of backcountry trails. Our mission is to steward, enhance and acquire parks to inspire healthy communities. We seek to cultivate strong relationships with community partners to enhance park amenities for all King County residents to enjoy today and for generations to come. Learn more at www.kingcounty.gov/parks.

And check us out on the socials at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Flickr.

To learn more about King County Parks, check out this informational video: More About King County Parks.

Who is Eligible: 

• A rising 10th, 11th, or 12th grade student.
• Applicant must be 15 years old by start of program (7/6/21)

Internship Format: 

• Interns will work 20 hours per week, M-F from 9 am – 1 pm and will involve both in-person and virtual work.
  1. Mondays: In-person
  2. Tuesdays: In-person
  3. Wednesdays: Virtual on Zoom
  4. Thursdays: In-person
  5. Fridays: Independent/Group work on Zoom (in-person options available)
• Interns will report to multiple locations in the White Center area: Steve Cox Memorial Park, White Center Heights Park, Dick Thurnau Memorial Park, and North Shorewood Park.
• Interns will have a 30-minute break each day (on both in-person and virtual days) and should pack a lunch.
• Planned in-person activities may move virtually in response to air quality, weather events, or Covid-19 challenges. Interns should be prepared to work virtually at times. If an intern does not have a computer or internet access, program staff will work to find a solution.

What will interns do? 

• Learn ecological restoration practices through hands-on field experiences.
• Become familiar with land management practices and the multiple facets of a park agency.
• Network with Parks staff, community leaders, and environmental professionals.
• Engage in discussions about the intersections of race and the environment.
• Lead conversations with other interns on self-selected topics.
• Participate in workshops about local environmental challenges.
• Explore solutions to problems impacting human and environmental health.
• Develop and build-upon career skills such as writing, public speaking, and interviewing.

Other Requirements:

• In accordance with Covid-19 public health guidelines, interns will always be required to wear a mask when in-person, practice social distancing, and frequently sanitize hands, tools, and other materials.
• Interns will be responsible for securing their own transportation for all in-person activities. Program staff will work with each intern to identify public transportation options.

Application and Selection Process: Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness including online application, cover letter and resume, and responsiveness to the list of qualifications, skills, and abilities. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews. Applications without the following required materials may not be considered for this position. 

• King County application
• Responses to supplemental questions

Union Representation: This position is not represented.

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Sahar Arbab, Education Coordinator, at sarbab@kingcounty.gov or 206-276-5773

Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State’s best employers. 

Together, with leadership and our employees, we’re changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation’s best places to live, work and play. 

Guided by our “True North“, we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles–we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.