Natural Resources Youth Apprenticeship Program
Spokane Conservation District's Natural Resources Youth Apprenticeship Program
Ready to Kickstart Your Environmental Career?
Are you a recent high school graduate aged 18-25? Eager to dive into the world of environmental and natural resource management? Look no further! Spokane Conservation District's Natural Resources Youth Apprenticeship Program offers the perfect opportunity for you to get hands-on experience in the field while earning your AAS degree from Spokane Community College.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
🌍 Gain Practical Experience: Dive into real-word learning. Get hands-on with environmental practices and make a difference in our community.
🤝 Community Engagement: Work closely with other local organizations and community members, you’ll get to see the direct impact of your efforts on the places and people around you.
🎓 Earn While You Learn: Get paid to learn! Tuition at SCC is paid for through the program. Our apprentices will also receive competitive compensation, ensuring financial support as you pursue your degree.
💼 Forge Career Connections: Network with industry professionals and mentors who can offer invaluable guidance and opportunities for future employment.
About Spokane Conservation District
At Spokane Conservation District (SCD), we are committed to addressing environmental justice issues in our community. One of our key initiatives focuses on increasing tree canopy coverage in low-income neighborhoods within Spokane County, Washington. We recognize the importance of trees for environmental health, the well-being of residents, and the overall quality of life.
For Recent High School Graduates
We are Seeking 8 High School Graduates to Begin the Summer of 2024!
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Do you want to explore career paths in environmental science and conservation? Our apprenticeship program might be the perfect opportunity for you! As a participant, you will:
- Work with experienced professionals in tree planting, planning, and maintenance.
- Earn a stipend to pay for books and tuition at Spokane Community College toward your AAS Degree.
- Gain valuable skills and experience over three summers.
Click here for information about their Arboriculture/Urban Forestry Program.
Click here for information about their Natural Resource Program.
For Residential/Business Owners
Do you own property in an underprivileged community within Spokane County? Are you interested in planting trees on your property to improve the environment and enhance your neighborhood?
By Partnering with SCD, you can:
- Receive assistance with tree planning, planting, and maintenance.
- Contribute to the beautification and sustainability of your community.
- Take a proactive step towards environmental stewardship and climate resilience.
To get started, visit our website and fill out the designated form, and we will reach out to discuss how we can support your tree planting goals
CLIMATE & ECONOMIC JUSTICE SCREENING MAP
Your pathway to success
Year One
- By May 31, 2024: Submit your apprenticeship application.
- June - Sept. 2024: Perform apprenticeship projects.
- Fall 2024: Apply for classes at SCC.
- Spring 2025: Have the opportunity to gain additional paid apprenticeship experience.
Year Two
- June - Sept. 2025: Perform apprenticeship projects with increased wages and responsibilities.
- Fall 2025: Apply for classes at SCC.
- Spring 2026: GRADUATE from SCC with your AAS Degree.
Year Three
- June - Sept. 2026: Become a crew leader with increased wages and responsibilities.
- Apply for Natural Resource Jobs or Undergraduate Environmental
Science Program. - Fall 2026: Complete Apprenticeship Program.
FAQs
Where will I work and how much will I earn?
You will work on projects situated in underprivileged communities across Spokane County, reporting daily to the Spokane Conservation District Quarry located at 4422 E. 8th Ave. Spokane Valley, WA 99212. Apprentices will start at $18.00 per hour with an annual increase of up to 2.5%.
Where will I earn my degree?
Your degree in the Environmental Sciences Program will be earned through Spokane Community College.
How much does the program cost?
SCD’s Natural Resources Youth Apprenticeship Program is entirely tuition-free for eligible students.
What does it take to succeed?
Success in the program hinges on a positive attitude, a genuine eagerness to learn, and a passion for increasing canopy coverage and improving native ecosystems.
Will I earn college credits?
Yes, you will earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree.
Why an apprenticeship and natural resources?
This program offers local youth a chance to acquire invaluable experience and education tailored to the pressing job opportunities in natural resources.
What is the job market in natural resources?
The regional demand is high for various positions, including foresters, arborists, urban foresters, utility foresters and arborists, natural area managers, and ecosystem restoration technicians. Throughout the apprenticeship, students will gain practical experience in all of these areas.
What are the minimum qualifications to launch my career in natural resources?
The pathway to launching a career in natural resources typically involves gaining experience and obtaining an AAS Degree.
THIS PROGRAM IS FUNDED BY:
Partners:
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT –
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, and American Sign Language) should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, which can be obtained online at https://www.ocio.usda.gov/document/ad-3027, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
(2) Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
(3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov.
If the material is too small to permit the full Non-Discrimination Statement to be included, the material will, at a minimum, include the alternative statement:
“This institution is an equal opportunity provider.”