Are you passionate about inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders? Translate your passion to action with YMCA Earth Service Corps (YESC).

YESC is seeking to fill multiple AmeriCorps community service positions to start in September 2024. To apply, please visit the My AmeriCorps - Home Page.

Please apply directly on MyAmeriCorps and not through the YMCA of Greater Seattle website. 

Program Description

YMCA Earth Service Corps is leadership through environmental service. The
mission of YESC is to empower young people to become effective, responsible, global citizens by
providing opportunities for service-learning, environmental education, and cross-cultural
awareness. Program Instructors serving with YMCA Earth Service Corps will play a crucial role in
delivering high quality positive youth development programming to teens in the Greater Seattle
Area. YESC is a multi-faceted program that combines school-based environmental clubs, service
learning projects, outdoor opportunities, and regional environmental education events into a
comprehensive model that minimizes barriers to participation and allows for engagement of diverse
populations across socioeconomic, race, ethnic, gender & sexual identity, and geographic spectra.

Position Description:

Each Program Instructor will mentor and develop youth leaders through the
implementation of youth-directed school-based clubs that provide opportunities for environmental
service and skill development which instill confidence, build character, and support youth in
reaching their fullest potential. Program Instructors will foster strong relationships, empower youth
to be effective leaders, and engage them in outdoor experiences and hands-on volunteerism that
increases environmental knowledge, instills stewardship behaviors, and addresses the
environmental issues facing the Puget Sound community.

Program Instructors will:

• Serve weekly with 5-6 middle or high school environmental service clubs over the course of
the school year by facilitating environmental and service experiences, mentoring youth,
fostering relationships, connecting with volunteer Club Advisors, and recruiting teen
participants.
• Mentor teens as the youth initiate, plan and implement environmental service-learning
projects in their schools, neighborhoods, and communities.
• Plan and facilitate regional environmental projects including habitat restoration; outdoor
opportunities including day hikes, snowshoeing, and kayaking; and educational field trips
that foster strong connections between youth and the natural world.
• Collaborate to plan four large-scale regional events including two 150+ person
environmental conferences and two overnight Eco-Retreats.
• Collaborate with staff, teen participants, and volunteers to enhance and improve
programming through the development of new curriculum, resources and community
partnerships.
• Maintain strong relationships with existing community partners and engage new community
partners to support and advance youth experience.
• Manage social media platforms, create content, and represent the YMCA brand to engage
YESC audiences and recruit youth participants to the program.

Program Instructors will be based at the Cascade People’s Center in Seattle while spending time
each day traveling to schools in neighboring cities and throughout the Puget Sound. This position
will require willingness to engage in outdoor program activities such as habitat restoration, service
projects, hikes, kayaking, snowshoeing, etc. in all weather conditions. Training is provided for these
activities. Some evening and weekend hours are required. This position may require a vehicle.

Code of Conduct for Applicants

Benefits:

• Training, experience and professional development, including and not limited to: facilitation,
participant-centered youth development and mentorship, office and administrative skills,
wilderness skills, Pacific Northwest ecology, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, First Aid & CPR, Y
Mini-Bus Driver Training, and Teen Abuse Prevention Training
• Connections to Puget Sound and King County area environmental and educational
organizations
• Strong and supportive service environment and community-minded staff team
• Living stipend of $2,276 per month provided by Washington Service Corps (before
taxes); Washington Service Corps Equity Enhancement increasing the stipend up to $2548
per month available to eligible members
• Student loan forbearance and interest accrual payment (on qualifying loans)
• $7,395 Education Award provided by National Service Trust (upon successful
completion of service term)
• Serving in a full-time AmeriCorps position qualifies as "employment" towards the Public
Service Loan Forgiveness program
• Health Insurance (member only)
• Monthly Food Assistance (if qualified)
• Subsidized childcare provided by GAP Solutions Inc. (if qualified)
• Monthly ORCA Transit Pass and Mileage Reimbursement
• YMCA Membership
• Access to discounted gear and equipment through pro deals

Application: 

Interested individuals must apply through the AmeriCorps National posting: My AmeriCorps - Home Page For more information about YMCA Earth Service Corps or the position, please contact us at yesc@seattleymca.org or 206-587-6116.

Eligibility:

Applicants must be at least 21 years old. For more information on the AmeriCorps program, visit www.americorps.gov.

For more information about YESC’s positions and other positions available through the YMCA’s Camping and Outdoor Leadership Branch, visit www.campingandoutdoorleadership.org.