Youth Conservation Corps Program Assistant

Full Job Description

King County Parks is seeking two (2) Program Assistants to support our Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program, from June - August 2026. This is a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about youth development, creating employment pathways, and/or environmental education.

About the Role:

King County Parks Youth Conservation Corps is a summer internship program that provides environmental learning opportunities for high school-aged youth.

The six-week program runs from July 7 - August 13, 2026.

Interns work with King County Parks & Recreation Division staff at multiple Parks locations to better understand the breadth and depth of environmental justice, ecological restoration, and parks and recreation management practices.

Each program assistant will be paired with a Teen Environmental Pathways Coordinator to support a cohort of 12 interns at either our White Center or Skyway location.

This position has a crucial role in ensuring impactful program delivery and a positive experience for the interns and will get to spend a fun and engaging summer with a great group of teens who are curious about local environmental challenges and solutions.

The role is expected to last for three months.

This position follows a hybrid work model, blending remote and in-person work.

About the Team:

The Youth Conservation Corps began in 2021 with the mission to build pathways for a new generation of park and environmental leaders who represent the diversity of King County's communities.

We believe in developing a more diverse environmental field, and this is one strategy to build a more just movement. Learn more at kcpyouthcorps.org and kingcounty.gov/parks.

Commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice:

King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world.

Our True North is to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees.

As a YCC Program Assistant, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity.

Apply now for a rewarding career at the Apply now for a rewarding career at the King County Parks Division of the King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP).

Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities.

Requirements

What You Will Be Doing:

• Support pre-program organization and preparation.
• Lead morning check-ins and afternoon debriefs with the teen interns.
• Drive teen interns to various program sites in a 15-passenger van.
• Mentor and guide teen interns in completing independent projects. Provide ongoing feedback and coaching to teen interns through one-on-one and in groups.
• Assist with morning preparation and end-of-day tasks to ensure organized programming.
• Assist the Program Coordinators in leading high school students in restoration projects at various King County Parks.
• Prepare and maintain program materials, including tools used for restoration activities.

Qualifications

Qualifications You Bring:

• Experience working with high school students or close in age group.
• Experience working with Black, Indigenous, and youth of color teens (age 15 - 18 years old).
• Experience creating, teaching, or supporting educational curriculum and materials focused on environmental stewardship, environmental justice, or climate change.
• Experience building youth programming that centers youth leadership and voice.
• Comfort and skill leading youth outdoors.

Physical Requirements:

• Requires occasional lifting and carrying supplies and equipment up to 50 lbs.
• Requires stooping, standing, sitting or walking depending on nature of program or event.

Workplace Exposures:

• Work includes indoor and outdoor settings. May be exposed to drafts, pollens, inclement weather, and uneven surfaces.

Competencies You Bring:

• Action Oriented: Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Interpersonal Savvy: Relating openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people.
• Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Racially Just: Identify and replace racists systems and structures with anti-racists and pro-equity approaches.
• Manages Ambiguity: Operating effectively, even when things are not certain, or the way forward is not clear.

Required Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid WA State driver’s license at the time of appointment and comfort driving throughout King County.
• Ability to drive youth to various program sites in a 15-passenger van (must be 21 years or older to transport youth in passenger van).
• Current CPR and First Aid training, or ability to obtain with 60 days of hire.

It Would Be Great if You Also Bring:

• Experience with hands-on ecological restoration in parks.
• A nuanced understanding of the intersections of power, privilege, and the environment.

Additional Information

Working Conditions:

Work Location: The Youth Conservation Corps team works in a hybrid model, with days in the office as well as telecommuting.

The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change. The primary onsite location is Sunset District Shop, 13659 18th Ave S, Seatac, WA 98168.

Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely.

The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment.

Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.

Work Schedule: This full-time position works a 40-hour work week from Monday - Thursday, 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM. Alternative schedule options may be discussed. This position is covered under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is overtime eligible.

Union Representation: This position is not represented by a union.

Duration: This recruitment aims to fill two (2) Short Term Temporary (STT) position with an anticipated end date of August 13, 2026. This position is not eligible to participate in the county's benefit program.

Application and Selection Process:

We welcome applications from all qualified applicants. We value diversity, diverse perspectives and life experience and encourage people of all background to apply.

Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness and alignment with the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills essential for this role to determine which candidates may be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews.

To apply, submit a complete application. However, please be aware that cover letters, resumes and other documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.

Who to Contact: For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Jessica Fuqua at jfuqua@kingcounty.gov.

Discover More About the Parks Division: Visit our website and check us out at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Flickr.

Discover More About DNRP: Visit our webs­ite, explore an interactive map of our recent accomplishments and check us out at Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Keeping King County Green News.

Sign up for Job Alerts to be notified of additional career opportunities with King County. Select the Natural Resourcescategory for DNRP opportunities and explore other categories of interest.

Forbes 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 the recruiter listed on this job announcement.