~Currently Accepting Applications~
Our next cohorts start on June 15th and September 14th!
This is not a residential program (no housing offered)
Join our AmeriCorps Conservation Program and gain valuable work experience in conservation & natural resources while making a meaningful difference in your community. This is a great opportunity if you are looking to build your resume, earn professional certifications, and enjoy being in the great outdoors of Central Oregon.
9-47 Week Terms of Service Opportunities
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Conservation Crew Member (Ages 17-24)- Bend
Conservation Crew- Bend
Position Description:
High Desert Conservation Corps is a year-round program that offers young adults ages 17-24 opportunities to serve outdoors on natural resource projects around Central Oregon. This is an AmeriCorps term of service where corps members earn professional certifications, learn technical job skills, and serve alongside state and federal agencies on projects focused on fire fuel reduction, invasive species removal, trail work, and more. This is a great opportunity for young adults who are out of school, looking for a gap year, or are interested in a career in natural resources.
Age
Term Length
Pay
Education Award (upon successful completion)
When to Apply
17-24
9 Week Term
5 Days/Week$1,030 biweekly
$4,635 over full term$1,565.08
17-24
14 Week Term
5 Days/Week$1,030 biweekly
$7,210 over full term$1,956.35
17-24
21 Week Term
5 Days/Week$1,030 biweekly
$10,815 over full term$2,817.14
17-24
23 Week Term
3 Days/Week$618 biweekly
$7,210 over full term$1,956.35
Schedule:
9 Week Program (Monday-Friday) 8:00am-4:30pm
14 Week Program (Monday-Friday) 8:00am-4:30pm
21 Week Program (Monday-Friday) 8:00am-4:30 pm
23 Week Program (3 days a week – Flexible) 8:00am-4:30pm
Training Provided:
- CPR/First Aid
- S212 Chainsaw Certification
- Immediately Supervised Pesticide Trainee License
- Fire School Course Certification through ODF
Other Opportunities:
- Professional Development and enrichment activities
- USA Jobs workshop offered by USFS
- Build your resume, cover letter, interview readiness
- Identify and work on personal goals
Qualifications/Requirements:
- Must be between the ages of 17-24.
- Successfully complete state criminal background check, NSOPW check, and FBI fingerprint check (if appropriate) to AmeriCorps and HOC policies. Any individual listed on a sex offender registry, convicted of murder, or anyone who refuses to undergo a criminal history check is ineligible to serve.
- Must be a United States Citizen, United States National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien of the United States and provide a document as proof.
- Provide Social Security Card to verify SSN.
- Birth Certificate and Photo ID
How to Apply: If you are passionate about the outdoors and want to make a difference while having fun, apply now to join our Conservation Crew!
For questions or help with applying please call us at (541) 633-7834
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Conservation Crew Member (Ages 17-24)- Redmond
Conservation Crew- Redmond
Position Description:
High Desert Conservation Corps is a year-round program that offers young adults ages 17-24 opportunities to serve outdoors on natural resource projects around Central Oregon. This is an AmeriCorps term of service where corps members earn professional certifications, learn technical job skills, and serve alongside state and federal agencies on projects focused on fire fuel reduction, invasive species removal, trail work, and more. This is a great opportunity for young adults that are out of school, looking for a gap year, or are interested in a career in natural resources.
Age
Term Length
Pay
Education Award (upon successful completion)
When to Apply
17-24
9 Week Term
5 Days/Week$1,030 biweekly
$4,635 over full term$1,565.08
17-24
14 Week Term
5 Days/Week$1,030 biweekly
$7,210 over full term$1,956.35
17-24
21 Week Term
5 Days/Week$1,030 biweekly
$10,815 over full term$2,817.14
17-24
23 Week Term
3 Days/Week$618 biweekly
$7,210 over full term$1,956.35
Schedule:
9 Week Program (Monday-Friday) 8:00am-4:30pm
14 Week Program (Monday-Friday) 8:00am-4:30pm
21 Week Program (Monday-Friday) 8:00am-4:30 pm
23 Week Program (3 days a week – Flexible) 8:00am-4:30pm
Training Provided:
- CPR/First Aid
- S212 Chainsaw Certification
- Immediately Supervised Pesticide Trainee License
- Fire School Course Certification through ODF
Other Opportunities:
- Professional Development and enrichment activities
- USA Jobs workshop offered by USFS
- Build your resume, cover letter, interview readiness
- Identify and work on personal goals
Qualifications/Requirements:
- Must be between the ages of 17-24.
- Successfully complete state criminal background check, NSOPW check, and FBI fingerprint check (if appropriate) to AmeriCorps and HOC policies. Any individual listed on a sex offender registry, convicted of murder, or anyone who refuses to undergo a criminal history check is ineligible to serve.
- Must be a United States Citizen, United States National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien of the United States and provide a document as proof.
- Provide Social Security Card to verify SSN.
- Birth Certificate and Photo ID
How to Apply: If you are passionate about the outdoors and want to make a difference while having fun, apply now to join our Conservation Crew!
For questions or help with applying please call us at (541) 633-7834
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Conservation Crew Member (Ages 17-24)- Prineville
Conservation Crew- Prineville
Position Description:
High Desert Conservation Corps is a year-round program that offers young adults ages 17-24 opportunities to serve outdoors on natural resource projects around Central Oregon. This is an AmeriCorps term of service where corps members earn professional certifications, learn technical job skills, and serve alongside state and federal agencies on projects focused on fire fuel reduction, invasive species removal, trail work, and more. This is a great opportunity for young adults who are out of school, looking for a gap year, or are interested in a career in natural resources.
Age
Term Length
Pay
Education Award (upon successful completion)
When to Apply
17-24
9 Week Term
5 Days/Week$1,030 biweekly
$4,635 over full term$1,565.08
17-24
14 Week Term
5 Days/Week$1,030 biweekly
$7,210 over full term$1,956.35
17-24
21 Week Term
5 Days/Week$1,030 biweekly
$10,815 over full term$2,817.14
17-24
23 Week Term
3 Days/Week$618 biweekly
$7,210 over full term$1,956.35
Schedule:
9 Week Program (Monday-Friday) 8:00am-4:30pm
14 Week Program (Monday-Friday) 8:00am-4:30pm
21 Week Program (Monday-Friday) 8:00am-4:30 pm
23 Week Program (3 days a week – Flexible) 8:00am-4:30pm
Training Provided:
- CPR/First Aid
- S212 Chainsaw Certification
- Immediately Supervised Pesticide Trainee License
- Fire School Course Certification through ODF
Other Opportunities:
- Professional Development and enrichment activities
- USA Jobs workshop offered by USFS
- Build your resume, cover letter, interview readiness
- Identify and work on personal goals
Qualifications/Requirements:
- Must be between the ages of 17-24.
- Successfully complete state criminal background check, NSOPW check, and FBI fingerprint check (if appropriate) to AmeriCorps and HOC policies. Any individual listed on a sex offender registry, convicted of murder, or anyone who refuses to undergo a criminal history check is ineligible to serve.
- Must be a United States Citizen, United States National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien of the United States and provide a document as proof.
- Provide Social Security Card to verify SSN.
- Birth Certificate and Photo ID
How to Apply: If you are passionate about the outdoors and want to make a difference while having fun, apply now to join our Conservation Crew!
For questions or help with applying please call us at (541) 633-7834
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Conservation Team Leader (Preferred 21+)- Prineville and Bend
High Desert Conservation Corps – Heart of Oregon Corps
📍 Service Locations: Bend, Redmond, or Prineville, OR (Housing is not provided. You must find housing in Central Oregon.)
📅 Term Start: June 2026
⏱ Term Length: 47 weeks | 1700-hour AmeriCorps positionAbout Heart of Oregon Corps
Heart of Oregon Corps (HOC) inspires and empowers positive change in the lives of young people through jobs, education, and stewardship. Through our AmeriCorps program, young adults ages 17–24 complete hands-on conservation projects across Central Oregon while gaining job skills and career pathways.
Each year our crews improve over 1,000 acres of public lands through projects with partners including the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bend Parks & Recreation.
Position Summary
The Conservation Team Leader (CTL) is a full-time AmeriCorps member who serves alongside and supports a crew of young adults completing conservation projects across Central Oregon.
This role combines field-based conservation work, leadership development, and environmental education. CTLs help members understand the “why” behind projects, lead trainings, and support crew culture while gaining valuable hands-on experience in natural resources and youth development.
The CTL serves outdoors approximately 60% of the time and works closely with Crew Leaders and Field Team Leaders to mentor and support participants.
Typical Projects
Crews work on a variety of conservation projects, including:
• Wildfire fuels reduction
• Habitat restoration
• Invasive species management
• Trail construction and maintenance
• Fence construction and repairKey Responsibilities
Serve alongside AmeriCorps members on conservation projects
Mentor and support youth participants (ages 17–24)
Lead environmental education trainings
Facilitate team-building activities and crew meetings
Coordinate career exploration opportunities and guest speakers
Help build a positive, safe, and inclusive crew culture
Support member goal setting and leadership development
Schedule
Most crews operate on one of the following schedules:
Option 1:
Monday – Friday
7:50 AM – 4:30 PMOption 2:
Monday – Thursday
6:50 AM – 5:30 PMSchedules may vary due to weather, projects, or seasonal needs. Occasional overnight projects may occur.
Benefits
AmeriCorps members receive:
💰 Living Allowance: $27,730 (pre-tax, distributed bi-weekly)
🎓 Segal Education Award: $7,395 upon completion
🏥 Health Coverage: Oregon Health Plan (if you qualify)👶 Childcare assistance (if eligible)
📚 Student loan forbearance for qualifying federal loans
🕒 Up to 12 Paid Holidays + 80 hours Sick/Vacation
📚 Professional Training & Certifications, which may include:CPR / First Aid
Wilderness First Aid
Mental Health First Aid
Chainsaw
Crosscut Saw
Oregon Herbicide Applicator
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must:
• Be 19+ years old (21+ preferred for driving requirements)
• Be available for the entire 47-week service term
• Be a U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident
• Pass required background checks
• Be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Lift up to 60 lbs and hike several miles dailyExperience in conservation corps programs, environmental education, outdoor leadership, or natural resources is helpful but not required.
How to Apply
Submit your resume and cover letter to:
Complete the online application here:
https://a101571.socialsolutionsportal.com/apricot-intake/0cfe7b90-8b34-4aa5-9ac6-17fe6cbd25ebHeart of Oregon Corps is an equal opportunity employer; auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Alternative formats are available upon request by contacting recruitment@heartoforegon.org. As a recipient of Federal financial assistance, Heart of Oregon Corps is prohibited from discriminating on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief, and against any beneficiary of programs on the basis of the beneficiary’s citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States.
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Field Team Leader (Preferred 21+)- Prineville and Redmond
Location: Bend, Redmond, or Prineville, Oregon (Housing is not provided. You must find housing in Central Oregon.)
Service Term: 47 weeks (1700-hour AmeriCorps term)
Start Date: June 2026
Status: Full-Time AmeriCorps Member PositionAbout Heart of Oregon Corps
Heart of Oregon Corps inspires and empowers positive change in the lives of young people through jobs, education, and stewardship. Our High Desert Conservation Corps (HDCC) program engages young adults ages 17–24 in hands-on conservation service projects across Central Oregon.
HDCC crews partner with organizations like the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bend Park & Recreation District to complete projects such as:
🌿 Habitat restoration
🔥 Fire fuels reduction
🥾 Trail maintenance
🌾 Invasive species management
🛠 Fencing and land stewardship projectsPosition Overview
The AmeriCorps Field Team Leader (FTL) is a leadership role that supports and mentors a crew of young adults completing conservation projects across Central Oregon.
FTLs help coordinate daily project work, model strong teamwork, and support crew development while gaining valuable leadership and natural resource management experience.
You will work with the Crew Leader and gradually take on more leadership responsibility—including leading the crew independently on project days after training.
🌤 About 90% of service occurs outdoors on public lands in a variety of weather conditions.
Key Responsibilities
Support daily conservation projects and field logistics
Mentor a crew of members ages 17–24
Transport crews to project sites using HOC vehicles
Support crew development and positive team culture
Assist with project tracking and reporting
Participate in occasional overnight camping projects
Schedule
Typical service schedules include:
Option 1
📅 Monday–Friday
⏰ 7:50 AM – 4:30 PMOption 2
📅 Monday–Thursday
⏰ Four 10-hour days (6:50 AM – 5:30 PM)Schedules may vary depending on projects, weather, and season.
AmeriCorps Benefits
💰 Living Allowance: Up to $27,730 (pre-tax ,paid biweekly)
🎓 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: $7,395 upon successful completion
🩺 Health Coverage: Oregon Health Plan (if you qualify)
👶 Childcare assistance (if eligible)
📚 Student loan forbearance for qualifying federal loans
🗓 Up to 12 paid holidays + 80 hours sick/vacation leave
Professional training opportunities may include:
⛑ CPR / First Aid
🧠 Mental Health First Aid
🪚 Chainsaw S212
🪵 Crosscut Saw
🏕 Wilderness First Aid
Minimum Qualifications
Preferred 21+ for driving requirements (19+ considered with previous corps experience)
Interest in conservation, outdoor work, and youth leadership
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
Ability to lift up to 60 lbs and hike several miles daily
Valid driver’s license preferred
Available for the entire 47-week service term
Must be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or Lawful Permanent Resident
Previous conservation corps or outdoor leadership experience is helpful but not required.
How to Apply
Submit your resume and cover letter to:
Complete the online application here:
https://a101571.socialsolutionsportal.com/apricot-intake/0cfe7b90-8b34-4aa5-9ac6-17fe6cbd25ebHeart of Oregon Corps is an equal opportunity employer; auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Alternative formats are available upon request by contacting recruitment@heartoforegon.org. As a recipient of Federal financial assistance, Heart of Oregon Corps is prohibited from discriminating on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief, and against any beneficiary of programs on the basis of the beneficiary’s citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States.
Crew Member (Not Team Leader Information)
Age | 17-24 |
Location | Bend, Redmond, Prineville |
Program Length | 3-5 month term |
Compensation (Living allowance) | $618-1,030 biweekly |
Education Award | $1,565.08-$2,817.14 |
Schedule | *Monday-Friday (part-time also available) *8am-4:30pm |
Application Process
1. Submit online application (Click Here)
2. You will be notified by a staff member that we have received your application (if you don't hear from us right away, please don't worry!)
* If you are concerned that your application was not properly submitted or you have questions/concerns, feel free to give us a call at our Bend office at 541.633.7834
4. If this program is the right fit, an interview/information session will be scheduled with our Conservation Program Coordinator
5. If offered a spot, attend a post-offer information session to review the onboarding process (If 17, you must attend with a guardian)
Required Documents
- Photo ID (state ID, driver’s license or permit)
- Signed Social Security Card
- U.S. Birth Certificate
or
- U.S. Passport
- Signed Social Security Card
If you do not have the documents above or they have expired, you should start the process of getting them ordered ASAP. Staff can assist with resources for this; let them know during your interview.
Please bring physical copies of your documents for I-9 verification and your banking information on your first day (routing and account numbers, as well as a voided check or a screenshot if using an online app) to get set up for direct deposit. If you do not have a bank account, now is a good time to set one up!
