Sonoma County To Hire 40 Teens For Outdoor Summer Job Program

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — The Sonoma County Youth Ecology Corps is taking applications through May 22 for its eight-week summer job program for youth ages 16 to 24. SCYEC says it is prepared to employ 40 youth at an hourly rate of $13.80 to work outside from June 17 to Aug. 8 on environmental and land conservation projects throughout the county.

Crews will work on projects to prevent flood damage and restore local creeks and streams. They will clear invasive plants, improve trails in local parks and support community garden projects, according to SCYEC officials.

Five local youth agencies will employ and supervise the work crews: The Center for Social and Environmental Stewardship, Conservation Corps North Bay, Petaluma People Services Center, Social Advocates for Youth, and West County Community Services.

"The SCYEC offers young people with little or no work experience a paycheck, new job skills and new friends," said Karen Fies, director of the Sonoma County Human Services Department. "The work can be physically hard, but workers like improving our local community while getting paid."

Crew members also get to enjoy fun events with other workers.

"My favorite part is when the whole crew works as a team and encourages each other to get the job done," said a former SCYEC worker.

Another former crew member described the program as "a great gateway into getting a job and succeeding in life."

To apply, visit Scyec.org and complete an online interest form in English or Spanish; or request an interest form by sending an email to scyec@schsdorg.

For more information about youth employment services in English and Spanish from the Employment and Training Division, visit Sonomawib.org/home/youth/.

Bay City News Service contributed to this report.