Austin Civilian Conservation Corps​ Aims To Help Amid Coronavirus

AUSTIN, TX — The city and its community partners are launching the Austin Civilian Conservation Corps designed to help Austin residents who have been economically impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

The primary goal of the initiative is to help affected residents earn income, serve their community and gain skills that can lead to new sustainable careers. The initiative was created following the adoption of a resolution by the Austin City Council on May 7.

There are many types of work available through the new initiative, including landscape preservation; tree care; wildfire mitigation; green building/solar installation; and public art installation. Community partners and city staff are currently working to understand resident needs and developing additional work programs to meet them, officials said in an advisory.

One of the first nonprofit organizations to partner with the Austin Civilian Conservation Corps program is the Texas Conservation Corps, which will train and employ residents to preserve and restore Austin parks and preserves while gaining critical skills and certifications that will allow them to advance into environmental careers, officials noted.

"I’m excited and proud that council made equitable access to green careers a key part of Austin’s economic recovery," Daniel Culotta, the program coordinator, said in a prepared statement. "The Austin Civilian Conservation Corps provides a great opportunity for residents affected by COVID to gain income and build new careers. It gives us all the opportunity to create positive change in the city we love."

Regardless of the program they are in, Austin Civilian Conservation Corps participants will receive skills training, certifications and professional development wherever possible, officials said. The knowledge gained through the programs will position participants for future jobs and conservation-related careers, officials added.

The following Austin Civilian Conservation Corps program is currently accepting applications:

• American Youthworks Parks and Public Lands Improvement. This employment opportunity will last for eight months and pay $15.00-18.00 per hour. There are two openings for a crew lead and six openings for crew members.

Other ongoing and future employment program opportunities include:

• Environmental monitoring and project management.
• Urban Forestry and arborist certification.
• Ecosystem restoration and trail building.
• Wildfire prevention and management.
• Construction and solar panel installation and certification.
• Public art design and installation.

The Austin Civilian Conservation Corps is also still seeking partnerships with local sustainable businesses who are interested in providing employment opportunities and training through the new program, officials said.

For more information on how to get involved with the Austin Civilian Conservation Corps, program applicants and potential community partners are encouraged to explore the ACCC website.