2012 Ecology Youth Corps story is at Department of Ecology, State of Washington, Ecology Youth Corps, http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/eyc/ero.html. For students interested in applying for summer jobs -- sooner is better than later. Now is the time to learn and prepare.
"Dependent upon final Legislative budget outcomes for July 1, 2012-June 30, 2013, the Department of Ecology in the Eastern Regional Office (ERO) is planning to hire crews in multiple locations for the summer of 2012. Only applicants available to work for a full session will be considered for employment. APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 1, 2012 - April 2, 2012."
- Why do teens want this job? For the pay? The socialization with other friends? The prestige of winning?
- What makes it better than jobs in retail or fast-food?
- Hundreds apply, but less than 10% are hired --- how many make the cut to interview status (the middle step) and how are they chosen?
- Do the 'employers' look for what is considered an overall hard worker or do low-income or troubled teens get preference?
- Is there a physical requirement? Would it matter if the teen is overweight?
- What sort of references do successful teens use?
- How can a teen prepare to be competitive for the job next year?
- Do the teens like to work in the heat with vests on? Will they reapply for this job next year?
- Do they get to wear shorts or are pants required due to possible sunburn and bugs?
- Is this program only in Washington?
- Do they need a work permit?
- How do they get to and from work? -- 14 year olds aren't driving yet.
