Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs
Date: June 14, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Heidi Audette, (360) 725-2154
Returning OIF/OEF/ONE Veterans Wanted for Environmental Certificate Training Program Beginning in September 2007
OLYMPIA -- Returning military veterans can pursue a career in environmental restoration/conservation, receive a monthly stipend of $1,000, and use other education benefits such as their GI bill and Washington's veteran tuition waivers, as part of a new program being co-sponsored by the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs.
The ten-month program will be located at Renton Technical College and Green River Community College as part of the Veterans Conservation Corps, with classes beginning in September 2007.
"The program will be a mix of classroom work and on the job training on projects in King County," said VCC program manager Mark Fischer.
The requirements for enrollment in the program include:
1. A returning veteran from Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Noble Eagle.
2. An interest in learning skills towards environmental restoration/conservation:
- Erosion and sediment control techniques
- stream restoration
- GPS/GIS/Surveying
- Heavy equipment operation around environmentally sensitive areas
- Permitting, project management, small business contracting with natural resource agencies, storm-water mitigation, etc.
3. A willingness to work and learn intensely for 10 months/40 hours a week.
4. An ability to get to school every day at Renton. (Funding may be available to assist qualified veterans with relocation expenses.)
5. An interest in transitioning from a military mission to a personal mission of working to protect the environment and the future of our region.
Assistance may be available for veterans with housing transitions, when necessary, and the program will also provide other support services to ensure that the veteran is getting help in all areas of their life. The VCC also plans to assist with job placement during and after the program is completed.
"It is important to note that the veterans will be working and learning with each other most of the time, rather than mixed in the general college community," said Fischer.
Arrangements for screening and enrollment can be made by contacting Mark Fischer or Mark Seery at 360-725-2224 or markf@dva.wa.gov or marks@dva.wa.gov.
For more information on veterans programs, visit www.dva.wa.gov.
To obtain this information in an alternate format or if you have questions or comments about this site, please contact the Webmaster. PRIVACY NOTICE