The call has sounded for a second crew of conservation stewards eager to further Guam’s progress in island sustainability and the emerging green economy.
The recruitment period for the second cohort of the Guam Green Growth (G3) Conservation Corps officially began on Monday and will continue until the application deadline of Sunday, Feb. 6.
The G3 Conservation Corps is a five-month workforce development program that aims to advance and apply 12 corps members’ skills in the focus areas of agriculture and aquaculture, circular economy and zero waste, ocean conservation, invasive species management, reforestation and watershed restoration, energy conservation and renewable energy, and island beautification. The 2022 program will take place from March to August this year.
Corps members will have the opportunity to collaborate with and learn alongside teams from partnering government agencies and private organizations in support of various conservation initiatives throughout the island while equipping themselves for a brighter future.
“The green economy is growing on Guam, and we want to help our community prepare for the emerging workforce through this program,” said Phillip Cruz, G3 Conservation Corps coordinator.
The first G3 Conservation Corps cohort made significant strides toward the island’s sustainable future. They collected hundreds of bags of illegally dumped waste from streets and jungles, recycled more than 70,000 aluminum cans, planted 2,890 trees and 2,000 food crops, installed 640 solar rooftop panels, and more.
“The inaugural G3 Conservation Corps cohort made incredible contributions to our island’s sustainability in 2021,” said Austin Shelton, director of the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant. “We are proud of what they contributed during the program and the sustainable actions they continue to make as trained citizens. This year, we look forward to a new group of conservationists who will serve our island and inspire our community.”
Cruz asks the community to share the announcement widely with friends and family who may be interested and may benefit from this program.
“We are looking for individuals who are respectful, reliable, and aren’t afraid of hard work. If you would benefit from this workforce development program, please apply today,” he said.
How to apply
Those interested in applying can submit their application at https://guamgreengrowth.org. Applications are due on Sunday, Feb. 6.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have reliable transportation, and be a U.S. citizen, national, or legal resident.
Selected applicants will be required to submit police and court clearances, purified protein derivative (PPD) skin test results, proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, submit to a drug test, and undergo a physical examination.
G3 Conservation Corps members will receive a biweekly stipend of $1,300. Members will earn up to 80 continuing education units from the university upon successful completion of the program.
The G3 Conservation Corps program is made possible through FY22 Guam Green Growth appropriation to the University of Guam.
About G3
Aligned with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Guam Green Growth initiative, or G3, cultivates an ecosystem for transformative action to achieve a sustainable, prosperous, and equitable future for Guam. The University of Guam facilitates the island-wide initiative in cooperation with the Office of the Governor of Guam and more than 100 members of the G3 Working Group, representing all sectors of society.
