This summer, WCC’s first all-female crew will disperse across the state to construct fences, cut trees, and dig trails in the interest of conservation and field training.
“The job itself isn’t always easy, it is a lot of hard work and long days, however the connections you make with the crew you work with and the land you work is well worth it,” Kate McNicholas, future leader for the all-women AmeriCorps crew, said.
After working a series of odd environmental jobs in Arizona, McNicholas joined the Wyoming Conservation Corps in summer of 2020.
She presented the concept of an all-female crew to WCC staff earlier this year and was met with excitement and enthusiasm.
“Conservation work can seem unapproachable to women who are new to the field because manual labor jobs are traditionally considered male,” McNichols said. “An all-female crew breaks down this barrier and provides a supportive environment in which there’s ample room to learn and grow.”
Celia Karim, a WCC crew leader and member, has experienced sexism in the field firsthand.
“Some of the men we work for in conservation don’t even look women in the eye,” Karim said. “Some turn their backs to us while they talk to the guys, explaining what we are all working on.”
Kaylee Zajac, an Environmental Sciences major said that she believed the program could do with more female participation.
“I think the Corps and the environmental sciences program as a whole is skewed towards men,” Zajac said. “The more encouragement and inclusivity can be promoted, the better it would be for the field.”
After serving in the Wyoming Conservation Corps since 2017, Karim asserts that the introduction of an all-female crew will cement their abilities to the public and the rest of the field.
“Women need to have the same opportunity, and by having the label of ‘women’s crew’ or ‘all-female crew,’ there is clear communication to the people in charge of our projects that we are just as strong and motivated as any other crew,” Karim said.
“Just like with any other field or profession, it is important for women to have the chance to succeed or show themselves off,” Zajac said. “An all-female crew could offer a unique platform for that.”
WCC hopes to hire 2022 crew leader and member positions by this spring. All leader positions are scheduled to be filled on Jan. 1 with all crew being hired on May 1.
The unit is planned to currently be made up of two crew leaders and six crew members.
Those interested in applying or learning more about WCC are encouraged to visit WCC’s website or contact program director Jim Fried.
“I will say that Wyoming is still behind other states when it comes to equality, but that shouldn’t mean we just give up—that means we try harder and catch up,” Karim said.
