LACEY — Teens in the Columbia Basin looking for summer jobs are encouraged to apply with the Washington state Department of Ecology Youth Corps for litter crews serving the Moses Lake or Othello areas and paying $12 an hour.

If a teen’s application is accepted, they will be assigned either to the first session, from June 24 to July 19, or the second session, from July 22 to Aug. 15. Totaling 32 hours per week, teens will work from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Thursday, including occasional half-days on Fridays.

Applications, including reference forms, must be received by April 1 at 5 p.m., and late or incomplete applications will not be considered. While the Department of Ecology prefers online applications, other methods are available.

Those hired must attend a mandatory meeting in May or early June (with a parent or legal guardian) to turn in hiring paperwork and learn more about the job.

For more information, contact Eastern Region Litter Administrator Laurie Dahmen at 509-329-3506, or Lynette Kuehl, Ecology Youth Corps Assistant, at 509-329-3434.

For application forms, visit

ecology.wa.gov/Waste-Toxics/Solid-waste-litter/Litter/Ecology-Youth-Corps