Bill Overview
Title: Conservation Jobs Act of 2022
Description: This bill authorizes the Department of Labor or the Department of Agriculture to directly hire graduates of a Job Corps Campus or a Civilian Conservation Center who successfully completed a training program focusing on forestry, wildland firefighting, or other related field.
Sponsors: Rep. O'Halleran, Tom [D-AZ-1]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals seeking employment in forestry, wildland firefighting, and related fields globally
Estimated Size: 50000
- The bill targets graduates from Job Corps Campuses and Civilian Conservation Centers who have completed relevant training.
- The fields mentioned, such as forestry and wildland firefighting, are specialized areas with niche job markets.
- Job Corps and Civilian Conservation Centers are U.S.-based, so the primary impact is on the U.S. population.
- Globally, the population involved in or looking to join conservation efforts could be indirectly impacted by similar opportunities arising from global trends influenced by such U.S. legislation.
Reasoning
- The policy impacts a specific segment of the population that is currently underemployed or seeking specialized employment opportunities.
- The budget constraints necessitate targeting specific graduates, which limits the number of people directly benefiting but can have significant impact for those who are eligible.
- Forestry and wildland firefighting jobs are of crucial importance and can provide stable employment to graduates from these programs, particularly in rural or affected regions.
- Graduates who are hired may see improvements in their wellbeing due to job security and the nature of conservation work positively impacting community and personal fulfillment.
- It's important to consider the potential indirect benefits, such as increased awareness and interest in conservation work and its societal value.
Simulated Interviews
Unemployed, recently graduated (Colorado Springs, CO)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I have been struggling to find a job in my field since graduating last year.
- This policy sounds like it could be a lifesaver for me as it might offer direct employment opportunities.
- I believe that being employed in something I'm passionate about will greatly improve my outlook on life.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Wildland Firefighter (Portland, OR)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am currently working as a part-time seasonal firefighter.
- If the policy could help me secure a full-time position, it would make a huge difference to my financial stability.
- I'm supportive of any efforts to expand conservation roles.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Forestry Worker (Missoula, MT)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I have a stable job but I'm considering advancing my skills since jobs like mine are being targeted.
- I see the value in encouraging new graduates, but it'd be nice if there were incentives for current workers too.
- Opportunities to further contribute to conservation would be rewarding.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Community Volunteer (Rural Alabama)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this bill can create pathways for young people in my community who struggle with employment.
- Even though it doesn't apply to me directly, it benefits the environment and community indirectly.
- It might inspire more youths to get trained in these fields.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Student (New York, NY)
Age: 19 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am excited about the possibility of getting a job right after graduating from my program.
- This policy gives me hope for my future career and makes the hard work seem worth it.
- It’s reassuring that the government sees value in my field.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 7 |
Freelance Landscape Worker (Boise, ID)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Although I work freelance, I'd like to be more involved in professional conservation work.
- A policy that boosts employment opportunities in my dream field is exactly what's needed.
- I think it sets a precedent for valuing environmental jobs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Park Ranger (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My role doesn't directly fall under this policy, but it's good to see more conservation jobs being created.
- I'm interested in how this might expand park operations and community engagement.
- There’s potential for collaboration between existing park rangers and new hires.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Retired, Former Environmental Scientist (Chicago, IL)
Age: 50 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Seeing these initiatives gives me hope for future generations pivoting towards environmental conservation.
- While I won't benefit professionally, the educational and community ripple effect is significant.
- Increased employment can boost local economies in key areas.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Recent Graduate in Environmental Science (Anchorage, AK)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Finding a job in this field has been tough but this new legislation looks promising.
- If this policy helps secure jobs for more graduates like me, it'll make a real difference.
- I’m looking forward to contributing to conservation efforts through a stable job.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Wildfire and Safety Consultant (Houston, TX)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As someone who consults on wildfire safety, I'm supportive of any policy boosting expertise in firefighting.
- This won't affect me directly, but a better-trained workforce benefits us all.
- An increase in skilled workers could also reduce the workload and enhance safety.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $225000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $275000000)
Year 2: $225000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $275000000)
Year 3: $225000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $275000000)
Year 5: $225000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $275000000)
Year 10: $225000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $275000000)
Year 100: $225000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $275000000)
Key Considerations
- Program expansion might be necessary depending on demand and availability of trained participants.
- Unexpected natural events could alter job needs, especially in wildfire management which might fluctuate.
- Sustainability practices and conservation efforts could also necessitate ongoing policy evaluation.