Apply now for the Voluntary Environmental Year
In Austria, young people can complete a voluntary environmental year of 6-12 months for a better planet. It is also possible as a substitute for civilian service. Interested parties can apply until February 29, 2024.
During the Voluntary Environmental Year (FUJ for short), young adults aged 18 and over get involved in environmental and climate protection throughout Austria.
Where?
Whether urban or rural, pure nature or office job: the 6-12-month assignments can be carried out in more than 90 non-profit organizations. Volunteers guide visitors through national parks, analyze data for research projects, conduct workshops in schools, manage social media channels and much more.
The participants should
- deepen their school education,
- develop their personality,
- Expand knowledge to acquire skills for occupational fields in environmental, nature and climate protection
- Career guidance,
- strengthen their expertise in environmental, nature and climate protection,
- promote their commitment to environmental protection among the participants and
- get to know the work at the job site better.
In 2012, the Austrian Voluntary Service Act created the legal basis for the Voluntary Environmental Year and the youth environmental platform JUMP was appointed as the supporting organization. Since then, over 600 young adults have been involved in environmental and climate protection during the Voluntary Environmental Year. There are now around 100 per year.
Find vacancies
A map of Austria with an overview of all volunteer positions can be found on the youth environmental platform JUMP. The list is constantly being expanded to include more positions.
Credit for civilian service
Since 2013, young men liable for military service have been able to complete the Voluntary Environmental Year as a substitute for civilian service. Ten months of continuous participation in a Voluntary Environmental Protection Year can be credited towards regular civilian service in accordance with the Voluntary Service Act.
Pocket money and climate money
During their volunteer assignment, participants work 34 hours per week at their volunteer placement. They are covered by accident, health and pension insurance. New legal regulations have been in force since September 2023, which have brought far-reaching improvements for volunteers.
for the volunteers. The monthly pocket money was increased to 500.91 euros (corresponds to the legally stipulated marginal earnings threshold). Volunteers also receive the Austria-wide climate ticket free of charge for their work.
Accompanying FUJ course
Parallel to the volunteer placement, participants complete the accompanying FUJ course, which focuses on personal development, career orientation, environmental education and media skills. The course is certified with 8 ECTS points and is credited towards a subsequent degree course at the University of Agricultural and Environmental Education.
The Voluntary Environmental Year is a program of the youth environmental platform JUMP. It is financially supported by the Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology and all federal states.
Further information and contact:
JUMP - Voluntary Environmental Year
Photos © JUMP/Bubu Dujmic
