News Release

Youth Conservation Corps 2020

Date: March 10, 2020
Contact: Jennifer Albrinck, 760-367-5520
Contact: Hannah Schwalbe, 760-367-5555

This summer, Joshua Tree National Park will sponsor a Youth Conservation Corps program. Students between the ages of 15 and 18 are encouraged to apply. To be eligible, applicants may not reach their 19th birthday during the program. Applicants must be available and commit to working the full six weeks of the program from Monday, June 15 to Friday, July 24.  

Applicants are selected through a random lottery, but the crew will be composed evenly of male and female selectees. Corps members will earn the hourly California Minimum Wage. Work hours are Monday through Friday from 7 am until 3:30 pm, with two exceptions for Friday, July 3 and Friday, July 17. Crew members will not work on those two days. No housing is available.

The program provides young people of the community with excellent hands-on work experience. Work is labor-intensive and performed throughout the park. YCC members frequently work outdoors in hot and dry weather conditions. Proposed projects include trail and sign maintenance, as well as resource habitat improvements.

Application forms are available at Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms High schools. They are also available at Joshua Tree National Park Headquarters in Twentynine Palms, located near The Oasis Visitor Center. The application form must be returned or postmarked no later than Friday, April 24, 2020. Hand deliver applications to the Oasis Visitor Center front desk or send them to “Human Resources - YCC 2020”, Joshua Tree National Park, 74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277.  

Education and job development are truly an investment we can all make in the future of our children. Park staff are looking forward to continuing the YCC program. For more information about the program, and to get an application, visit: www.nps.gov/jotr/learn/kidsyouth/teens.htm