Youth Conservation Corps (YCC)

About the 2023 YCC Program

The Youth Conservation Corps is a summer employment program for young men and women, ages 15 through 18, who work and learn together by participating in conservation work on public lands. For 2023, the program begins on Monday, June 19, and runs 8 weeks until Friday, August 11th. Up to eight YCC crew members will be selected during a drawing of applicant names in the spring. Successful candidates will earn $16.00 per hour. No housing is provided. Work schedules will begin at 7:00 AM and end at 3:30 PM. each day, Monday through Friday, except on federal holidays (July 4th). Applications are due by April 1st.

YCC clean out a campfire pit.

The type of work to be performed includes exotic weed control, backcountry trail maintenance, cave restoration, cave trail maintenance, environmental education, and facility maintenance. Applicants must be in very good physical condition. This work can be challenging, often requiring travel to seldom seen remote backcountry locations, and it can be strenuous, hot, dirty and sweaty. If regular exercise is not already part of an applicant's lifestyle, they are strongly discouraged from applying.

Conservation education is incorporated into the YCC program. This education will highlight the diversity and responsibilities of different National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service areas, introduce participants to the natural and cultural history of the local area, and may involve field trips to surrounding sites.

YCC crew during a conservation education day.

Program Requirements

• For ages 15-18.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or legal resident.
• Have personal transportation to and from work. Carpooling is encouraged.
• Bring a sack lunch to work each day.
• A great attitude!

YCC uses a wheelbarrow while planting native plants. YCC participants do all kinds of work, from construction and maintenance to cave cleanup and weed control.

How To Apply

Download and complete this application, then send it back to us. Applications must be received by April 1st. If you need a paper application sent to you, please contact us. To submit your application, you may:

A.) Print, complete and sign, scan (including using scanning apps on a smart phone), and email to: [e-mail]

-or-

B.) Mail to:
Lava Beds National Monument
Attn: Lava Beds YCC Program
P.O. Box 1240
Tulelake, CA 96134

Applicants will be selected by mid-April by pulling eligible applicant's names from a ranger hat, and the lucky applicants will contacted by phone shortly thereafter. For more information about the program please email or call 530-667-8103.

YCC crew members spell out "YCC" in while working near Tulelake Wildlife Refuge.

NPS Photo