YCC Reference Manual Chapter 2: YCC Operations, Roles, and Responsibilities

YCC Operations, Roles, and Responsibilities

Note that this list is not exhaustive. There may be responsibilities that a site determines is needed beyond the ones provided below. Other responsibilities are also mentioned in later sections, so a careful read of the entire reference manual is necessary to understand the complexities of the program.

U.S. Department of the Interior

1. Is authorized to approve the required forms that need to be maintained and updated (i.e., YCC OMB application and medical history forms, etc.).
2. Maintains an interagency agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and all the agencies involved (located in the 1999 Interagency Reference Manual).
3. Consolidates the procurement of materials via a central webstore, such as patches, hats, jackets, and t-shirts, which allows for greater efficiency. Sites may also procure items locally.

Washington Area Support Office (WASO) YCC

1. Is authorized to approve and disseminate guidance for NPS sites involved in setting up or managing YCC programs.
2. Plans, develops, and monitors NPS YCC policies and procedures.
3. Provides guidance and technical assistance on YCC programs to regions and NPS sites.
4. Serves as a member of the U.S. Department of the Interior Interagency YCC Committee.
5. Initiates and coordinates efforts to provide YCC opportunities to the public.
6. Collects data on the costs and benefits of YCC programs from regions and sites and submits an annual report to the U.S. Department of the Interior.
7. Represents the NPS in dealings with other federal, state, private, and non-profit organizations on matters related to the planning, coordination, and management of the YCC program.
8. Highlights YCC program stories and successes on social media, nps.gov, and in newsletters through photos, videos, and testimonials.

Regional YCC

1. Provides general support to the operations of the YCC programs in the respective region.
2. Ensures YCC goals, objectives, policies, and guidelines are adequately and clearly communicated to NPS sites and regional office staff.
3. Provides guidance and technical assistance on YCC programs to regional staff and NPS sites.
4. Regularly evaluates regional program accomplishments and prepares required reports.
5. Regularly evaluates YCC programs in the region to ensure consistency and compliance, and that program goals are being met.
6. Supports funding through various sources.

YCC Site Program Manager

1. Effectively uses YCC services to complement and enhance site operations and programs.
2. Provides general and specialized (where applicable) training to YCC staff to safely implement the program.
3. Is familiar with the procedures for contacting local emergency services.
4. Ensures that YCC members are informed of anti-harassment policies and procedures, understand how to and to whom they can report incidents, and receive the relevant contact information to register complaints.
5. Checks that necessary reasonable accommodations are provided for YCC members who have disabilities, in accordance with the regulations in 43 C.F.R Part 17.
6. Supervises and supports YCC staff.
7. Plans projects and secures funding approval.
8. Documents daily work progress, challenges, and safety concerns.
9. Handles matters relating to YCC uniforms, equipment, and transportation.
10. Develops and implements educational goals.

Other Responsibilities Delegated by the YCC Site Program Manager (these duties may be filled by one or more people)

1. Provides necessary information and training for the completion of projects.
2. Communicates frequently with the YCC supervisor/Crew Leader to ensure YCC members are meeting project goals and objectives.
3. Provides feedback on work quality.
4. Develops YCC work plans.
5. Obtains photos, videos, and testimonials from YCC members for annual reporting and posts about the site’s YCC program on social media, nps.gov, and in newsletters.

YCC Staff (one or more individuals, i.e., YCC Crew Leader)

1. Ensures YCC members are informed of anti- harassment policies and procedures and that they know how and to whom they can report and are provided with the relevant contact information to register complaints.
2. Manages one or more YCC members in the completion of their assigned duties.
3. Conducts daily educational, technical, and safety training for YCC members.
4. Communicates the management and educational objectives of each project to YCC members.
5. Leads the completion of projects in accordance with the established work plan.
6. Selects and loads equipment and food for overnight work assignments; tools for work projects; and safety equipment, such as hard hats, gloves, and first aid kits.
7. Is familiar with the procedures for contacting local emergency services.
8. Reports unsafe conditions and equipment.
9. Fosters a safe work environment daily through tailgate safety sessions, and prior to each new project.
10. Ensures YCC members’ physical safety.
11. Supports mental and emotional well-being, and achievement of personal and program goals through teamwork and on-the-job training.
12. Completes job performance evaluations of YCC members and makes recommendations for program improvements. The site can identify the frequency. Regular check-ins may be helpful in addition to formal job performance evaluations.
13. Maintains YCC equipment and equipment sheds.
14. Completes a Work Accomplishments Report.
15. Offers formal and/or informal recognition. The site can determine what this looks like.

YCC Admin Staff

1. Enters YCC members into FPPS and maintains timesheets (if the YCC Crew Leader is hired through a partner organization, an NPS staff with FPPS and QuickTime approval access must be identified).
2. Documents daily work progress, challenges, and safety concerns.
3. Supports YCC members with administrative procedures (i.e., onboarding, travel)

YCC Youth Peer Leader

1. Selected returning YCC member (does not serve as a YCC Crew Leader).
2. Sets an example for other youth.
3. Provides leadership to other YCC members.
4. Assists program staff with project supervision and program operations.
5. Wears a YCC uniform (see Program Identification).

YCC Member

1. Attends all training sessions.
2. Shows up on time and is ready for work with required equipment.
3. Wears a YCC uniform (see Program Identification).
4. Completes work assignments as directed.
5. Always follows safety procedures.

View Chapter 3 or go back to the YCC RM landing page.