YCC Reference Manual Chapter 4: YCC Recruitment and Processing

YCC Recruitment and Processing

Recruitment

When recruiting for YCC members and YCC Youth Peer Leaders, it is important to consider who your audience is. Determine whether this is a local program, if there will be any travel, and how you will recruit.

Recruitment Period

Recruitment should last several weeks, which allows ample time for selection and notification prior to the start of the program. A list of current YCC opportunities will be updated on the national Youth Conservation Corps website on NPS.gov each year.

Recruitment Sources

  1. Local schools
  2. Job fairs
  3. News releases
  4. Radio/television announcements

Recruitment Tools

  1. Social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, etc.)
  2. NPS.gov
  3. Exhibitions and displays
  4. Program information shared via mail, e-mail, or newsletters
  5. Flyers/rack cards, etc.

Communicating the Value of the YCC Program

Quantitative data that shows how many YCC members participated, total hours worked, and other statistics are important for responding to data calls. Additionally, capturing the qualitative data is equally important to visually show the impact and benefits of the program. Use the photos, videos, and testimonials you have obtained over the years to help show the value of your YCC program and why people should apply. You can also use this recruitment video. Having content readily available to share with potential stakeholders and leadership also helps. If this is your first time putting together a program, seek guidance from existing sites that have a YCC program. Join the YCC Community of Practice (internal) and brainstorm with one another. This program helps meet the NPS mission and increase public land stewardship. Reach out to the WASO Youth and Young Adult Programs Office for further support.

Waiting List/Alternate Applicants

If one or more selected applicants decline the offer to work, fail to report for duty, or leave the program early, alternate applicants from the waiting list may be selected. To enroll alternates as quickly as possible when needed, all hiring paperwork should be completed in advance.

Applications

NPS sites are required to use the approved DI-4014 OMB Form (YCC Application Form) and DI-4015 OMB Form (YCC Medical History Form). Applicants must complete and submit these forms to the host site of interest either by e-mail or mail. They are available on the national Youth Conservation Corps website on NPS.gov.

Application Form: This is the initial form completed by a YCC applicant during the recruitment period. All YCC members (including YCC Youth Peer Leaders) must complete this form to be considered.

Medical History Form: This form must be completed by the YCC applicant once selected and prior to onboarding. It is kept at the NPS site in case medical attention is required during the program period. This form is private and should be treated accordingly. YCC supervisors will review all Medical History Forms and inform YCC staff of any allergies or physical disabilities the applicant may have. Refer to Director’s Order #57A: Medical Standards Program for more guidance about medical history.Participation is voluntary; however, consent of the parent or legal guardian is required for all applicants under 18 years of age. Applications from such individuals must have a signature by the applicant’s parent or legal guardian.

Selection

In accordance with Public Law 43-908, YCC members may be selected “without regard to civil service or classification laws, rules, or regulations, for purposes of developing, preserving, maintaining the lands and waters of the United States.” YCC members “shall not be considered federal employees other than for the purpose of” Chapter 171 of Title 28, United States Code (Tort Claim), and Chapter 81 of Title 5, United States Code (Workers’ Compensation), and the System of Records of Notice known as OPM/GOVT- 10 (Employee Medical File System Records).

Nepotism: The relatives of NPS employees may apply to and be selected for the YCC program provided that they receive no special consideration when recruiting and making selections. They must be treated in the same manner as other applicants. YCC supervisors may not have youth supervised by their relatives.The NPS sites will determine start and end dates and may have different application deadlines based on timing.After selection, youth should be notified and given the opportunity to accept or decline. If YCC members are terminated or drop out after the program begins, then the vacant positions should be offered to others on the alternate list in the order of the original selection.

Youth Peer Leaders

Youth Peer Leaders are YCC members who have participated as YCC members for at least one season. They may be reselected in subsequent years, as long as they still meet the age requirements, but every reasonable effort should be made to ensure Youth Leaders are returning from the previous season to step into a leadership role. Their payroll process is the same; however, they will be paid 15% more per hour than regular YCC members. Please refer to the YCC pay table that is available through the Interior Business Center and posted on the YCC SharePoint site (internal) each year.

Required Forms Prior to the Start Date

  1. YCC Application Form DI-4014
  2. YCC Medical History Form DI-4015
  3. W-4 (if requesting that taxes be removed)
  4. I-9, YCC Enrollee Form, Direct Deposit Form
  5. NPS Photo/Video Release Form
  6. Any other forms required by HR, IT, or the site

View Chapter 5 or go back to the YCC RM landing page.

Last updated: August 20, 2025

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