Youth Conservation Corps

YCC Youth work on a project

We need you! Get paid to accomplish needed conservation work on public lands. Work on historic structures, restore native species, disappearing trails, and the eradication of invasive species.

What is YCC?

The United States Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is a summer youth employment program that engages young people in meaningful work experiences on national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and fish hatcheries while developing an ethic of environmental stewardship and civic responsibility. YCC programs are generally 8 to 10 weeks and members are paid the minimum wage for a 40-hour work week. Most YCC opportunities are non-residential programs which provide paid daytime work activities with members who commute to the Federal unit daily.

Who is eligible?
Youth, 15 through 18 years of age, who are permanent residents of the United States, are eligible for employment without regard to social, economic, racial, or ethnic backgrounds. Youth with physical or other challenges who can effectively participate in most YCC activities are eligible. Youth must have no history of serious criminal or other antisocial behavior that might endanger their safety or that of others; have or be able to obtain a work permit as required under the laws of their State; have a Social Security number or have made application of one.

What would I do?
YCC members work in a healthful outdoor setting on a variety of projects including building trails, maintaining fences, cleaning up campgrounds, improving wildlife habitat, environmental education planning and teaching, stream restoration, historic building preservation, and more! You'll also participate in educational field trips where chances are you'll see wildlife or history before your eyes, hike and stand on a mountaintop, or gaze at an ancient ruin.

How do I find an opportunity?
Looking for a YCC program near you? Check out our list of opportunities from our map here or find a federal facility near you and inquire if they have a YCC program or other opportunities:

• U.S. National Park Service
• U.S. Forest Service
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services:
  -National Wildlife Refuge System
  -National Fish Hatchery System

How do I apply?
1. Use this form to apply.
2. Send your completed form by due date directly to your federal site(s) of interest (most sites have an April 15th due date).

How are selections made?
Enrollees are selected without regard to civil service or classification laws, rules, or regulation. The selection process is conducted in a public forum by the random selection method.

YCC Experiences

• Joshua Tree National Monument YCC Video (2015)
• Making a Difference at Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge YCC Video
• National Parks of New York Harbor (New York, New Jersey)
  Check out this special podcast of Youth Conservation Corps members at several sites. See the parks through their eyes and learn how their work experience contributed to the mission of the National Park Service.
  
• Catoctin Mountain Park (Maryland)
  Listen to a 3 minute audio of what Youth Conservation Corps members at Catoctin Mountain Park learned and accomplished during their 2008 season.

What benefits would I get from participating?
Not only would you get paid to work in some of the coolest places in the country, but you will also have the chance to learn about careers with the National Park Service and gain valuable work skills that can help you get your next job! You will be working with other incredible people and hopefully you will build a lifetime bond. If you like to hike, backpack, climb, kayak, bike, horseback ride, etc? Well national parks are perfect for that!

Looking for a YCC program near you?
https://youthgo.gov/ycc-opportunities