Youth Conservation Corps recruits summer workers

Last call for teens between 15 and 18 to apply for quite possibly the coolest summer job they'll ever have.

The Youth Conservation Corps works outside on public lands where projects may include constructing trails, building campground facilities, planting trees, collecting litter, clearing streams, improving wildlife habitat and building fences. There is hard physical work involved in most tasks, and crews work out in the woods away from towns. 

One of the primary concerns of the crew leaders and staff is safety. Enrollees receive instructions on how to work safely and the safe way to handle tools. 

Personal protective equipment such as safety goggles, gloves, and hard hats are provided and worn when required by the work activity. 

The Youth Conservation Corps is a summer employment program for young men and women, who work, learn, and earn together for eight weeks on projects that help conserve the natural resources. 

The three objectives of the program are: 

1. To accomplish needed conservation work on public lands. 

2. To provide gainful employment for 15- through 18-year-old males and females of all social, economic, ethnic, and racial backgrounds. 

3. To develop in participating youth an understanding and appreciation of the Nation's natural environment and heritage

“Annually the Forest Service in Superior and Plains hires local youth from each county to work 8 – 10 weeks during the summer on various projects learning about work ethics, natural resources management, and the agency,” explains Heather Berman, with the Lolo National Forest Recreation Staff. “Various departments work with the youth accomplishing much needed work while teaching them about their programs and reasons for the work.  The YCC Program is a great way to give local youth a first-time job and an avenue to learn about their public lands, while helping the Superior and Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger Districts accomplish work that may otherwise not get done.”

Deadline to apply is this Friday, March 15. Contact heather.berman@usda.gov for an electronic application.