Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks seeking recruits for 2014 Youth Conservation Program
by Pinedale Online!
March 3, 2014
Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks are accepting applications for youth to participate in their 2014 Youth Conservation Programs (YCP).
The YCP is a summer program for high school students to do summer outdoor work including trail maintenance and rehabilitation, brush removal, hazard tree removal, campground maintenance, resource restoration projects, public land conservation efforts and other related outside work. It’s a great chance to be outside during the summer and get experience working in recreation and resource management, all in the setting of two of the nation’s most beautiful national parks.
The programs at the two parks are slightly different from each other. Yellowstone is looking for 50 kids between the ages of 15-18, selected across the nation, and they will live onsite at the Park and be paid $7.25/hour. Youth participating in the Grand Teton Park program must be between the ages of 16-19 and already live locally because no housing is provided. Wages with the Grand Teton YCP are $11/hour.
Applications for the Yellowstone Park YCP program are due by Saturday, March 8th. Applications for the Grand Teton Park YCP program must be postmarked by Friday, March 14th.
See the full media releases below for details of the two programs.
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Grand Teton National Park Recruits for 2014 Youth Conservation Program
MOOSE, WY —Grand Teton National Park is recruiting participants for the 2014 Youth Conservation Program (YCP). Funding for this youth employment opportunity comes from the Grand Teton National Park Foundation through generous contributions by their donors. Applications must be postmarked by March 14, 2014
The YCP is a summer program for high school students, ages 16 to 19. The 2014 program will span ten weeks from June 16 through August 21. This marks the ninth year that Grand Teton has conducted the program, and trail supervisors hope to enroll 15-25 short-term positions during this recruitment period.
Participants must be at least 16 years of age by June 16, and live locally as housing is not provided. Applicants must also be United States citizens and students in good standing. Other qualifications include good team skills, a willingness to learn about Grand Teton National Park and its trail system, and the ability to work at a physically demanding job which may involve lifting 30-40 pounds. Wages for participants in the YCP program are set at approximately $11.00 per hour.
YCP enrollees develop an understanding of National Park Service (NPS) conservation ethics as they assist with critically-needed maintenance and rehabilitation on park trails and pathways. Participants work alongside NPS crew leaders and become familiar with NPS stewardship goals, while learning essential trail maintenance skills. YCP participants will work 30-50% of their time with several of the other park divisions (i.e. Science and Resource Management, Interagency Fire, Interpretation, and Visitor and Resource Protection). Students will also meet experts in all aspects of public lands conservation.
During the course of their day, YCP participants may answer basic visitor questions and serve as ambassadors for the park as they complete project work on some of the most visible, and most impacted, park trails. Most of the work will be focused on projects dealing with rehabilitation of trails and backcountry areas through activities such as brushing, hazard tree removal, and construction of water bars and drainage swales. In addition to the project work, environmental education programs and several recreational opportunities are also offered.
As an extension of their mission to support innovative projects that add value to Grand Teton National Park, the Foundation provides funding for salaries, work boots, work pants, tee-shirts, and free transportation to and from Jackson for YCP participants. For more information about this youth program and how to contribute to future YCP activities, or other Foundation programs, contact Leslie Mattson by email at leslie@gtnpf.org or phone 307-732-0629.
To obtain an application or get further information about the 2014 YCP, please call Stacy Myers in Grand Teton National Park at 307-739-3379, or write to YCP Program, GTNP, Drawer 170, Moose, WY 83012. Applications are also available online at http://www.nps.gov/grte/supportyourpark/ycp.htm.
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Yellowstone Park recruiting for 2014 Youth Conservation Corps program
Imagine having the opportunity to work, learn, play, and serve in the world's first national park.
Yellowstone National Park is currently recruiting for the 2014 Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program, a residential work and education program for young men and women between the ages of 15 and 18. The program is designed to develop an appreciation for the nation's natural resources and heritage through unique educational, recreational and work experiences.
Yellowstone recruits youth from all social, economic, ethnic and racial backgrounds for the YCC program. Corps members work together under adult leadership to complete conservation projects such as rehabilitation of trails, campground restoration and a wide variety of resource management and maintenance projects.
Participants and staff develop their job and leadership skills while further exploring personal values, gaining self-esteem, expanding their awareness of work ethics, and learning firsthand about environmental and conservation issues. Corps members will also participate in evening and weekend recreational activities and discover the many options for careers in the National Park Service and other land management agencies.
Yellowstone will offer two, month-long YCC sessions, June 8 to July 9, and July 13 to August 13. Fifty youth will be selected from across the country to participate in the program.
No previous wilderness experience is required, but a willingness and ability to work in a physically active outdoor program, getting along well with others, and maintaining a positive attitude are essential for success.
Participants will be required to live on location, and room and board will be provided at a minimal cost. Wages will be set at the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Applicants must be citizens of the United States and be 15 years of age by June 8, but not over 18 years of age by August 13.
For further information and application materials visit www.nps.gov/yell/parkmgmt/yccjobs.htm.
Questions may be directed to the park's YCC Program Manager at (307) 344-2256. Completed application materials must be received no later than March 8, 2014.
The Yellowstone YCC Program is funded by the generous donations of individuals and organizations to the Yellowstone Park Foundation. More information can be found at www.ypf.org.
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