Jobs: Youth Conservation Corps

 

The deadline for submitting an application for the 2024 YCC season was April 29, 2024. Check back in January 2025 for information about the 2025 YCC season.

 

A YCC crew member works to remove an old hitching rail in the Phillip Burton Wilderness.

NPS Photo / Bridget Dugan

Do you have an interest in working, learning, and growing outside this summer? Point Reyes National Seashore wants to hire you for the summer Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Program!

Over eight weeks, participants will learn technical and core skills such as tree removal, maintaining trails and trail structures, engaging in a variety of on-the-job trainings and classes, building relationships with peers and park service staff, stewardship and land management ethics, federal resume writing, and more. Work locations will vary within the park, ensuring participants experience the many biotic zones and cultural points of interest that Point Reyes National Seashore has to offer. Applicants must be able to work with hand tools, hike up to 10 miles a day, and generally be physically fit. Work will be performed in an outdoor environment with exposure to the elements, including poison oak.

Our summer 2024 program begins June 17 and will end August 9. Work schedule is 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday at $18.00 per hour. Employees are responsible for their own transportation to and from the Bear Valley Visitor Center area.

Participants must be at least 15 years of age by the start of the YCC season (June 17, 2024) but cannot turn 19 before the program ends (August 9, 2024). They must also be permanent residents of the United States and have a Social Security Card and work permit.

 

YCC crew members work to remove a failing staircase in the Phillip Burton Wilderness.

NPS Photo / Bridget Dugan

General Information

Dates: Monday, June 17, 2024, to Friday, August 9, 2024

Weekly Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm

Pay: $18.00 per hour, including two paid holidays off (June 19 and July 4)

Work: Trail maintenance, learning activities, and other duties performed outdoors

Employees are responsible for their own transportation to and from the Bear Valley Visitors Center area.

Participants Must Bring:

• Boots: 6–8-inch, lug sole, leather work boots required. No tennis shoes, flip flops, or running shoes. A boot allowance may be available.
• Long pants: Durable work pants or hiking pants recommended. No shorts allowed.
• Food and Water: Participants must bring a lunch, snacks, and water every day.
• Light layers: Wind breakers, sweatshirts, light jackets are great. Weather at Point Reyes National Seashore can change rapidly, having several layers to use/remove is highly recommended.

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In August 2023, YCC crew members attended an introductory horsemanship class presented by NPS staff at the Morgan Horse Ranch.

NPS Photo / Bridget Dugan

The Park Provides:

• Uniforms Items: long-sleeve YCC work shirts, t-shirts, hats
• Day Pack: To carry lunch, water, personal protective equipment (PPE), and personal items. These backpacks shall be returned at the end of the program.
• Safety Equipment: gloves, hardhats, safety glasses, hearing protection, and other personal protective equipment as needed
• Water Bottles: We recommend drinking 2–4 liters of water per day, so a reusable water bottle will be provided.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. If I was previously enrolled in YCC, may I apply again in 2024?
   YES! However, applicants who were participants in YCC in previous years may be given consideration only when there are insufficient first-time applicants.
2. If my 15th birthday is after the starting date of the program, am I eligible?
   No. Applicants must be at least 15 years of age by the beginning of the program.
3. If my 19th birthday is before the ending date of the program, am I eligible?
   No. Applicants must not have reached 19 years of age by the ending date of the program.

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A National Park Service trail crew member works with YCC to repair a bridge.

NPS Photo / Bridget Dugan

Important

• Participants will receive Juneteenth (Wednesday, June 19) and Independence Day (Thursday, July 4) off with pay!
• Trail maintenance will involve exposure to poison oak. While we provide education and mitigation to exposures, knowing your tolerance to this plant is important.
• There will be an Informational Meeting for participants and their parents/guardians prior to the June 17 start date to discuss details of the program and complete required onboarding paperwork.
• Employees are responsible for their own transportation to and from the Bear Valley Visitors Center area.

 

In July 2023, YCC members attended a pinniped talk given by an expert park biologist near Chimney Rock.

NPS Photo / Bridget Dugan

How to Apply

1. Download the application for the YCC Program from the national Youth Conservation Corps page.
2. After downloading the application, fill it out, and save the file.
3. Then either:
   • Notify Bridget Dugan of your interest in the YCC by using our Contact Us page. She will send you a reply by email. Respond to her email, ensuring that you attach your completed application to the reply. Or
   • Print out your completed application and mail it to:

     Point Reyes National Seashore
     Attn: Bridget Dugan/YCC
     1 Bear Valley Road
     Point Reyes Station, CA 94956

Please note that selections are made via lottery so the essay question is not required for those applying to the Point Reyes YCC program. Additional information, such as social security number, proof of employment eligibility, and medical history, will be required to complete the hiring process after selections have been made.

Completed applications were required to be returned or postmarked no later than April 29, 2024.

Contact Bridget Dugan at 415-464-5164 or by email for more information.

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