Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Youth Conservation Corps

Work, Learn, Play, and Grow!

We need you! Get paid to accomplish needed conservation work on public lands.

The Youth Conservation Corps program provides you with a paid summer experience working as part of a team on fun and meaningful conservation projects on national forests and public lands. You will gain environmental stewardship experience while learning about a variety of green careers and connecting with other young people

Eligibility

You must meet the following requirements:

  • At least age 15 at the start of the enrollment and be age 18 or younger on the final day of the program.

  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States or its territories.

  • Have a valid Social Security Number.

  • Able to obtain a state work permit.

Benefits

  • Earn Federal minimum wage or the state minimum wage, if higher.

  • Learn about environmental stewardship and civic responsibility through team-based work projects.

  • Gain exposure to college and industry apprenticeships, job opportunities in natural and cultural resource management, urban forestry, and other green careers.

  • Network with conservation professionals.

Project Types

  • Constructing and repairing trails

  • Preserving and repairing historic buildings

  • Removing invasive species

  • Assisting with wildlife and land research

  • Leading environmental education programs

Program Length

  • 1-3 months in the summer.

How to Apply

YCC programs are offered across the country. Most opportunities are offered through partner organizations. 

  • Visit the Corps Network website to search for partners working in the areas you are interested in. 

  • Visit the Corps Network jobs page to browse openings. Be sure to select the age option that is most appropriate for you.

  • Some Forest Service offices hire youth in the local community to support project work in the summer. Find a forest near you to see if they have any opportunities.

Two young men reaching upwards into a tree branch afixing a tunnel

Program Completion: Next Steps

  • Consider joining the Youth Conservation Corps again next summer as a crew member or a youth leader. Youth leaders act as role models and leaders within the crew and are paid an additional 15%.  You can participate in the experience as many times as you want so long as you remain under the age of 19.

    • If you are over 18, you are eligible to become a Youth Conservation Corps crew leader. For more information about position availability, find a forest near you to see if they have any opportunities.

    • If you want to complete your High School education while gaining career training, consider the Job Corps program.

  • If you’ve finished high school and are going into the workforce, you can apply to entry-level jobs with the Forest Service, either seasonal, intermittent, or permanent.

  • If you’ve finished high school and are a college student, you can apply to the following paid opportunities:

  • Resource Assistants Program: Paid internships for college students and graduates 17 and up interested in conservation, natural resources, and more. Work 6 to 12 months and earn a direct hiring authority.

  • Public Lands Corps: Paid experience working on conservation and stewardship projects. Work 640 hours to earn a non-competitive hiring authority.

  • Student Pathways Internships: Paid full or part-time internships. Program lengths and specifics for converting to permanent positions vary.