Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming - A popular youth conservation initiative and seasonal job program will mark its 10th year at Grand Teton National Park this summer, and high school students (ages 16 to 19) who wish to participate in the 2015 Youth Conservation Program (YCP) are encouraged to submit an application. Applications must be postmarked by March 20, 2015.
Funding for this youth-focused program comes from the Grand Teton National Park Foundation through generous contributions by their donors. Grand Teton's trail supervisors hope to enroll 15-25 short-term positions during this recruitment period.
The 2015 YCP program will span ten weeks from June 15 through August 21. Participants must be at least 16 years of age by June 15, and live locally as housing is not provided. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, or possess a work visa for temporary employment as non-citizen. Applicants must also be students in good standing. Other qualifications include good team skills, a willingness to learn about Grand Teton and its trail system, and the ability to work at a physically demanding job which may involve lifting 30-40 pounds. Wages for YCP participants are 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 &Resource Management, Interagency Fire, Interpretation, or Visitor &Resource Protection). Students will also meet experts in all aspects of public lands conservation.
During the course of their day, YCP workers 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 program and how to contribute to future YCP activities, or other Foundation programs, contact Leslie Mattson by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone 307.732.0629.
For further information about the 2015 season, call Stacy Myers at 307.739.3379. To obtain an application, write to Youth Conservation Program, Grand Teton National Park, P.O. Box 170, Moose, WY 83012, or visit the park's website at http://www.nps.gov/grte/getinvolved/supportyourpark/ycp.htm.
