Virginia State Parks offers unique, paid program tailored to hardworking Highland Youth

Virginia State Parks are currently recruiting qualified candidates for the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program for 2024, as well as crew leaders to mentor youth by helping them complete trail maintenance, basic construction and beautification of the parks. Eligible applicants for YCC crew members must be 14-17 years of age and going into at least their first year of high school.  

Crew members will live and work in one of 42 Virginia State Parks for a two-week session while completing trail maintenance, basic construction and park beautification projects led by crew leaders and park staff. Room and board are provided, and crew members will receive a $750 stipend at the end of the two-week session. The program session dates are June 16-29 or July 7-20. 

Crew leaders must be 18 years old and willing to work directly with park staff and live alongside their crew of 10 crew members. The dates of employment are June 5 – July 27, which includes a week of training. The program consists of two 2-week sessions with crews and days for park orientation, crew preparation and clean up. Crew Leader stipend for the employment period is $6,500 that is divided into three, biweekly payments. 

Both programs are challenging and rewarding, and a wonderful fit for Highland youth who enjoy being outside and completing a hard day’s work.  No prior outdoor work experience is required, but participants should expect to spend their weekdays working hard in the heat, and weekends exploring the natural beauty of Virginia.

Visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/jobs for more information or to apply.