May 25, 2012

Looking for a job this summer? Portland Parks & Recreation’s Youth Conservation Crew (YCC) is now accepting applications.

YCC provides summer employment opportunities for Portland-area teens ages 14 - 18.  The crews protect, restore, and manage Portland's parks and natural areas while developing essential job skills.

Last summer, the 56 teens employed in the program saved 398 trees, maintained 575 newly planted trees, mulched and watered 1,706 plants, improved 8.8 miles of trails, and taught 2,008 kids and adults about urban ecology and conservation. 

Youth hired will be place into one of the following crews:

• The No Ivy League (NIL) restores the native habitat of Portland's natural areas by removing invasive plants.

• The Tree Crew works alongside City of Portland arborists and high climbers while learning proper pruning techniques, how to maintain the health of Portland's urban canopy, and  how to ensure the safety of park patrons.

• The Southeast Conservation Crew works in partnership with SE Works, a local nonprofit GED and youth employment training program, which maintains and enhances Portland's east side natural areas.  Teens build fences to protect sensitive habitat, water native plantings to ensure the viability of plants, and remove invasive species.

• The Trail Crew builds and maintains trails using industry-accepted techniques for sustainable trail maintenance.  The crew focuses on reducing erosion entering Portland's rivers, streams, and water bodies by improving grading and drainage, improving stream crossings, and closing unofficial trails.

• The Teen Naturalist Team (TNT) teaches environmental science and leads activities for children ages 6 - 12 in SUN School and community summer day camps in the Portland area.

Click here to apply for these amazing summer opportunities!