The Pathways Program is designed to provide students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, with opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school and while getting paid for the work performed. 

Some years the refuge has a Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) crew. It is for young men and women, ages 15 through 18, who are permanent residents of the United States. YCC is a well-balanced work-learn-earn program that develops an understanding and appreciation of our natural resources and an opportunity to explore a career in this field. Crew members work with agency staff and volunteers on a variety of biological, maintenance, and visitor service projects. These positions are usually advertised in March or early April. 

 Youth Conservation Corps Application Form 

The Winona and La Crosse Districts of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (Refuge) will be hiring four students each this summer to work on a Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) crew. This summer’s YCC program will begin on Monday, June 17 and end eight weeks later on Friday, August 9. Crew members will be paid $7.25 per hour for a 40-hour work week. The work week is Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m

Youth interested in working in Winona area should submit their applications to: Brian Pember, UMR Winona District, 51 East 4th Street, Room 203, Winona, MN, 55987. Youth interested in working at the La Crosse District Office should submit their applications to Kendra Niemec, UMR La Crosse District, N5727 County Road Z, Onalaska, WI 54650.

Applications must be received by the office you are interested in by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 12, 2012.

Applicants will be selected by random drawing and notified by Friday, April 19, 2013. Questions about the program should be directed to Brian Pember (Winona) at 507-494-6237 or Kendra Niemec (LaCrosse) at 608-779-2386. Hiring is dependent on availability of funding.