Youth Conservation Corps

Youth Conservation Corps

The Youth Conservation Corps has completed many important tasks each summer including reopening the Wigwam Connector Trail, making a portion of the Pine Ridge Nature Trail accessible to all visitors, posting signs, and completing many other tasks that helps the refuge maintain its status as a great place to visit.


Are you age 15 to 18? Do you love the outdoors? Are you interested in exploring a career in conservation and wildlife management? Then the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is for you!

YCC is a well-balanced work-learn-earn program that develops an understanding and appreciation in participating youth of the Nation’s environment and heritage. YCC offers gainful summer employment to youth in a healthful outdoor atmosphere.

Due to COVID we will be hosting a crew of two. Crew members will have to follow COVID precautions including mask wearing and social distancing guidelines. Crew members will ride in multi-passenger vehicles to work sites.

Summer Job Opportunity

Applicants are not eligible if they turn 19 prior to the end of the program in August and must be 15 by the starting date in June.  Applicants must also live in the local commuting area of Seney National Wildlife Refuge.

Projects include but are not limited to:

  • Nature trail construction and maintenance
  • Building, sign and grounds maintenance
  • Observation deck and boardwalk maintenance
  • Weed control
  • Environmental education
  • Learn about the different jobs with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the conservation of natural resources

Participants will do hard physical work and may be exposed to insects, poison oak and ivy, adverse weather and difficult working conditions.  Some jobs may not be fun or are monotonous, but in the end most past participants have noted that overall they enjoyed the experience and are glad they had the opportunity.

This eight week program pays minimum wage and will start in early June and run through early August. One young man and one young woman will be selected for these positions by a random drawing which will be held in late April.

If selected for the position, the youth must obtain a work permit to participate.

Youth Conservation Corps Flyer

To Apply:

To apply fill out the Youth Conservation Corps application and return it to the Seney National Wildlife Refuge by April 21. 

Youth Conservation Corps Application

Mail to:
Seney National Wildlife Refuge
ATTN: YCC Coordinator
1674 Refuge Entrance Road
Seney, MI 49883

For more information please contact the Assistant Refuge Manager at (906) 586-9851 ext. 13. This eight-week program pays $9.65 per hour and will start in June and run into August. One young man and one young woman will be selected for these positions by a drawing which will be held in late April. If a candidate is planning a multi-day absence during the eight-week period, we will go to the next candidate on the list.