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Youth Conservation Corps

Over 640 teens have participated in the Youth Conservation Corps since it began, and BNAN is anticipating another 60 youth will serve in the program in 2013, its 19th year of operation. This year, four teams of youth age 15-17 will work along the Neponset River Greenway in Dorchester and Mattapan, the East Boston Greenway and in Stony Brook Reservation in Hyde Park. YCC teens learn teamwork and job skills while engaged in park improvement projects involving environmental restoration, trail building, landscaping and more. Once again in 2013, for the second year, urban agriculture will be included in the YCC program.

The YCC youth have been instrumental in building support for both the Greenways and Urban Wilds by drawing community attention to these spaces. BNAN partners with MA DCR and Boston Parks Department to accomplish the YCC projects.

YCC Activities

The Youth Conservation Corps work and education programs focus on restoring habitat and creating access. The list below is just a sample of what YCC members do. To see photos from the 2011 YCC program click here.

  • Create and maintain trails
  • Complete native restoration projects, which attract birds, insects and other wildlife
  • Remove invasive plant species
  • Create murals along the Neponset and East Boston Greenways
  • Learn about current local and global environmental concerns

Teen Positions with Youth Conservation Corps
Updated April 24, 2013

Our hiring for spring and summer YCC has finished for 2013; however, you can apply to be considered as an ALTERNATE. And we do call upon many of our alternates as other teens find out they have summer school, vacations or other conflicts that come up, so please apply! Be sure to review the rsponsibilitis and requirements below. Boston teens MUST be registred with the Hopeline/Boston Youth Fund -- there are no exceptions.

To apply as an ALTERNATE YCC member:
Download and submit the completed application to Candice Cook, Boston Natural Areas Network, 62 Summer St., Boston, MA 02110 or Fax: 617-542-0383 or Email responses to candice@bostonnatural.org

Responsibilities: Youth will be part of one of the above teams with 10-12 other youth and will engage in physical work projects to better parks and natural areas. Corps members will learn about environmental topics while performing conservation projects, trail building, landscaping and other similar activities. YCC youth also participate in outdoor programming such as canoeing and biking as well as job skills workshops.

Requirements:

  • 15 - 17 years this summer
  • Resident of Boston registered with the City of Boston Hopeline (bostonyouthzone.com - deadline was March 2, 2013)
  • OR Resident of Miton: "Through special funding, a limited number of positions are available for Milton residents."
  • Ability to perform physical work outdoors in all weather
  • Interest in learning about growing food and the natural environment
  • Enthusiasm to work as part of a team
  • Desire to make a difference in your community

YCC Teams and Locations:

  • Neponset Greenway Team: Dorchester and Mattapan
  • East Boston Greenway Team: East Boston
  • Urban Wilds Team: Allandale Woods, West Roxbury/Roslindale
  • Urban Agriculture Team: Hyde Park and Roxbury
    • Number of Positions: 40

    Work Schedule: 8:30 a.m - 1:30 p.m. Monday - Friday, July 8 - August 16 (6 weeks)
    Stipend: $8.00 per hour, 25 hours/week

    Click here to download application.

    YCC STAFF POSITIONS Summer 2013:

    BNAN is looking for committed, energetic adults with a passion for the outdoors to work with YCC teens.

    We are hiring for 3 staff positions:
    • Field Manager/Coordinator (1 opening)
    • Crew Supervisor (3 openings)
    • Urban Agriculture Crew Supervisor (1 opening, begins mid-spring)

    Click HERE to download job descriptions and requirements for all staff positions.

    To Apply:
    Send a detailed cover letter and resume to Dana Chepulis, Interim Program Manager at dana@bostonnatural.org. Please include your first and last name in the title of your file attachments. Staff Application Deadline: March 31, 2013.