Fort Christiansvaern in Christiansted, St. Croix. By. ERNICE GILBERT, V.I. CONSORTIUM
The National Park Service is inviting local high school students between the ages of 15 and 18 to apply for paid summer positions at the Christiansted National Historic Site as part of the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC).
This initiative is designed to encourage the development and conservation of the United States' natural resources while fostering an environmental stewardship and civic responsibility ethic.
The YCC program offers participants a unique opportunity to earn while they learn, engaging in physical outdoor activities and gaining valuable leadership skills. The work, which includes debris removal, brush clearing, trail construction, painting, and more, will be conducted in outdoor settings where temperatures often exceed 85°F. Additionally, participants might face challenges such as dealing with insects, prickly plants, and varying weather conditions.
Beyond the hands-on tasks, the program also incorporates environmental education, field trips, and exposure to a broad spectrum of career opportunities within the Park Service, such as Facilities and Maintenance, Administration, Resource Management, Interpretation and Education, and even Law Enforcement.
The 2024 session at Christiansted National Historic Site will run from June 10 to August 5. Interested youths can collect applications from the Danish Customs House, available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The deadline for submissions is May 22, 2024.
This full-time role offers a wage of $11.50 per hour for a 40-hour workweek, running Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Applicants must be available throughout the entire program duration from June 10 to August 5, with no unexcused absences permitted.
Eligibility criteria include being a permanent resident of the United States, possession of a Social Security card, and a willingness to work outdoors. Applicants should not have a history of serious crime or anti-social behavior and must be able to work well in team settings. A parent or legal guardian’s consent is required, along with the provision of appropriate work attire such as jeans and work boots.
For further details on the application process or to apply, prospective candidates are encouraged to visit the YCC website.
