VALLEY — The San Luis Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex is accepting applications from young men and women to participate in the 2017 San Luis Valley Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Program.  

This year’s San Luis Valley Program will consist of hiring youth to fill eight positions on the crew. The 2017 crew will be located on the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge located seven miles south of the town of Monte Vista on CO Highway 15. However, work will be accomplished on the SLV’s three National Wildlife Refuges (Alamosa, Monte Vista and Baca), the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and on other federal and state lands as well.

To qualify, persons must be at least 15 years of age and not reach 19 years of age during the term of employment which is slated for June 5th through August 11. Enrollees must possess a valid social security number before the first work day, and must be a permanent resident of the United States, its territories, or possessions.   Employment is open to males and females without regard to social, economic, racial, or ethnic background.  Enrollees will be under the direct supervision of an adult crew leader.

Qualified applicants will be selected randomly to fill the five positions available.  Pay will be the prevailing minimum wage, which is $9.30/ hr. Work schedules will consist of eight hours per day (7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and five days per week (Monday-Friday). As stated above, the term of the employment will extend from June 5th  through August 11th (10 weeks). Those who cannot work the entire 10 weeks should not apply.

Duties may include yard maintenance, painting, fence maintenance, shop or office work, biological surveys as well as a variety of other duties. Applicants will be reporting each morning to the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge Shop. Enrollees are responsible for their own transportation between their residence and the duty station at the beginning and end of each work day. Transportation to and between work sites will be provided. Selected enrollees and a legal guardian will be required to attend a pre-employment meeting.

Applications for these positions can be obtained online at: http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/ycc/YCC_Application.pdf, or by calling the San Luis Valley NWR Office at (719) 589-4021.  

Send completed applications to: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Luis Valley NWR Complex, 9383 El Rancho Lane, Alamosa 81101.

Questions regarding the YCC Program may be directed to LeeAnn Duran at (719) 589-4021 Ext.1000 or Ron Garcia at (719) 256-5527.