2027 MobilizeGreen Youth Conservation Program Crew Member

About the role

In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, MobilizeGreen offers a residential Youth Conservation Program (YCP) for summer 2027. This three‑week residential program brings together youth ages 15–18 to live and work as a team. During the day, members complete conservation‑related projects; evenings and weekends feature environmental education, leadership development, personal growth lessons, and outdoor recreation activities. The program is designed as an introductory experience that builds lasting memories and friendships.

Responsibilities

YCP members work on a variety of projects that help protect, preserve, and restore the natural and cultural resources of the Forest Service and participating partners. Work is performed outdoors, sometimes in difficult conditions including rain, heat, and mosquitoes. Example project types include:

• Restoration projects and education
• Trail maintenance
• Habitat management
• Environmental stewardship
• Fire‑dependent ecology and management
• Invasive species removal
• Site beautification
• Beach/community cleanup
• Campsite restoration

Requirements

• Must be at least 15 years old by June 1, 2027, and not older than 18 before August 31, 2027
• Must be enrolled in school or be a 2027 graduate
• Must be able to fulfill the essential functions of the assigned work with or without reasonable accommodations
• Must have a valid U.S. Social Security number or have applied for one by the program start date
• Selected candidates who are 18 must pass a background check
• Must be able to obtain a work permit as required under the applicant’s home state laws
• Must be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident

Qualifications

• Able to hike about 5 miles per day
• Able to perform up to 35 hours of physical labor per week
• Willingness to learn to use hand tools for digging, sawing, chopping, etc.
• Occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds
• Willingness to experience rustic living and introductory camping

Benefits

• All travel costs covered, including round‑trip flights
• All housing and meals covered for the duration of the program
• Develop collaboration and leadership skills
• Work with other high school students from across the country
• Explore outdoor and recreational activities such as backpacking, biking, climbing, fishing, hiking, kayaking, swimming, and/or other activities during non‑work and program hours
• Learn about natural resource management careers

Pay

Weekly stipend of $375 per week.

Schedule

Term: 3 weeks; full‑time (40 hours per week), on‑site.
Locations: Duluth, MN and San Bernardino, CA (duty stations: San Bernardino and Superior National Forest; locations subject to change).
Key dates:

• Crew Leader Training: May 31 – June 12, 2027
• Cohort 1: June 13 – July 3, 2027
• Week Break: July 4 – July 10, 2027
• Cohort 2: July 11 – August 3, 2027
• Post‑Program Debrief: August 1 – 6, 2027

For more information, visit www.mobilizegreen.org.