A guest post from our friends at the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps…

Burlington, we’re coming back! The Queen City and VYCC are teaming up again this year, as part of a three-year partnership, to put local youth to work on Burlington’s beautiful public lands.

Since 1985, Vermont Youth Conservation Corps (VYCC) has served Vermont youth and communities through paid and credit-bearing opportunities for young people, ages 15-26, in conservation and sustainable agriculture. Our mission is to teach young people personal responsibility through meaningful work that connects us all to the land, community, and one another.

What kind of impact do we have on youth and the city?

Alumni Recap: Last year, Burlington resident, Eva K, had just wrapped up high school before joining the VYCC Burlington Community Crew. Over the course of the season, she put her strengths to work: working hard, taking initiative, and constantly setting goals for herself and the crew. She took lead on multiple projects and became adept at delegating responsibilities to her crew mates. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s totally worth it – I learned so much!” You can see her hard work in person next time you take the trail to the newly reopened tower in Ethan Allen Park.

Where We Worked: The Burlington Community Crew worked in three Burlington City Parks during the summer of 2017: Ethan Allen, Smalley, and Arms Parks. You may have run into the crew looking sharp in green uniform shirts and safety gear and deftly wielding pick mattocks, mcleods, hazel hoes, and a mechanical compactor and more. If you did, then we hoped you stopped to visit and chat. Visitors to the parks since our work are reaping the benefits of the hard work completed by this amazing crew of 15-18 year olds by having a safer and drier trail to the Ethan Allen Tower, a new timber crib wall to reduce erosion and runoff at Smalley Park, a new 30’ bridge in Arms Park and much more!

What We Do: VYCC hires local youth (yes, these are paying jobs!). They learn new skills, through real, hands-on, meaningful work projects that strengthen the community and its land. Our crews build strong bonds together and deepen their connection to their communities through their efforts.

We Are Hiring For 2018:

Burlington’s Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Department provided consistent support and enrichment for the VYCC Corps Members and their leaders. Thank you, BPRW! Can’t wait to come back this summer!

Get Started: Positions are available beginning in June and July. Youth (ages 15-18) can apply for 4 or 8 week opportunities. We hire only Burlington residents for this awesome crew.

Get more details and complete our online application. Don’t delay! We are interviewing candidates now and will continue until positions are filled.

VYCC is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applications from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, women and gender fluid individuals, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged. All eligible applicants or job-holders have an equal opportunity in all areas of VYCC employment.