Work With Us

Each year the preserve may hire seasonal workers for the summer or winter. Permanent positions occasionally become vacant. Complete job announcements post on USA Jobs, the official job site of the U.S. federal government. Announcements appear several months prior to hiring with position details and how to apply. Jobs may be currently posted for other agencies with similar qualifications. Not all vacancies are posted at the same time.

Opportunities for Youth Conservation Corp (YCC) are available for summer 2024 for youth ages 15 - 18.

Summer 2024 YCC Opportunities at the Preserve

Typical Duties
The Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Program introduces young adults, 15-18 years of age, to work experiences and the National Park Service. This summer, YCC members will assist the preserve with:
Prairie Restoration and Monitoring
Pond and Stream Monitoring
Trail Work
General Maintenance

Eligibility and Selection
The YCC Program is open to young adults, 15-18 years old. Applicants must be citizens of the United States, have a social security number and bank account. There is no previous experience required.



Work Location
Work location is Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, Strong City, KS.
Government housing is not available.

Schedule and Salary
YCC Crew Members work Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. starting Monday, June 3, 2024, for 8 weeks. Some flexibility in scheduling is possible. Salary is $15.00 per hour, paid every other week.

Application Deadline
Applications must be received (or postmarked) by April 10, 2024, to be considered.

How to Apply
Please follow the link below to learn more about the Youth Conservation Corps program and to fill out an application.

Youth Conservation Corps - Youth & Young Adult Programs (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

An application may also be requested by calling Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Applications must be submitted via mail to: Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, 2480B KS Hwy 177, Strong City, KS 66869 Attn: Deb Haley or email to deborah_haley@nps.gov.

YCC Program Expectations
By submitting an application, you agree to comply with the following expectations of employment. Failure to do so will be grounds for termination.
YCC Crew Members:

• Are REQUIRED to wear the provided uniform and safety equipment at all times as directed by the supervisor
• Will be to work on time and ready for daily assignments
• Will follow instructions given by supervisors
• Will work with other NPS staff and partners and care for their safety
• Will participate in all aspects of the program, including outreach and education programs
• Will contribute their best to the success of the program

Physical Demands and Environmental Hazards
The job will require hard work in an outdoor setting. Physical demands and environmental hazards may include:

• Use of hand tools such as shovels and weed diggers
• Lifting up to 50 pounds of weight
• Digging, pulling, and bending
• Working on rough terrain
• Exposure to insects and other wildlife

For More Information
Please contact Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve at 620-273-6034. Visit us at www.nps.gov/tapr/ . The National Park is located 2 miles North of Strong City, KS on Kansas Highway 177.

A wide variety of opportunities await you, while you make friends and have fun along the way. Come join our team!