Youth Conservation Crew (YCC)

The Youth Conservation Crew (YCC) provides employment opportunities for a diverse population of Portland-area youth. Crews protect, restore, and manage Portland's parks and natural areas while developing job skills and exploring environmental career paths.

Summer 2026 Job Applications

The Summer 2026 job applications are now open for Crew Leaders and will open in February for Crew Members.

Adult Crew Leader (Ages 18+)

Lead a group of teenagers ages 14-18 as they work on trees, trails, habitat, gardens, and more. Help teens develop a love of nature in the city, and the skills and knowledge they need to protect it. We are hiring 10 crew leaders to lead the Community Gardens Crew, Natural Area Crew – Eastside, Natural Area Crew – Westside, Trail Crew, and Tree Crew.

Pay: $22-24 an hour

Status: Application is now open.

Eligibility: Be at least 18 years old by April 1, 2026; driver's license required.

Youth Crew Member (Ages 14-18)

Looking for responsible teens who enjoy working outside and are excited to work with a diverse team. Join a crew focusing on trails, trees, community gardens, or natural areas.

Pay: $18 an hour

Status: Application will open in February.

Eligibility: Age 14-18, willing and able to do hard work, dependable, excited to work with a diverse team, able to get to work sites on your own, and eligible to work in the United States.

Work Schedule

• Summer Dates for Crew Leaders: Varies by crew (e.g., Trail Crew: May 12-August 12, 2026)
• Hours for Crew Leaders: Monday (8:30am - 2:30pm); Tuesday - Friday (7:30am - 3:30pm)
• Summer Dates for Crew Members: June 23-August 7, 2026
• Hours for Crew Members: 8:30am-2:30pm

All youth hired during the summer can keep working on Saturdays during the school year as work is available.

Types of Crew Work

• City Nature East Crew: remove unwanted plants, weed and water, plant ID, etc. Locations: East, NE, SE Portland.
• Community Gardens Crew: build garden plots, food justice, etc.
• Trail Crew: build trails and structures, citywide.
• Tree Crew: tree care, mapping, East and NE Portland.
• West Side Nature Crew - No Ivy League: landscaping, NW and SW.