Youth Conservation Corps (YCC)

1. Review the following:
   • YMCA Code of Conduct
   • Job Description-YCC Crew
   • Job Description-YCC Leader
      
2. Fill out an application (Either in paper form or in electronic form (preferred)):
   • Preferred:  2025 YCC Application (Electronic)
     ***Please note: It may take up to 45 minutes to receive the confirmation email. Your application is NOT complete until you receive that email and click on the link to confirm. 
   • 2025 YCC Application (Paper/Print)
3. Find at least two people, non-family, to complete references for you (either in paper form or electronic form (preferred)):
   • Preferred: Character/Job Reference Form (Email/Text this link to person completing reference for you) (Preferred)
     ***Please note: It may take up to 45 minutes to receive confirmation email. The character reference is NOT complete until you receive that email and click on the link to confirm. 
   • Character/Job Reference Form (Paper/Print) (You will need to bring filled out reference form back to YMCA front desk)

       ***Tips:

• Read all documents thoroughly. Especially the cover page of the application.
• Fill out all documents thoroughly. Leave no blanks.
• Incomplete applications will disqualify you.
• Electronic applications and reference forms are preferred but paper/print versions will be accepted and can be turned into The Family YMCA, The Espanola YMCA Teen Center or the YMCA Los Alamos Teen Center.
• Pay close attention to all "Key Dates" listed below
• Questions? Email Lahni Zollinger: lzollinger@laymca.org

KEY DATES for 2025 SEASON:

• April 18th, no later than 6:00pm: Applications due--Early applications appreciated; late applications not accepted.
• April 21st-May 2nd: Candidate Interview Notifications and Interviews--Interviews held after school at Los Alamos Y Express and Espanola Teen Center. Phone interviews are a possibility. You will be contacted via the email you listed on your application to arrange an interview.
• May 5th-9th: Job offers extended through email. You Must accept within 5 days.
• May 29th: First day of work for Leaders. Position ends 7/25/25.
• June 2nd: First day of work for Crew Members. Position ends 7/25/25.

Video of Crew Work

History

From 2009-2016, and in 2018-2020, the state of New Mexico's Youth Conservation Corps has provided funding to The Family YMCA to hire Trail crews to repair fire-damaged footpaths and to create new sustainable trails.  Jobs are open to New Mexico youth, ages 14-25. This work has been a cooperative program between Los Alamos County's Open Space Division and the USDA Española Ranger District.

The High Altitude Athletics Club has provided support for tools used in trail work from 2018-2022. 

In 2017, The Family YMCA partnered with Bandelier National Monument, the Volunteer Task Force, Delle Foundation, UNM-LA and Pajarito Trail Fest to hold a summer jobs program for youth ages 16-24. The work provided service, learning and environmental education opportunities, including college credit.

We are grateful to these partners for helping to provide skills to entry-level job seekers, who in turn provide a great service to our community.