Winona wildlife refuge seeks youths for outdoor projects

YCC crew members get chance to work with river, prairie creatures

WINONA, Minn. (WKBT) – Youths ages 15 through 18 with an interest in outdoors and the environment can cultivate the potential for a career with summer jobs with the Youth Conservation Corps of the Winona District of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.

Crew members will work with agency staff and volunteers on a variety of biological, maintenance and visitor services project. The program, which looks to hire four students, depending on funding, will run from Monday, June 22, through Friday, Aug. 14, according to a refuge news release.

Those chosen in a random drawing will work a 40-hour week, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-through Friday, and be paid the state’s minimum wage of $10.and be paid the state minimum wage of $10.00/hour.

The YCC is a work-learn-earn program that develops an understanding and appreciation of the nation’s environment and heritage. Projects the crew members handle could kindle a career in natural resources.

Young men and women, 15 through 18 years of age, who are permanent residents of the United States, its Territories, or possessions, are eligible for employment without regard to social, economic, racial, or ethnic backgrounds.

Applications, which must be postmarked by April 10, are available at the Wildlife and Fish Refuge’s website or at the refuge in Room 203 at 51 E. Fourth in Winona.

Applicants will be notified of their status by Friday, April 24. For more information, contact Assistant Refuge Manager Curt McMurl at 507-494-6213.

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