Conservation

Youth Corps

 

Polk County Conservation Youth Corps engages and inspires diverse youth through hands-on environmental stewardship projects, outdoor recreation, and conservation education. 

Youth Corps offers paid service-learning opportunities for ages 14+ in Polk County, Iowa. We have spring, summer, and fall options for Crew Members (ages 14-18) and summer positions for Crew Leaders (ages 19+). Join us!

SAFE - SOCIAL - SERVICE LEARNING

Crew Members

SPRING 2025 

Get out of the house and work outside in parks this spring. This 5-week spring session meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school (4:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.) and four Saturdays (8 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.). This crew experience will include an overnight camping trip in Iowa during the session. We provide transportation, equipment, tools, training, and food. For teenagers who want to make a difference in the outdoors.

  • Work | 5 weeks - Tuesdays & Thursdays after school + 3 Saturdays
  • Meet | TBD (Tues/Thurs. 4:00 -7:30 pm, Sat. 8am-3:00pm)
  • Dates | 2025 TBD
  • Earn | $400 Stipend + Overnight camping trip 
  • Apply | Applications open January, 2025 

 

SUMMER 2025

Summer session runs 4 weeks meeting Monday through Friday. There are two sessions to apply for in June and again in July. Youth ages 14-18 form daytime summer crews. Teams of 10 teens and 2 adult leaders work on challenging projects that help the community and learn fun outdoor skills each week. Everyone earns a weekly stipend. We provide transportation, equipment, tools, training, and food. For teenagers who want to make a difference in the outdoors

  • Work | 4 weeks - Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
  • Dates:
    • Session 1: 2025 TBD
    • Session 2: 2025 TBD
  • Earn | $200 Stipend per week ($800 total) + 2-night camping trip in a Polk County Park 
  • Apply | Applications open January, 2025

FALL 2024

The 8-week fall session meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school (4:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m) and four Saturdays (8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.). This crew experience will include an overnight camping trip in Iowa during the session. We provide transportation, equipment, tools, training, and food. For teenagers who want to make a difference in the outdoors.

  • Work | 8 weeks - Tuesdays & Thursdays( 4:00 pm - 7:30 pm), four Saturdays( 8:00 am - 3:30pm ) + Overnight camping trip (Saturday & return Sunday)
  • Dates | September 3rd-October 24th 
  • Earn | $600
  • Apply | Applications close 8/26/24

 

 

Crew Leaders

Spend your summer outside and inspire young people through environmental stewardship projects. Gain experience with habitat restoration, crew supervision, facilitating conversations, and teaching outdoor skills. Find more information here.

Questions?

Visit our frequently asked questions (FAQ) page or for more information about this program, contact: 

youthcorps@polkcountyiowa.gov