The Cant Ranch at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument will sponsor an eight-week Youth Conservation Corps program this summer.

Youths 15 to 18 are encouraged to apply, provided that they do not reach their 19th birthday before Aug. 4.

YCC team members will work June 11 through Aug. 3, earning the Oregon state minimum wage of $10 per hour. The schedule is 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. The YCC team will work at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument under the supervision of National Park Service staff.

“We are excited about providing local youth the opportunity to learn about the history of their country and to participate in preserving the resources associated with this part of the John Day Valley,” said Superintendent Patrick Gamman.

The YCC team will focus on the preservation of resources associated with the Cant Ranch and the surrounding fossil beds. In addition, the crew will have opportunities to visit other historically significant areas in the valley, and will gain a more complete understanding of the John Day Valley history and the issues facing the protection of these resources in the future.

Young men and women who are interested in applying may obtain an application from: Grant Union High School office, Dayville School office, Monument School office, Grant County Library or National Park Service at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.

The completed application must be postmarked no later than May 3 to: John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Attn: Jonathon Fitch – YCC, 32651 Highway 19, Kimberly, OR 97848.