OYC participants

The Outdoor Youth Corps program is an education and workforce development program that connects youth ages 16 to 20 with projects and career paths focused on conservation, horticulture, sustainability and community engagement in the St. Louis area. This program provides career mentorship to participants by introducing them to a wide variety of career paths, training opportunities, and paid work experiences.

Youth are introduced to a variety of environmental stewardship projects throughout the city including: invasive species removal, urban farming, trash clean ups, general garden maintenance, and more! Participating youth learn hands-on skills and gain knowledge related to working in the environmental, horticultural, and conservation related fields.

The Outdoor Youth Corps has four annual program seasons, each accommodating 10 participants.

  • Summer Crew (June–July)
  • Spring Weekend Work Series (February–April)
  • Fall Weekend Work Series (September–November)
  • Alternative Spring Break program (March 18–22, 2024)

 

Participant Benefits:

  • Paid $12.50/hour
  • Bus passes provided to and from the Garden
  • Transportation provided to and from project locations
  • Lunch and snacks provided
  • Annual events with the St. Louis Green Teen Alliance
  • Discover employment and career opportunities in outdoor and conservation fields
  • Hands-on skill building training
  • Networking opportunities with local youth and green industry professionals
  • Learn about regional and global environmental issues and topics

Job Requirements:

  • Ability to work outdoors in a variety of conditions, and inclement weather
  • Ability to lift 40 lbs. occasionally, and carry out potentially physically demanding tasks
  • Must be between the ages of 16–20
  • Must be able to arrive at job site on time
 
 

Outdoor Youth Corps Community Education Intern

We also have one Outdoor Youth Corps Community Education Internship that lasts from May 20, 2024 to August 8, 2024. Be on the lookout for the job posting on the Missouri Botanical Garden job listings page in mid-March. More information coming soon.


“I met a lot of cool people that I had fun with, plus had many new experiences that have inspired me to make a change in my own community.”
—OYC participant, Fall Weekend Work Series 2023
 

“It was a really good learning experience and very eye opening to the environment I live in and how I can use these skills to make it better.”
—OYC participant, Fall 2022

“I enjoyed working at new places every week and receiving advice from professionals with years of experience. There was never a boring day, and I really feel like I have a grasp on the careers and opportunities available to me in the future.”
—OYC participant, Summer 2022 Crew

“I loved the program. Getting to spend time in the environment and going on field trips was an amazing job. I met great people along the way and learned new possibilities for my future.”
—OYC participant, Alternative Spring Break 2022


For additional Outdoor Youth Corps program information, or if you have any questions, contact Olivia Dove via email at odove@mobot.org.