A new program is being opened to youth to work as park rangers beginning this summer.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy and Ministry for Employment and Social Development Canada said in a statement it has opened the new program from the proceeds that were generated from the specialty B.C. Parks licence plate sales.
“We are giving young adults a chance to gain important job skills in some of the most beautiful parks and protected areas British Columbia has to offer,” said George Heyman, minister of the environment and climate change strategy in a statement.
The program is funded by the provincial and federal governments, and will provide training and employment opportunities for 48 young adults in B.C.’s parks and protected areas. There is a 30 per cent Indigenous target and offers work experience in projects related to conservation, recreation, community outreach and Indigenous relations.
The province is contributing $610,000 annually for the next two years, from proceeds of the license plate program. Project Learning Tree Canada and the Canadian Parks Council will provide an additional $260,000.
Students will learn ecosystem restoration and invasive species control, trail building and maintenance, conservation monitoring projects and public outreach.
Eight teams will work in regions around the province, including Greater Victoria, Prince George, Smithers, Kamloops, Black Creek, Manning Park, North Vancouver and Squamish.
The program is now accepting applications for crew lead and crew positions that will begin in late May and early June and will continue through summer.
For more information on the student ranger program, people can visit env.gov.bc.ca.