The Youth in Restoration Program, offered through the Missoula County Department of Ecology, provides high school students ages 14 to 18 with a unique opportunity to explore careers in natural resource and conservation work. This summer employment program is designed for teens who enjoy working outdoors and want to make a tangible impact on in their local public lands. Participants earn $15.50 per hour while gaining valuable experience that sets the stage for future careers in conservation.
Over 9 weeks of the summer, students work side-by-side with a variety of natural resource professionals—from botanists, wildlife biologists, to land managers—on real-world projects that benefit local ecosystems. Activities range from biocontrol collections and vegetation monitoring to building and repairing fences that protect sensitive habitats. Each task not only teaches practical field skills but also deepens participants' understanding of the challenges and solutions to managing these resources.
One of the highlights of the program is the chance to embark on backpacking trips into some of Montana’s most iconic wilderness areas, including the Great Burn and the Bob Marshall Wilderness. These multi-day excursions allow students to fully immerse themselves in wild landscapes while contributing to long-term conservation goals. Whether they're tracking invasive species or restoring damaged trails, participants leave the program with a stronger connection to the land and a clearer sense of how they can play a role in its stewardship.
If you know someone who would be interested in this opportunity, have them check out the YIR page on our website with more details and the application. All applicants get an interview!
