Volunteers Sought for County Youth Corps

Editor's note: The following information is a press release from the Middlesex County Office of Economic and Business Development.

Applications are now being accepted for the Middlesex County Youth Conservation Corps, whose mission is to protect and preserve natural areas from misuse, polluters and the forces of nature at the more than 7,000 acres of Open Space owned and maintained by Middlesex County.

Conservation Corps crew members earn $8.50 per hour and will work Saturdays from March 30 through June 1. Work will primarily take place at County open spaces in Old Bridge, Monroe and South Brunswick. Students age 16 and over are encouraged to apply.

“Our Youth Conservation Corps members continue to be an integral part of our efforts to maintain the open space and trails for our residents to enjoy,” said Freeholder Stephen J. “Pete” Dalina, chair of the County’s Infrastructure Management Committee.

“This continues to be one of our more popular programs and with good reason,” said Middlesex County Freeholder Director Christopher D. Rafano. “The youth corps is a responsible and economical way of carrying out our land management goals while introducing young Americans to conservation activities.”

Activities include trail building, litter clean-up, invasive species removal and wildlife habitat improvements. Applicants should be enthusiastic, self motivated and willing to work and learn as a part of a team. Also, applicants must have the capacity to walk several miles and stand for extended periods of time, the willingness to get dirty and work outdoors in various weather conditions and the ability to use various hand tools. 

Space is limited. Interested applicants should send a cover letter and application for employment to: Scott Meyler, Middlesex County Office of Parks and Recreation, PO Box 661, New Brunswick, NJ 08903. Applications can be downloaded at www.co.middlesex.nj.us/personnel/index.asp and must be received in the office by Feb. 15, 2013.

A complete job description can be found at the Middlesex County Office of Parks and Recreation Web site, www.co.middlesex.nj.us/parksrecreation/index.asp.  For more information, call Eric Gehring at (732) 745-8278.

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