Dover, Tenn.–Fort Donelson National Battlefield is offering summer opportunities to regional youth through a limited number of positions in the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) student employment program.
Participating youth will work on projects ranging from the repair of hiking trails, repainting historic markers, preserving earthworks and supporting other tasks related to the care of the historic and natural resources of Fort Donelson.
This is a full‑time, paid federal youth program, and all work is outdoors, with many projects in remote areas. Participating youth must commit to 40 hours per week for the duration of the program.
The 2026 YCC program begins Monday, June 1, 2026, and runs for 8 weeks. Participants must be at least 15 years old at the start of enrollment and must not turn 19 before completing the program.
How to Apply
Applications may be downloaded at:
(Do not submit online—download only.)
After downloading, complete the form, print it, and submit a hard copy using the instructions below.
IMPORTANT: Forms submitted online through the link or sent by email will not be accepted.
Hard‑copy applications and program information are available at:
• Fort Donelson National Cemetery Ranger Station, 183 National Cemetery Dr., Dover, TN
(Open 8:00 am–4:00 pm, Monday–Fri
• Your local high school guidance office
• Work Force Essentials, 1356 Donelson Parkway, Dover, TN
Completed applications and a letter of reference must be delivered to the Fort Donelson National Cemetery Ranger Station, 183 National Cemetery Dr., Dover, TN, no later than 4:00 pm on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
Applications may also be mailed to:
Fort Donelson NB, Attn: YCC, PO Box 434, Dover, TN 37058
(Mailed applications must arrive by 4:00 pm on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. Electronic submissions are not accepted.)
A public drawing of finalists will be held at the Education Pavilion next to the Fort Donelson Visitor Center on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 4:00 pm.
Applicants will be randomly selected at that time. Attendance is encouraged but not required to remain eligible.
For more information, contact Jeanne Thomas at 931‑232‑0826.