April 03, 2018 - 11:39 AM
VANCOUVER - Dozens of young adults in British Columbia will soon have the opportunity become part of a BC Parks Student Ranger Program.
The new program provides 48 full-time students with training and employment opportunities in B.C.'s parks and protected areas.
Eight teams of student rangers, aged 18 to 30, will work in regions including Prince George, Smithers, Kamloops, North Vancouver and Squamish.
Jobs start in late May and there is a hiring target of 30 per cent Indigenous youth.
The program is funded by the federal and provincial governments with Victoria's $610,000 in annual funding coming from proceeds generated by the sale of speciality BC Parks licence plates.
Environment Minister George Heyman says students will get important job skills while helping to protect sensitive ecosystems.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2018