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Get Paid While
You Train

Corpsmembers receive hands-on training across many different career pathways in natural resources fields. Availability does vary by center and may have additional requirements, but the CCC’s main year-round program offers opportunities in the following areas:

Learn skills

CCC Los Piños Corpsmember Alyssa Hernandez bucks a downed tree on a prescribed burn preparation project in Yosemite Valley, CA.

Learn More About Us

Want to learn more? Meet our Executive Team leaders, go through our nearly 50 years of history, and explore our policies and regulations.

Expand Your network

There are many ways California non-profits and government agencies can work with the California Conservation Corps.

The CCC oversees several grant programs, can be consulted with for bond and grant projects, we certify local conservation corps programs, and can work on a wide array of projects in your communities.

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Backcountry Trails Program

Each season, CCC’s Backcountry Trails Program (BCTP) assembles six crews from widely diverse backgrounds to venture into the wilderness to perform some of the most challenging and rewarding work of their lives. BCTP Corpsmembers learn the historic skills of trail maintenance and construction, and the process of building healthy, inclusive communities.

Discover Backcountry

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Backcountry Trails Program

Each season, CCC’s Backcountry Trails Program (BCTP) assembles six crews from widely diverse backgrounds to venture into the wilderness to perform some of the most challenging and rewarding work of their lives. BCTP Corpsmembers learn the historic skills of trail maintenance and construction, and the process of building healthy, inclusive communities.

Discover Backcountry

Consultation

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Emergency Response

All Corpsmembers respond to emergencies across California (and beyond). Assignments can last up to 21 days in a row and Corpsmembers may work up to 16 hours in a day, earning excess pay. Crews support wildfire base camps, protect homes from flooding, remove debris, and more.

Discover Emergency Response

 

 

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Emergency Response

All Corpsmembers respond to emergencies across California (and beyond). Assignments can last up to 21 days in a row and Corpsmembers may work up to 16 hours in a day, earning excess pay. Crews support wildfire base camps, protect homes from flooding, remove debris, and more.

Discover Emergency Response

 

 

Grants

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Backcountry Trails Program

Each season, CCC’s Backcountry Trails Program (BCTP) assembles six crews from widely diverse backgrounds to venture into the wilderness to perform some of the most challenging and rewarding work of their lives. BCTP Corpsmembers learn the historic skills of trail maintenance and construction, and the process of building healthy, inclusive communities.

Discover Backcountry

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Backcountry Trails Program

Each season, CCC’s Backcountry Trails Program (BCTP) assembles six crews from widely diverse backgrounds to venture into the wilderness to perform some of the most challenging and rewarding work of their lives. BCTP Corpsmembers learn the historic skills of trail maintenance and construction, and the process of building healthy, inclusive communities.

Discover Backcountry

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Backcountry Trails Program

Each season, CCC’s Backcountry Trails Program (BCTP) assembles six crews from widely diverse backgrounds to venture into the wilderness to perform some of the most challenging and rewarding work of their lives. BCTP Corpsmembers learn the historic skills of trail maintenance and construction, and the process of building healthy, inclusive communities.

Discover Backcountry

Local Corps Certification

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Emergency Response

All Corpsmembers respond to emergencies across California (and beyond). Assignments can last up to 21 days in a row and Corpsmembers may work up to 16 hours in a day, earning excess pay. Crews support wildfire base camps, protect homes from flooding, remove debris, and more.

Discover Emergency Response

 

 

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Emergency Response

All Corpsmembers respond to emergencies across California (and beyond). Assignments can last up to 21 days in a row and Corpsmembers may work up to 16 hours in a day, earning excess pay. Crews support wildfire base camps, protect homes from flooding, remove debris, and more.

Discover Emergency Response

 

 

Partnerships

Find Your Future

The training opportunities and chance to experience a variety of natural resource fields are just the start. There are even more benefits to enrolling in the CCC as a Corpsmember.

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Career Pathways

The CCC is committed to helping the young adults who enroll as Corpsmembers find the career and educational paths that are right for them. Our Career Transition Navigators are dedicated to help Corpsmembers succeed during and long after their time in the CCC. 

Discover Career Pathways

Career Pathways

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Education

The California Conservation Corps welcomes young adults of all educational levels into the program. Whether you need to finish your high school diploma or want to test the waters of community college, the CCC has opportunities for all.

Discover Education

 

 

Education

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Global Corps

CCC Corpsmembers are committed to helping make California an even better place for all. Usually that means improving and enhancing our natural resources in California, but may also include improving access to nature in international locations. The CCC Global Corps allows young adults to explore the world while improving their own skills and knowledge.

Discover Global Corps

Global Corps

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Internships

In addition to working with partners on natural resource projects, Corpsmembers may be able to work directly with partners, state agencies, and non-profits as interns. Internships vary throughout the year and throughout the state, but Corpsmembers who excel in the program may have the opportunity to apply for and receive an internship opportunity.

Discover Internships

Internships

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Stipend, Scholarships, & Supplies

One of the biggest benefits of enrolling in the CCC is getting paid to train. Corpsmembers not only receive a monthly stipend, but opportunities to earn scholarships and excess pay on emergencies. 

Discover Stipend, Scholarships, & Supplies

 

Stipend, Scholarships, & Supplies

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Stipend, Scholarships, & Supplies

One of the biggest benefits of enrolling in the CCC is getting paid to train. Corpsmembers not only receive a monthly stipend, but opportunities to earn scholarships and excess pay on emergencies. 

Discover Stipend, Scholarships, & Supplies

 

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Stipend, Scholarships, & Supplies

One of the biggest benefits of enrolling in the CCC is getting paid to train. Corpsmembers not only receive a monthly stipend, but opportunities to earn scholarships and excess pay on emergencies. 

Discover Stipend, Scholarships, & Supplies

 

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Find a Location

The CCC operates 25 locations across California, including residential and non-residential facilities. Each campus offers a unique environment and portfolio of projects, training, and educational opportunities.

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Staff Careers

The CCC operates 25 locations across California, including residential and non-residential facilities. Each campus offers a unique environment and portfolio of projects, training, and educational opportunities.

Learn more about scholarships

Year-Round Training

The skills and lessons you learn in CCC’s year-round training program will create a strong foundation for you to launch a meaningful career and transform your life!

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Built Environment

CCC Corpsmembers complete projects that provide significant benefits to public infrastructure. Project work varies but may include building or maintaining park facilities, installing signage, retrofitting energy systems, and reducing fire and flood risk in communities.

Discover Built Environment

 

Built Environment

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Culinary

CCC Corpsmembers train for careers in commercial kitchens, resorts, and restaurants. The culinary crew prepares and provides meals to residents at the center. Certifications available include the ServSafe Food Handlers Certificate.

Discover Culinary

Culinary

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Emergency Response

All Corpsmembers respond to emergencies across California (and beyond). Assignments can last up to 21 days in a row and Corpsmembers may work up to 16 hours in a day, earning excess pay. Crews support wildfire base camps, protect homes from flooding, remove debris, and more.

Discover Emergency Response

 

 

Emergency Response

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Forestry

CCC Corpsmembers improve the health of California’s forests by planting seedlings, collecting cones and seeds, and removing invasive and/or fire-prone vegetation.

Discover Forestry

Forestry

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Habitat Restoration

CCC Corpsmembers assess habitats, remove invasive vegetation, plant native species, stabilize slopes, or implement additional modifications to enhance natural environments. Corpsmembers may complete this work in forests, rivers, streams, or other sensitive habitats.

Discover Habitat Restoration

Habitat Restoration

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Trails

CCC Corpsmembers construct and maintain trails for public recreation. Project work varies but may involve clearing brush, rebuilding trail tread, installing rip rap erosion control, constructing bridges or boardwalks, and more.

Discover Trails

Trails

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Veterans Fisheries

In partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the CCC enables U.S. Military Veterans to monitor species of concern and restore habitat for endangered fish, such as salmon and steelhead.

Discover Veterans Fisheries

 

Veterans Fisheries

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Wildland Firefighting

CCC partners with CAL FIRE and BLM to operate firefighting hand crews. Corpsmembers cut fire line, lay hose, and mop up wildland fires. They also reduce wildfire risk by removing vegetation, creating fuel breaks, and participating in prescribed burns. Crews respond to local calls and can be dispatched statewide.

Discover Wildland Firefighting

Wildland Firefighting

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Wildland Firefighting

CCC partners with CAL FIRE and BLM to operate firefighting hand crews. Corpsmembers cut fire line, lay hose, and mop up wildland fires. They also reduce wildfire risk by removing vegetation, creating fuel breaks, and participating in prescribed burns. Crews respond to local calls and can be dispatched statewide.

Discover Wildland Firefighting

Seasonal Programs

Each season offers something special. Join one of CCC’s unique seasonal programs, dive into the world of conservation, and find your path!

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Backcountry Trails Program

Each season, CCC’s Backcountry Trails Program (BCTP) assembles six crews from widely diverse backgrounds to venture into the wilderness to perform some of the most challenging and rewarding work of their lives. BCTP Corpsmembers learn the historic skills of trail maintenance and construction, and the process of building healthy, inclusive communities.

Discover Backcountry

Backcountry Trails Program

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Emergency Response

All Corpsmembers respond to emergencies across California (and beyond). Assignments can last up to 21 days in a row and Corpsmembers may work up to 16 hours in a day, earning excess pay. Crews support wildfire base camps, protect homes from flooding, remove debris, and more.

Discover Emergency Response

 

 

Watershed Stewards Program

Learn The Process

The state application and hiring process can be a bit daunting the first time you go through it. The CCC believes this should not be a hurdle to bringing in motivated, inspired, hard-working talent.

We’re here to help you through the process, so first, we’ll walk you through the steps for those new to state service. Follow along the process by clicking on the icons for each step.

Additionally, we’ve provided all the necessary links you’ll need to know and follow below. 

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1) Create Account

First, you’ll need to have a CalCareers account. If you don’t yet have one, bookmark this page and then visit the CalCareers site to start that process. In order to apply and take exams, and then apply for positions, you must use the CalCareers platform.

Step 1 – Create Account

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2) Find Exams

Now that you’re logged in to your Cal Careers account, it’s time to take the examination for the classifications you are interested in applying for. Exams or assessments can vary as some are timed and others are simple self assessments.

Be sure you’re ready to take the examination before beginning. Once you take the exam, you may not be able to re-take it quite some time.

Step 2 – Take Exams

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3) Find Jobs

Now that you’ve taken the exam and are list eligible, it’s time to find the positions you’re interested in applying for. Be sure to read position postings thoroughly. Some applications require more than just the Standard 678 form, which is created as part of your CalCareers account.

Step 3 – Find Jobs

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4) Apply

Your application is thoroughly up-to-date, you’ve prepared thoughtful responses to statement of qualification questions, and are ready to apply! Submit your packet via Cal Careers to the hiring manager.

Step 4 – Apply for Jobs

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5) Application Review

Once all applications are reviewed by a hiring manager, the next phase of the hiring process begins. Depending on the position, that could include any of the following:

  • A request to submit additional work examples or to demonstrate skills in a timed response
  • Verification of licenses, college credits, or other information
  • Scheduling of an in-person or online interview

Some positions may include all of the above, or move straight to the interview portion of the process. Interviews are conducted by panels of state employees. All candidates interviewed are graded on the same interview questions.

Step 5 – Connect with Hiring Manager

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6) Hired

References have been checked, interviews have been completed, and now you’ve been given an informal offer of employment!

Once you accept an informal offer from the CCC, you’ll work with the hiring manager to set a start date for your new role. Start dates usually begin on the first day of a new month, if possible. Your hiring manager will go over first day expectations, reporting location, and more.

Step 6 – You’re Hired!

Upward Mobility Program

It is the policy of CCC to provide equal employment opportunities and career tools to facilitate upward movement for all qualified employees. This includes developing and setting goals and timetables that reflect the number of employees who are expected to transition from low-paying positions to entry-level technical, professional, and administrative positions.

The CCC’s Upward Mobility Program is a career mobility program designed to give state employees an opportunity to advance. Each California department is required to operate an effective Upward Mobility Program.

To learn more about this program, we ask you enquire with our Talent Acquisition team at careers@ccc.ca.gov.

Visit CalHR’s Upward Mobility Page

Career Consultation

Do you have questions about the state application, how to take an exam, or which position in the CCC may be right for you?

Our Human Resources Talent Acquisition Team is available for one-on-one consultation to help you through your journey into a fulfilling and meaningful CCC career.

Let us know how we can help you find your fit in the CCC!

Veterans’ Preference

Veterans’ Preference is an assistance program for military benefits who seek employment with the state.

Preference can be applied to a veteran’s eligibility for qualifying open and open, non-promotional examinations.

Visit CalHR’s Veterans’ Preference Page

Visit CalHR’s LEAP Page

Limited Examination & Appointment Program (LEAP)

The California Conservation Corps encourages people with disabilities to apply for jobs with us.

The Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP) can help people with disabilities get jobs with the State of California.

LEAP is an alternative to the regular civil service exam for a job and is optional. 

Enrolled Corpsmembers have the opportunity to apply for and participate in internship programs with various California state agencies, local government agencies, and area non-profits.

Corpsmembers can explore their interests or discovery new opportunities by participating in internships. Internships can cover a variety of natural resource related careers, ranging from scientific work in local watersheds to social media and more.

Internship opportunities are not guaranteed for all Corpsmembers enrolled in the CCC. However, those who show their commitment to learning, growing, and putting in the hard work may be rewarded with such experiences.

Recent Internships

Corpsmembers have recently participated in long-term and short-term internships with the following entities:

  • California Department of Fish & Wildlife
  • California Natural Resources Agency – Tribal Affairs
  • CCC Information Security & Services
  • California State Parks
  • NOT SURE WHERE ELSE

Internship Process

News and updates on new internship opportunities will be made known through each center’s Corpsmember Development team and/or district Navigator.

When a new internship is being made available to statewide applications, an online introductory and informational meeting is held for centers and interested Corpsmembers to attend.

An application will then be submitted by interested Corpsmembers.

FROM THERE – WE WILL NEED MORE INFORMATION AS TO WHAT HAPPENS NEXT IN THE PROCESS.

AND ANY ADDITIONAL STEPS. 

Watch Interns in Action

California Department of Water Resources

Finding a career you can be passionate about and enjoy, is not unlike a windy river. There are turns, possible surprises, and hopefully a scenic view at the end.

Crew leader Caitlin Patterson from the CCC Chico Center found all of the above during an internship with the California Department of Water Resources. She got hands-on, as well as waders-on, experience in the various career opportunities DWR houses.

From checking water flows, creating maps, and being challenged daily, all while shaping her future career and educational opportunities—Caitlin got an worthwhile experience.

California State Parks – Sierra District

It’s one thing to hear about a possible career pathway, its another to test the waters and do it. In partnership with California State Parks’ Sierra District, six Corpsmembers spent summer 2024 as interpretative aides at three parks.

At Donner Memorial State Park, our interns are leading visitors on guided tours of the lake and park. It’s an opportunity for our Corpsmembers to experience these amazing careers hands-on while being mentored by our California Natural Resources Agency partners.

Read Our Updates

To help provide the San Lorenzo Valley Water District with a pipeline replacement project, Salinas Forestry Corps Corpsmembers have been helping to remove nearby hazard trees.

Tree climbing can be scary. But, once Corpsmembers work through that fear, they can unlock careers as arborists and foresters.

The CCC Forestry Corps surveys a burn scar to identify the best spots for reforestation.