Internships
In 2024, Corpsmembers participated in some truly unique internships. Internships can last a few short weeks to a full year.
CCC Corpsmembers have the opportunity to apply for and participate in internship programs with various California state agencies, local government agencies, and other organizations.
Corpsmembers can explore their career interests or discover new opportunities by participating in internships. These experiences also provide additional mentorship and professional networking opportunities. Internships can cover a variety of natural resource related careers, ranging from scientific work in local watersheds to public engagement, and more.
Internship opportunities are not guaranteed for all Corpsmembers enrolled in the CCC. There is a competitive application process to be considered for a CCC internship.
How Internships Work
Internships are positions which provide Corpsmembers an opportunity to gain skills and experience for career exploration, or in pursuit of specific career pathways. Interns typically serve independently from a regular CCC crew and are under the direct supervision of the sponsoring entity staff.
Corpsmembers promoting to levels of Intern and Intern 2 will see an increase to their monthly Corpsmember stipend.
Internships may be arranged and coordinated by the CCC’s Career Pathways unit and made available statewide to all Corpsmembers. Some internships may require a Corpsmember to be in a certain geographical area to participate. If there is a residential center in close proximity, Corpsmembers who need housing may be able to transfer to that center for the internship.
Districts may also coordinate internships developed with local project partners.
Corpsmembers Gigi Munoz and Aubrey Stevenson, on the back of the raft, lead a rafting expedition for park visitors as part of the internship as Interpretative Aides at Donner Memorial State Park.
Application & Selection
For all CCC internships applicants must:
- Have their high school diploma or equivalency
- Be able to perform all the essential functions of a CCC Corpsmember
- Have completed the CCC Core Competencies
- Express an interest in pursuing a career/further education in the field
There may be additional requirements depending on the position such as certification to drive state vehicles, ability to relocate to another geographical area, or ability to travel for multiple days at a time.
Internship application packets require:
- Resume
- Cover letter detailing interest in career pathway
- District Director recommendation
Internship Partners
The CCC’s internship partners may change frequently and without notice. Below are some of the government agencies and non-profits we’ve recently partnered with for Corpsmember internships.
Department of Water Resources
Currently, two CCC interns are reporting to CNRA Headquarters doing Sacramento-SanJoaquin River Delta environmental support with the Department of Water Resources.
In 2024, a CCC Chico Center Corpsmember spent the entire year interning with the California Department of Water Resources. In the internship, the Corpsmember was able to learn about water resources engineering.
Department of Water Resources
California State Parks
In 2024, six CCC Corpsmembers served as interns with California State Parks’ Sierra District. Corpsmembers rotated through three separate parks to learn, hands-on, various roles available to them if they wished to pursue a career with State Parks.
California State Parks
Caltrans
Historically CCC centers have worked with the California Department of Transportation, or Caltrans, to have interns work in a variety of fields. Caltrans internships includ fish passage monitoring, electrical internships and vegetation maintenance. Caltrans internships vary by district.
Caltrans
CNRA
The California Natural Resources Agency is the CCC’s parent agency. Corpsmembers have had the opportunity to intern in several units within CNRA, including the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) team and are exploring additional opportunities.
California Natural Resources Agency
Gear Up
Corpsmembers still wear the uniform, but work independently with CCC internship sponsors. Check out some of the activities Corpsmember interns have been able to do!
Ask Us Anything
We know you have questions about internships. Here are some of the common one’s we get. Have more questions? Visit our Contact Us page.
Talk to A Recruiter
Does every Corpsmember get an internship?
Unfortunately there are more Corpsmembers than available internships.
Do interns receive increased pay?
Yes. Corpsmembers who are chosen for internships may receive an increase to their Corpsmember stipend. Details on the increase, stipend, and other promotional opportunities are available on our Stipend, Scholarships, & Supplies page.
How often are internships made available?
Since internships depend on partnering agencies and companies, there are not regularly set dates where internships may be offered.
How do I find out about internships?
Once enrolled, your local center staff will notify all Corpsmembers of upcoming intern opportunities.
Read Our Updates
Crew leader Caitlin Patterson from the CCC Chico Center is currently interning with the California Department of Water Resources. She’s getting hands-on, as well as waders-on, experience of the various career opportunities DWR houses.