Career Pathways
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua
The California Conservation Corps believes in creating dynamic pathways for our Corpsmembers. We do this by establishing education and training pipelines to prepare the young adults who enroll in our program for meaningful careers focused on preserving and protecting California’s natural resources.
We’re able to provide this service to Corpsmembers through our Career Pathways & Transition Coordinators, or Navigators. These staff are dedicated to meeting one-on-one with Corpsmembers to discuss their future plans and ambitions, and how their time in the CCC can best be used to accomplish their goals.
Every CCC district, which encompasses one or more centers, has a Navigator. Navigators, in addition to working directly with individual Corpsmembers, also arrange career fairs, community college visits, guest speakers, and more.
Additional Benefits
Corpsmembers do not earn civil service credit while enrolled in the CCC program. However, enrollment in the CCC can benefit Corpsmembers who seek to join the ranks of California civil service.
Per California Government Code 18951.5(a), a Corpsmember who earns a one-year completion certificate from the CCC is eligible to receive three career credits added to their score for California civil service employment exams held on an open, non-promotional basis.
Eligibility for career credits pursuant to this section shall expire 24 months after leaving the California Conservation Corps. Those who earn a CCC scholarship will have eligibility for career credits for up to five years after successfully completing the program.
Common State Pathways
A year in the CCC can lead to many career and educational pathways for Corpsmembers. Every Corpsmembers’ future goals are different.
It’s why our Navigators meet individually with Corpsmembers multiple times to help them work on achieving their goals and find the best pathway forward.
These are some of the more common pathways to civil service jobs with the state of California.
CAL FIRE - Firefighter 1
A year in the California Conservation Corps can help you jump to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, better known as CAL FIRE.
Serving on a CCC wildland firefighting hand crew will prepare you to become a Firefighter 1, including a chance to earn the necessary certifications to easily transition to CAL FIRE.
Review Position Description & Minimum Qualifications
Visit CAL FIRE’s Firefighter 1 recruitment site
CAL FIRE - Forestry Technician
Six months in the California Conservation Corps meets the minimum requirements to become a Forestry Technician with CAL FIRE.
While six months of serving on a CCC wildland firefighting hand crew does qualify you, serving a full year in the CCC will make you more attractive candidate as these positions can be competitive.
Caltrans - Maintenance Series
Corpsmembers regularly complete project work in partnership with the Department of Transportation, or Caltrans. Project work may include fuel reduction, culvert clearing, and landscaping.
Three months experience in the California Conservation Corps qualifies you to be a Service Assistant (Maintenance) with Caltrans. This is the entry-level position into the Caltrans Maintenance Series. The longer you serve in the CCC, the more you will qualify for additional positions in the series.
Review Service Assistant (Maintenance) Position Description & Minimum Qualifications
Review Caltrans Maintenance Series Position Description & Minimum Qualifications
Caltrans - Building Maintenance Worker
One year of service as a Corpsmember in the California Conservation Corps meets the minimum qualifications to become a Building Maintenance Worker with Caltrans.
CDFW - Fish & Wildlife Seasonal Aid
The experience gained while working in the California Conservation Corps fits perfectly with the California Department of Fish & Wildlife’s Seasonal Aid positions.
The position is tasked with general labor, which may include working in fish hatcheries, removing brush from facilities, collecting field data, maintaining buildings and equipment, and other duties.
CDFW - Fish & Wildlife Technician
The experience gained while serving in the California Conservation Corps aligns perfectly with the Department of Fish & Wildlife’s Technician position.
Six months of experience in natural resource fields like parks, forestry, or fish and wildlife meets the requirements. You may also qualify with a year of mechanical or construction trade work.
State Parks - Park Maintenance Positions
There are multiple classifications and career pathways for Corpsmembers to jump to California State Parks. Three months experience as a CCC Corpsmember qualifies you to become a Service Assistant (Maintenance) with State Parks.
Corpsmembers regularly leave the program to become Senior Maintenance Aides at State Parks. The requirements may be met with CCC service as a Corpsmember, as one of year of experience as a crew leader may qualify.
Review Service Assistant (Maintenance) Position Description & Minimum Qualifications
Review Park Maintenance Assistant Position Description & Minimum Qualifications
Review Senior Maintenance Aide (Seasonal) Position Description & Minimum Qualifications
Review Park Maintenance Worker 1 Position Description & Minimum Qualifications
Multiple Agencies - Cook Specialist 1
Agencies with Cook Specialist 1 positions:
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- Department of Developmental Services
- CAL FIRE
- Department of Transportation
- California Conservation Corps
Corpsmembers in the CCC Culinary Program may become eligible for a Cook Specialist 1 position. One year of experience in assisting in the cooking and preparation of a varied menu is required.
Review Cook Specialist 1 Position Description & Minimum Qualifications
Find Your Path
Work with CCC Career Navigators to chart out your path to success! CCC helps Corpsmembers leverage their skills and training to launch meaningful careers. Don’t believe us?! Hear from CCC alumni.
Ask Us Anything
Call A Recruiter
Do Corpsmembers earn civil service credit?
No, Corpsmembers are not civil service staff and, therefore, do not earn civil service credit while enrolled in the program.
However, enrollment in the CCC can benefit Corpsmembers who seek to join the ranks of California civil service.
Per California Government Code 18951.5(a), a Corpsmember who earns a one-year completion certificate from the CCC is eligible to receive three career credits added to their score for California civil service employment exams held on an open, non-promotional basis.
Eligibility for career credits pursuant to this section shall expire 24 months after leaving the California Conservation Corps. Those who earn a CCC scholarship will have eligibility for career credits for up to five years after successfully completing the program.