Transform Your Life

The CCC is designed as a one-year, full-time program. By completing a full year of service, you
gain access to the full range of opportunities, trainings and experiences offered by the CCC. For Corpsmembers who promote may lengthen their stay in the program for a maximum of three years.

It is possible to extend your service and remain in the CCC for up to three years. To extend your
CCC service you must successfully promote in the first year.

If you have no or limited access to a computer or cell phone, CCC recruiters can work with you directly. You can call our 800-952-5627 number during business hours and give your information to our recruitment team. The recruitment team will work with you determine how best to accommodate you, which could include a scheduled in-person visit at one of our centers. 

Corpsmembers currently receive a monthly stipend of $2,814. To learn more, visit our Stipend, Scholarships, & Supplies page.

Corpsmembers receive free health insurance and Personal Leave Credits. Corpsmembers also
receive a number of free trainings and certifications (such as CPR), and can earn scholarship
money.

The CCC has both residential and non-residential enrollment opportunities.

Our non-residential locations allow Corpsmembers to live at home while commuting each day. A
key to being successful at a CCC non-residential center is having reliable transportation.

Those who choose to live and work at a residential center have $500 per month (as of July 1,
2022) deducted from their checks for room and board, meals on center, and access to other
facilities.

Your Recruiter will give you a packing list when you are assigned to a center. Generally, dorms
are equipped with lockers having minimal closet space. It’s recommended to pack
light. Once Corpsmembers have been settled into the program and into regular Corpsmember
rooms with larger lockers, they can bring more items.

Corpsmembers are not required to cut their hair. However, wildland fire-fighting crews must tie
their hair back or consider a hair-cut for safety reasons. Corpsmembers are required to wear
hats while on projects and during certain activities, so make sure to pack hair bands.

Yes and no. Regular project work does not typically take place on weekends.

However, crews will work on “spikes” – projects that are not in daily commuting
distance. Corpsmembers temporarily camp or live in another location while they work on a particular project. Spikes typically last four to eight days. Eight-day spikes typically run from Wednesday to Wednesday and are followed by six days off.

Corpsmembers on fire crews may be scheduled to cover weekend shifts, especially during peak fire season. Culinary Corpsmembers also typically work at least one weekend shift each week. All Corpsmembers may be called upon to respond to emergency assignments where weekend work is expected.

Yes. Culinary staff at our residential centers prepare a variety of meals catering to the different ethnic
and cultural backgrounds of our Corpsmembers. They serve traditional, vegetarian, and vegan
meals which are all well-balanced, nutritious, and delicious.

You are welcome to wear body jewelry during your free time. However, while on work projects,
Corpsmembers must take out their body jewelry for safety purposes. Tattoos are acceptable in
the CCC. However, if tattoos are considered violent or offensive towards others, they’ll need to
be covered.

The CCC requires applicants for the residential and non-residential year-round programs to
reside in California.

Seasonal programs, like the CCC’s Backcountry Trails Program and the Watershed Stewards Program, are open to out-of-state applicants. If interested in these programs you must complete their specific application processes. 

Corpsmembers work on diverse conservation projects, including habitat protection, emergency management response, and trail building. The type of project may vary by assignment.

No, you do not need a high school diploma to join the California Conservation Corps. However, all Corpsmembers are required to participate in the CCC education program, which can help you work towards earning your high school diploma or equivalent while you are enrolled.

No, you do not have to arrange or pay for your own travel to a California Conservation Corps residential center. The CCC provides transportation to the residential centers for new Corpsmembers. Once you are accepted into the program, a recruiter will provide you with the necessary details and arrangements for your travel.

The CCC will work with you to determine the best placement based on your preferences, skills, and the needs of the program. While the CCC does have the final say in assigning you to a center and program, they take into consideration your interests and any specific requests you may have. Your recruiter will discuss available options with you during the application process.

Yes, you can join the California Conservation Corps (CCC) if you are still in the Military Reserves. The CCC values the skills and experience that military personnel bring to the program. However, you must be able to meet the CCC’s requirements, including being available to work outdoors in various conditions and respond to emergencies, which may require being away from home or your assigned center for two weeks or longer. Be sure to discuss your reserve commitments with your recruiter to ensure that they can accommodate your schedule.