Transform Your Life

side: pretty purple flowers. Top: corpsmembers in fire gear sharing a snack. Bottom: corpsmember smiling wearing green helmet

Enroll in the CCC

Joining is as easy as four steps.

Check Your Eligibility

Before starting your journey to becoming a Corpsmember, be sure you meet our eligibility requirements:

Must be 18-to-25 years of age, or a military veteran up to age 29
Must be a California resident
Must be able to successfully pass fingerprint and background check, drug test, physical exam, and training
Must be willing and able to work outdoors in all types of weather and conditions
Must be willing and able to respond to emergencies and be away from home or assigned center for two weeks or longer
Must be willing and able to participate in the CCC Education Program
Military veterans age 26 to 29 must possess a DD214, with a discharge status of Honorable or General under Honorable Conditions

If you’re interested in CCC’s Backcountry Trails Program or Watershed Stewards Program, please consult their specific webpages for details about eligibility as well as application timelines and processes.

Follow These Steps

Photo of someone filling out an online application with the words Step 1 on the image, with a play button.

Apply Online

Click “Apply Now” to visit the CCC Application page to submit your application and connect with a recruiter.

Apply Now

Photo of a person watching a Zoom meeting on their phone. Image has text saying Step 2 with a play button.

Information Session

Attend our online information session to learn program details and opportunities.

Photo of a person talking on a Zoom meeting. Words of Step 3 on screen along with a play button.

Interview

Complete an informal online interview with your recruiter. Review Corpsmember enrollee agreement and background check process.

Photo of Corpsmember firefighters standing in a line. Text of "Step 4" and a play button overlayed.

Assignment

The CCC is in high demand, so there will be a wait before receiving your assignment to a CCC center.

Ask Us Anything

We know you have questions about joining the CCC. Here are some of the common one’s we get. Have more questions? Give us a call!

Talk to A Recruiter

Eligibility Questions

Can I join if I'm not a California resident?

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.

Can I join if I don't have a high school diploma?

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.

Can I join if I'm in the Military Reserves?

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.

Can I join if I have a disability?

CCC can work with individuals to offer reasonable accommodations. If you have a disability that may impact your ability to participate in program activities, please talk with your recruiter.

Can I join with tattoos and body jewelry?

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.

Do I have to cut my hair to join?

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.

Enrollment Questions

I have limited access to computers/phones. How do I apply?

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.

What locations can I choose from?

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.

Does the CCC pick which center and program I enter?

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.

Does filling out an application commit me to anything?

No, filling out an application does not commit you to anything. An application does connect you with a CCC recruiter who can walk you through the process and will meet with you during some of the steps. You can withdraw yourself from the enrollment process at any point.

After assignment, how do I get to my center?

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.

If you are assigned to a non-residential center, you must arrange your own transportation to and from the CCC location.

General Program Questions

How long is the program?

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. 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.

What kind of training can I do?

Corpsmembers can hone in on a specific skillset by joining a dedicated culinary, fire, fisheries, forestry, or trails crew. They can also get a broad range of training opportunities by joining a “grade” or “resource” crew. These crews work on a diverse range of conservation projects including habitat restoration, forestry, built environment, and trails. Project experiences may vary based on your assignment.

What is the pay and benefits?

Corpsmembers currently receive a monthly stipend of $2,814. Corpsmembers also receive free health insurance and Personal Leave Credits, can get free training and certifications, and earn scholarship money. To learn more, visit our Stipend, Scholarships, & Supplies page.

What is the schedule like? Will I get weekends off?

Yes and no. Regular project work does not typically take place on weekends. Crews usually work 40 hours per week, Monday through Thursday.

Sometimes crews will go 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.

What should I bring to my residential center?

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.

Are special dietary needs accommodated?

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.