Monterey Bay Center
The Monterey Bay Center, located in Watsonville, completes project across the Central Coast and South Bay.
Monterey Bay Corpsmembers work together to chain slash to a chipper while reducing fire fuel at Coyote Canyon Park in Santa Clara County.
Monterey Bay Center
30 Aviation Way
Watsonville, CA 95076
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Train With Us
Get paid to train! The skills and lessons you learn at the Monterey Bay Center will create a strong foundation for you to launch a meaningful career and transform your life.
Built Environment
The California Conservation Corps partners with California State Parks, Caltrans, county and city departments, and area non-profits to enhance the built environment. CCC Corpsmembers may complete a variety of projects such as building or maintaining park facilities, installing signage, retrofitting energy systems, creating defensible space, and reducing flood risk in communities.
Built Environment
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.
Emergency Response
Habitat Restoration
Monterey Bay 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.
Habitat Restoration
Trails
Serving on natural resource crews, 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.
Trails
Wildland Firefighting
The CCC Monterey Bay Center operates one wildland firefighting hand crew in collaboration with the CAL FIRE Santa Cruz unit. 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.
Wildland Firefighting
Picture Yourself Here
Place yourself in these Corpsmember’s boots and envision life at the Monterey Bay Center.
Know Before You Go
Spikes
Monterey Bay Corpsmembers often camp closer to project sites, called spikes, in wilderness areas or when projects take place outside of a reasonable commute.
Transportation
Corpsmembers must have reliable transportation to center. There are multiple transit stops adjacent to the center.
Activities
Join Monterey Bay’s Corpsmember Advisory Board to organize volunteer events, plan recreation trips, and build community.
Find Your Path
Work with CCC career navigators to chart out your path to success. We can help you leverage your training to launch meaningful careers and pursue educational opportunities. Don’t just take our word for it, check out this alum story.
“My biggest challenge was improving my leadership skills. Now, I’m a little more confident and I know how to approach people. … I had many restoration projects while I was in the CCC and the experience working with various tools has helped me with my new job.”
Ask Us Anything
Talk to A Recruiter
When assigned to a spike or emergency, can I park my personal vehicle at the center?
Corpsmembers are highly encouraged to be dropped off or carpool to the center when scheduled for a spike or emergency. The center does have limited space in a locked fencing area. However, if multiple crews are dispatched space does fill up fast.
Will the Monterey Bay Center help me get my driver license?
The center will assist with online learning and provide time to take the written and physical tests.
Are there computers I can use at the center?
The center has 20 desktop computers available for use in resume construction, job searches, and completion of online courses. Computers are available after work hours Monday through Friday for the fire crew and Monday through Thursday for all other crews.
Does the center of a gym I can use?
Yes, the center does have a gym available for use during off-duty hours, however Corpsmembers must alert staff to plan after hours use and must review basic safety and etiquette.
If I want to do Forestry Corps, can I transfer to the Salinas Center?
Yes, transfer to the Salinas Center to partake in that particular program is possible. You will need to speak to your supervisor about how to apply for a transfer.
If I want to do Forestry Corps, can I transfer to the Salinas Center?
Yes, transfer to the Salinas Center to partake in that particular program is possible. You will need to speak to your supervisor about how to apply for a transfer.
If I enroll to join the fire crew, will I immediately join the crew?
More than likely, yes. Corpsmembers must complete the rigorous physical requirements, as well as completion of all required testing to earn certifications.
Typically, Corpsmembers enter having indicated to their Recruiter an interest in wildland firefighting and completion of the fire fitness tracker. If there are openings at the end of training, new Corpsmembers may be able to take those spots. If there are not enough spots, there is an alternate list to take spots when they become available.
Does the center assist with public transit access?
The center has multiple bus stops near the office. Center staff can assist Corpsmembers get assistance from the Department of Rehabilitation.
Read Center News
Monterey Bay Corpsmember Dallana Pantoja Perez had the unique honor of meeting President Biden as he toured storm damage in Santa Cruz County.
The Monterey Bay fire crew is motivated to make a difference in its community this fire year.
