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Conservationist 1

Corpsmembers with the Placer 1 fire crew cut fire line with hand tools as flames from the Dixie Fire approach in 2021.

Learn more about what it takes to join the CCC in the role of Conservationist 1, 2, or Supervisor.

What is a Conservationist 1?

A Conservationist 1 serves as the crew supervisor and project lead for the California Conservation Corps. Conservationist 1s are better known as C1s by staff and Corpsmembers.

C1s lead a crew of as many as 15 young adults. As crew lead, the C1 works with project sponsors to complete a variety of natural resource projects, trains Corpsmembers on how to properly and safely complete work, and serves as a personal and career mentor.

The C1 is an impactful position working hand-in-hand with the youth and making a difference in the environment. Corpsmembers reflect fondly of their C1s after they’ve left the program on a pathway to their own careers and education.

How to Qualify

The Conservationist 1 is a testing class that is open on a continuous basis and once this exam is taken, you may not retake it for 18 months.

If you answer yes, to the questions below, you could qualify for this position:

  • Do you have a contractor’s license?
  • Were you a Corpsmember Crew Leader for a year or more?
  • Do you have experience as a Special Corpsmember for two years or more?
  • Do you have a two-year degree or higher?
  • Do you have one year of experience leading/supervising six or more people?

Conservationist 1s must also possess a valid Commercial Class C driver license with a Passenger Transport Vehicle special endorsement or equivalent. You may be eligible to take the exam prior to securing the license, but must obtain one before appointment to a C1 position.

Position Benefits

The C1 position is a great opportunity for those looking for meaningful work that positively impacts our communities and helps make California a better place for all.

In this role you will be able to start and grow your civil service career. You’ll get hands-on experience and training responding to emergency base camps, building trails, felling trees, fighting wildfires, or completing energy retrofits.

If you enjoy teaching, mentoring and working outdoors, becoming a C1 may be right for you! Where else can you get the hands-on experience of leading Corpsmembers as they work their way through challenges and growth opportunities both personally and professionally.

Salary Range

$40,488 to $67,536 annually

Overtime may be available and/or required in this position. 

PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Service as a Conservationist 1 will qualify you for promotional opportunities within the California Conservation Corps as a Conservationist 2 and Conservationist Supervisor.

Two years of experience as a Conservationist 1 meets the minimum qualifications for a promotion to Conservationist 2.

Three years of experience as a Conservationist 1 meets the minimum qualifications for a promotion to Conservationist Supervisor.

Career Consultation

Do you have questions about this position?

Are you interested in a one-on-one consultation with a member of our CCC Talent Acquisition team?

Let us know how we can help you find your fit in the CCC!

careers@ccc.ca.gov