Transform Your Life

The California Conservation Corps welcomes young individuals from all backgrounds. Once enrolled, expectations are high. Corpsmembers emerge from the CCC with character, credentials and commitment.

Individuals joining the California Conservation Corps must be:

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

Who can join the CCC?
The CCC is for individuals ages 18 through 25 and military veterans through age 29. Prospective CCC Corpsmembers must successfully pass a background check, drug test, and physical exam before enrolling in the program.

Applicants may not be eligible if they have a record of a criminal conviction or pending legal action for a serious felony or violent crime. Those who are justice involved are encouraged to apply and work with a recruiter to determine eligibility.

CCC applicants must be California residents. The CCC accepts applicants of all income and education levels.

Why should I join?
As a Corpsmember, you will work toward sustaining California’s natural resources in communities and state and national parks while enhancing your professional, educational, and personal goals. The skills and lessons you learn in the CCC build a strong foundation for starting your career, and stay with you for the rest of your life.

Veterans often find, through the CCC, pathways to careers in firefighting, transportation departments and in fish and wildlife departments.

The CCC also gives you opportunities to see beautiful and unique parts of California, create lifelong memories, and form lasting relationships with fellow Corpsmembers.

If I’m not a California resident, can I still join?
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. For any questions please call 800-952-5627.

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, training and experiences offered by the CCC. For example, during a full year of CCC service, you can create the opportunity to promote, transfer centers and/or crew types, apply to join our Backcountry Trails Program, and be eligible for both the CCC scholarship and the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award.

How much are Corpsmembers paid?
As of May 1, 2023, Corpsmembers are paid a monthly stipend of $2,814. Corpsmembers who demonstrate strong leadership, motivation, and work performance may be able to promote to leadership positions with an increased stipend amount.

Additionally, Corpsmembers have opportunities to earn emergency excess pay while responding to emergencies and natural disasters.

What are the benefits besides pay?
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 California Conservation Corps welcomes recruits from all backgrounds. Joining is simple. You can call, stop by a center or click Join Now!

Joining the CCC is easy! Just follow these simple steps:

1. Apply Online. Once you submit your application to join, a CCC Recruiter will reach out and guide you through the steps below.
2. Attend an Information Session in person or online
3. Schedule and attend an interview with your Recruiter
4. Receive a CCC Center assignment