Transform Your Life
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 aged 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
Apply Online
Click “Apply Now” to visit the CCC Application page to submit your application and connect with a recruiter.
Information Session
Attend our online information session to learn program details and opportunities.
Interview
Complete an informal online interview with your recruiter. Review Corpsmember enrollee agreement and background check process.
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 questions we get. Have more questions? Connect with us!
Talk to A Recruiter
Eligibility Questions
Can I join if I'm not a California resident?
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?
Can I join if I'm in the Military Reserves?
Can I join if I have a disability?
The 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. You may also enquire directly with our Equal Employment Opportunity unit by emailing eeo@ccc.ca.gov.
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. Corpsmembers are required to wear hats or helmets while on projects and during certain activities.
Wildland firefighting crews must tie their hair back or consider a haircut for safety reasons. Learn more about grooming standards on our Wildland Firefighting training page.
Enrollment Questions
I have limited access to computers/phones. How do I apply?
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.
Our residential locations allow Corpsmembers to live at work at a center. Corpsmembers living at residential centers do have a fee of $500 per month deducted from their stipend.
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 and availability in the program. While the CCC does have the final say in assigning you to a center and program, we 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?
After assignment, how do I get to my residential 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 daily.
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 focus on specific skillsets by joining a dedicated culinary, forestry, trails, or wildland firefighting crew. They can also get a broad range of training opportunities by joining a resource crew. These crews work on a diverse range of conservation projects including habitat restoration, forestry, resource conservation, and trails. Project experiences may vary based on your center assignment.
What are 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 qualify for 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.