Siskiyou Center

CCC Siskiyou corpsmembers using shovels to remove dirt from a drain

Siskiyou Center Corpsmembers use shovels to remove dirt from a drain at Angel Island State Park.

The CCC Siskiyou Center is a non-residential facility in Yreka where as many as 18 Corpsmembers commute to work daily.

The center currently has openings for Corpsmember positions and is accepting applications. No experience necessary. Benefits of enrolling at the CCC Siskiyou Center include:

  • Earn a monthly stipend of $2,814
  • Opportunities for excess pay during fire season
  • Health insurance
  • State holidays and personal leave
  • Earn up to $8,000 in scholarships per year
  • Finish your high school diploma
  • Personal and career development
  • Learn skills that can lead to a career in natural resources

Corpsmembers typically work four, ten-hour days Monday through Thursday. Crews may also camp near remote work sites, called “spikes,” for up to eight straight days.

Siskiyou Corpsmembers work as far north as the Oregon border. Crews can be sent to projects throughout California and regularly support wildfire base camp operations.

1515 South Oregon Street, Suite B
Yreka, CA 96097
530-841-1795

CCC Siskiyou Center

Life at the Center

corpsmembers dropping hay onto ground

Siskiyou Corpsmembers were among the dozens assisting in Carr Fire recovery. The crews laid hay over burned ground to prevent soil erosion and debris runoff in Redding. 

The CCC Siskiyou Center is located off South Oregon Street, a short drive from Fairchild Medical Center and Interstate 5.

As a non-residential center, Corpsmembers commute to the center each day for work and then depart the center to head to their project sites. Corpsmembers return to the center each afternoon and will often attend CORE training courses after work hours. These courses include resume building, job searching, and interview training and typically require three hours of educational activities per week.

Corpsmembers also have the opportunity to earn their high school diploma through a partnership with John Muir Charter School. Corpsmembers without a diploma must work to earn one while enrolled. Community college opportunities may also be available for Corpsmembers to further their education and earn additional certifications.

After the CCC, Siskiyou Corpsmembers regularly find employment with private forestry companies, State Parks, CAL FIRE, U.S. Forest Service, and local and county agencies.

Projects

Corpsmembers haul sand bags atop island

Siskiyou Corpsmembers primarily work on projects in Siskiyou County and the Northstate, but may also travel to other parts of California as they did in February of 2021 when they spent several weeks working in the Bay Area. 

Forestry / Fuel Reduction: Corpsmembers help reduce the risk of wildfire by removing hazardous fire fuels, such as overgrown brush and invasive species. Crews work in rural environments as well as near urban landscapes to complete this work. Siskiyou Center partners include Caltrans, U.S. Forest Service, CAL FIRE, local conservation districts, area non-profits and cities. Training is often project specific, but includes the use of chain saws, pole saws, loppers, wood chippers, and other tools.

Public Service Conservation Work: Corpsmembers assist state and local agencies, as well as non-profit organizations, implement projects that have significant public benefits and uses. Work can include bridge construction, dog park construction, park and median landscaping, minor construction and finishing work. Training is often unique to each project.

Invasive Species Removal: Corpsmembers learn how to remove invasive species using chain saws, brush cutters, herbicides and in some cases, burning and replacing them with California species. Project partners include State Parks, CAL FIRE, U.S. Forest Service, local non-profits and conservation districts, and others.

Trail Construction & Maintenance: Corpsmembers construct and maintain trails for U.S. Forest Service, State Parks, local conservancies, counties, cities, and other non-profits. Project work may include clearing brush from along hiking trails, rebuilding trail tread, installing riprap to reduce erosion, dry masonry, and other techniques. Training and techniques used are often project specific.

Siskiyou Corpsmembers also work in local, state, and national parks, respond to emergencies, restore riparian and watershed areas, and are training in flood fighting techniques.

Education and Training

corpsmembers use sandbags to build a ring during flood training

All CCC Corpsmembers are trained in flood fighting techniques and can be called to respond to floods anywhere in the state. Siskiyou Corpsmembers participate in flood training with Redding and Chico Centers in Red Bluff, CA each year. 

All Corpsmembers at the Siskiyou Center complete Corpsmember Orientation, Motivation, Education, and Training (COMET) and are required to actively participate in furthering their education by taking core training courses and specialized courses offered at the center.

Specialized certifications and trainings offered at the Siskiyou Center include:

 

  • First Aid & CPR
  • Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Certificate
  • CPR for the Professional Rescuer
  • Backcountry Trail Construction & Maintenance
  • Bobcat Equipment Safety & Operation
  • Caltrans’ Internship Programs
  • Chain Saw Training
  • Chipper Safety & Training
  • Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) Certificate
  • Cross Cut Saw
  • Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) 40-Hour Training
  • Herbicide Application and Safety
  • Power Tools Safety and Operation
  • Safety Stand Down
  • ServSafe Food Handler Certification
  • Trail Construction and Maintenance
  • Tree Climbing Safety