Corps name: Conservation legacy

Hello, I am interested in doing the conservation corp and was particularly interested in doing an individual placement because I feel like that would suit me better, however I have 0 experience in the conservation corp and I understand that they will take anyone so that you can build experience, but is that also the case for individual placements? If it helps I am starting my volunteering job at a National Historical Park soon so would that potentially help me land the individual placement?

corps/group name: ACE EPIC individual placement

I’m on a small team of people, previously four, now three. There’s one guy on the team who I don’t like very much. He’s not a bad dude, we just have conflicting personalities. I don’t like the way he talks, his sense of humor, etc., but he is very friendly and talkative and is the type to want to make friends everywhere he goes. i sometimes like talking to him but I’m afraid if we get too close he’ll want to be actual close friends. I don’t want that and stating it directly seems mean. he’s not great at picking up subtle social cues, but he’s also not very blunt person, very nice and midwestern. 

I like my other teammate, but I don’t want to get too close to her either, because it would be awkward to get close to one person and not the other. 

I guess all I can do is keep being nice but relatively distant. so i guess i basically know how to handle it, but does anyone have tips for keeping yourself entertained when you’re not close to your teammates? how have you guys dealt with not liking people on your crew? how do you live and work amicably with someone who likes you a lot more than you like them?

Corps name: California Conservation Corps (CCC)

I had my interview for the ccc almost a year ago now (9 months). I applied to one center with my boyfriend and we're both really specifically wanting this one. We're doing different programs but just want to be in the same center. Is that driving up our waitlist period ?

Corps name: N/A

I’m on a gap year and living on the east coast. My intended major for next year is engineering but I want to spend my time doing something that feels meaningful.

I want to work during the spring season and be somewhere farther than where I live right now. I have family in Arizona and I would love to work on the west coast. Is that achievable?

If so, where would be the best place to apply/work?

Also will they even accept my application when all of my work experience is tech related?

Corps Name: American Conservation Experience- Sacramento/Coachella Valley CA

I applied to the Coachella Valley location mid July, and heard back for an opportunity to interview on August 13th, for the 900 hr term, with a start date on October 19th.
I interviewed on the 27th of August & just heard back today.
I was offered to waitlist for Coachella Valley, and I will hear back by October 9th if there is a spot available.
I am unsure what my odds are of getting in on a waitlist.

I was also offered to be put into another applicant pool for the Sacramento Ridgecrest location because during our interview I told her that I was flexible with the locations. I won’t hear anything about this opportunity for a while if they are interested in me, because they aren’t starting until mid November.

I don’t want to be hopeful but I really am, considering I took a gap year for my senior year this year, studying Biology with a concentration in conservation wildlife bio. I have taken a study abroad course for conservation work, that my campus offered and I was hoping that that would look good for me as well. I will attach the screenshots of the emails, any advice would help. I have been pretty anxious these past couple of months and certainly going to be a lot more now that I am waiting even longer, on a slim chance I can get into either.

Corps Name: N/A

Hi! I havent committed to any programs yet. I'll only be able to join a job in August, are there any crews that start then? When should I apply?

I'm also looking for trail crew positions that keep you with the same people...is that possible?? (Any manual labor really, like learning how to use chain saws and going into the backcountry)

I also need housing and a program that does not require a car.

How would they feel if I have epilepsy but am medicated and have been seizure free for a long period?

I'm blanking right now but will probably be back with more questions! Thanks guys!

Corps name: Washington conservation corps

İ am set to start in the Washington conservation corps on October 5. İ went to an orthopedic surgeon for what i thought would be a pretty routine consultation leading to a physical therapy referral for some on and off back pain I've had. To my surprise, i have actually had a fracture in my back for like 6 years!! I'm going to get a second opinion and all, but the doctor was veryyyy stern about not doing manual labor. I obviously really want to be able to work in the corps. İ would do like four weeks of physical therapy and rest before the start date, and I'm not even in real pain right now, its just a dull ache that comes up after i run. Do you think i could still do it?? İ don't want to fuck up my back for the rest of my life but also, maybe i could get the reasonable accomodations or whatnot??

Conservation Corps Name: N/A

I'm looking for a position for the fall season for a CC currently, I recently finished a term for the summer and was looking to find another one. I cannot do one through Conservation Legacy as my account is locked for whatever reason. Will there be anymore postings for this season, I've applied to a few and either got ghosted, didn't get the position, or the position was pulled and they no longer are hiring for that position.

I am also open to entry-level Wildland Firefighting, is this the time that they begin to recruit for next year and where can I go for that?

Corps name: Northwest Youth Corps (and others)

Hi all and tyia for any advice! I’m a soon to be college grad with an environmental/biology related degree. I’m interested in serving in a corps starting next spring or summer and I need some guidance on what program I’m compatible with.

I’d prefer to work in Washington and I like the idea of housing being provided. This has led me to NWYC. I’m also interested in their Leadership Development Program.

My concerns/questions are:

I’m a small woman (5’2, 110 lbs), I’m nervous I won’t be strong enough to carry the required pack weight or perform daily work. I do workout and I’m in okay shape but that only goes so far.

How is the NWYC if you’ve served or worked there? Or what have you heard about it?

Anyone have experience with the LDP? Would you recommend it?

Other corps I’m considering are:
American Conservation Experience
Student Conservation Association
Montana Conservation Corps
Washington Conservation Corps

Any opinions on them or others I should consider?

Thank you!

Edit: I didn’t expect so many very helpful responses! Thanks again :)

Edit 2: by housing provided I mean not needing a car or to find our own place to stay when not on a hitch

Corps Name: Forest Corps.

Hi all! I recently went to a webinar about americorps NCCC and it seems awesome. If you are someone who served in forest corps in the past, I would love to hear about the random specific things that you dont read online about the actualities of the job. I work in academic research right now and do NOT like the structure at all and am looking to further my career in conservation. It would be a huge move for me since I already got my college degree and moved to a new place, but I think it could put me in the right place I want to be, professionally and personally. I am aware of the intense hours and labor that goes in, but I do feel I can handle it (spent whole life working at a barn, also been volunteering with trail work and forestry for a few years)

Does anyone have any tips/advice/things they wish they knew before joining? any and all information is welcome :) Thanks so much everyone🌲

Corps Name: California Conservation Corps

I'm going crazy because I graduated college back in 2024 and I can't get a job in conservation, nature, biology, or even an office environment that isn't a permanent position.

I don't have a car and I travel everywhere using the bus in Southern California of all places, basically highway hell. I can't afford a car.

I have no qualms about getting dirty or messy.

What do I expect going into the corps?

Corps name: California Conservation Corps

Hello people, I (18M) was recommended to join the CCC and was wondering what its like/expect. I really have no prior knowledge about this at all and any advice is appreciated.

Corps Name: California Conservation Corps

I’m hoping to eventually join the CCC, as I want to work with nature and the outdoors. I don’t have a college degree in any related fields, which is another reason I want to join the CCC. As for a future career, I would love to work at a state or national park, but something smaller would be fine. A lot of the pathways interest me, but I’m stuck between choosing the Trails and Forestry programs.

I was originally interested in Trails because I’m an avid hiker and love the idea and building and maintaining trails. I know it gives experience for maintenance jobs too which is something I could see myself doing. Forestry is also something that I could see myself doing, as I would also enjoy working with trees and fire prevention.

Does anyone have any advice on either the two pathways, or just more insight for what work looks like after the CCC? I still have a while before I’ll be joining but just would appreciate any advice, thanks!

Corps Name: Green Bay Conservation Corps

Hi all! The GBCC is hiring crew member positions for the fall. There are full-time and part-time positions available that range from 3-month to 8-month terms. This is an urban conservation corps, meaning you go home every night and have weekends off while still getting experience in the conservation field. The GBCC was named Top Corps for its professional development opportunities and is the 2026 Wisconsin Program of the Year!

Check out the positions here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/greenbaywi/jobs/5417302/conservation-corps-crew-member-fall-2026?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

Group name: American Conservation Experience, hiring through the Emerging Professionals in Conservation (Epic)

Hi all! I had an interview with an ACE hiring manager for a position in Oregon and was told to wait two weeks for a second interview. It just passed the two week mark and I haven't heard anything. I sent a couple of follow-up emails but no response. Do they normally take a long time to conduct a second interview or did I just not get the position? Also, if anyone has any general information about the onboarding process for ACE EPIC, I'd appreciate it.

Corps name: ACE Eastern Crew or Michigan Civilian Conservation Corps

Hi all,

I am based in Michigan and am considering taking a position with the ACE Eastern Division as a crew member. If I accept the position, I would be taking the 900-hour term, but I want to ensure that I would be eligible for a PLC hiring authority upon its completion. I have trouble justifying the low wage and work type at ACE if I cannot get a PLC hiring authority upon completion of my term, and during my interview, I was told that it is not guaranteed that I will finish my term with a PLC hiring authority. Does anybody have any experience as a crew member, especially in the Eastern Division, that could shed some insight on this? If it is not guaranteed for the 900-hour term, it seems to be a much better option for me to work with the Michigan Civilian Conservation Corps doing basically the same job (albeit on state lands) for more money (also no PLC).

Corps Name: American Conservation Experience, Eastern Division.

Hello, Im 18 M and I’m joining ACE eastern as a 900 hr employee, I was wondering if anyone has done the program before and could tell me useful tips to better ensure a good experience as well as things to look out for or that I should know ahead of time.

My biggest problem when it comes to eating and sleeping in any pre arranged accommodations is that I am 6’6 1/2 so I need tons of food and a good amount of sleeping room. I know that we’ll be sleeping on twin beds and was told maybe we could put something off the foot of the bed but I also don’t know if they’re cots inflatables etc. With that being said I don’t know the portions of the food were provided, I assume they’ll be decent because of the physical labor but I don’t really know the nature of the food either, my best guess is oatmeal and sausages and things of that nature.

If anyone has any tips or insider knowledge it would be greatly appreciated, because regardless I’m going to be there for 10 months so I might as well make them good ones.

Corps name: N/A

Hello! I'm 19 F and am looking to join a corps away from my home state of Utah (and the West in general). I've seen good things about housing in the ACE program, but the only locations they offer are in the West, with a single one in the East. Their free/low-cost communal housing totally aligns with what I want, though.

Are there any programs with corps in the South/East that have living accommodations like these? Or should I stick with the ACE program? It's not a huge deal if I end up doing work in the West, but I figured I would ask the wise people of reddit their thoughts. Any feedback is appreciated!

Corps Name: N/A

Hi everyone,
I (23M) am graduating college this winter with a chemistry degree, and I'm at a crossroads. I took a gap year in the middle of college, and in that time I worked a seasonal job where I met a ton of really great people. This invigorated me in a way I hadn't felt in a long time, and I think a lot of it was because of the shared experiences of being in a new place and having to live together, along with team building experiences helped me feel a close bond to these people that I've missed elsewhere in adult life. I've recently come out of a relationship, and realized that I don't really like being around the people I know from school/work, and those relationships feel quite hollow.

Most undergrads in STEM are recommended to go into industry, or into graduate school, but I feel like those aren't the right choice for me, and I'll quickly burn out on life. Conservation Corps seem like the right balance for someone like me who is hoping to use their skills, work outdoors, and build those relationships with other people who are in the same boat. My biggest reservation is that I'll feel the same way after the program is over, and continue chasing a high with no payoff. Are conservation corps what I'm after, or is there some other, more fitting option?

Corps Name: Chicago Friends of the Forest Preserve Adult Conservation Corps

Hello
Last Monday a job was posted for a crew member position with the corps listed above. I spent the weekend tailoring my resume, writing a cover letter, and gathering references per the job posting. I was all set to apply today (one week later) and the posting was gone.
Is this common practice for CCs for jobs to be up and gone so quickly? My best theory is they hired someone internally and merely had the posting up for HR/legal purposes, even though they never planned on interviewing external candidates. Is this something CCs do? It wouldn’t surprise me if that’s the case, nor would I be that upset by it, I understand the process.
But I still find it odd that a posting was up for A WEEK and so quickly filled. I’m holding on hope there was a glitch and it got taken down by accident. I worked very hard on my letter/resume and would hope I get a chance to apply.

Thanks for any info

Corps Name: California Conservation Corps

hello, i'm at a bit of a crossroads here and am asking for some advice from those with the corps. so for a background i got my BS in geology in 2024 and i've done basically nothing with it. so my crossroads is, there's a decent chance i'll be joining the sacramento chapter for their green energy(?) program in august (i'm not the highest on the waitlist but theyre planning on taking a large enough group for me to hopefully get in is what i've been told). i have no idea what the green energy program actually entails because i originally was going into the ccc for their restoration but the sac chapter is pivoting to green energy i guess.

the other portion of the crossroads is that i've been in the gambling industry for the past year and am transferring to a new casino that seems to offer genuine growth in their company. and the most i've done with my degree so far is briefly working at a mine for a while that may or may not take me back sooner than later but i don't know for how long (they ran out of work for me to do so i couldn't stay and they may have more work for me soon but i haven't heard anything let alone them telling me i'll have an actual job).

my dilemma is; if i stay and do the full year with the ccc's, i might be able to start a career that involves my degree after. and if i stay in the casino, there's a good chance that later down the line i'll have a career that makes good enough money. and the mine's not really apart of the crossroads because i don't want to depend on them and get burned again, but obviously if they have in writing i'll be working full time with them, i'm doing that no hesitation.

long story short, i'm just looking for any advice because the casino pays more and offers a 401k but the corps won't have me be a detriment to society

Corps name: Northwest Youth Conservation Corps

Heading to NWYC this summer and had a quick question for anyone who’s been before:

Am I allowed to bring an MP3 player for music/audiobooks and a digital camera for taking photos? If so, can I also bring a power bank to recharge them during the trip? Neither device would have cellular service, internet access, or games, just music and photography. I want to make sure they’re allowed before I pack them.

Corps Name: California conservation corps

I really want to get into the backcountry trails program and I want to know what they look for in an applicant.

It seems to be ultra competitive and the program states that themselves. I was wondering what experiences you had before the program that you felt (or were told) helped get you in.

For context, I graduated college a year ago and come from a research background. I was set to attend a very good program in my field but I had a last minute change of heart and decided to take a break from school. Now I’m still trying to figure out if I want to continue or switch to conservation work.

Tbth, I’m not sure the program will really help me land a job in conservation. I’m not sure that’s why people do it. I’m just looking for some time to disconnect and think about what I want to do with my career/life. Undergrad really took a toll on me lol.

Any info, advice, or perspective is greatly appreciated!

Corps Name: Student Conservation Association

I got a position in Washington for this summer as a recreation member and I am starting VERY soon. I hadn't been receiving much communication directly from the crew in Washington until they responded to an email I sent regarding plans.

They responded with the news that my officiation had yet to be certified and was being held in D.C. for additional review and litigation. My trip out there (full cross country) is coming up very soon and they have no idea if I can even be legitimized. The staff up in Washington are suggesting that the position that i did all this on-boarding and paperwork for is now just being held hostage in D.C.

I know there is some significant restructuring of federal services and im sure everything is all out of sorts, but is anyone else experiencing this?

This is what I got in a recent email:

"This is a national issue that unfortunately is affecting partners and project work throughout the country."

Is this just a SCA issue, full national issue, or anything else? If anyone else is feeling this, does anyone have any advice or suggestion?