r/ConservationCorps • u/Alien_Jackie • Aug 11 '26

Discussion How is the conservation corps?

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?

16 Upvotes

94% Upvoted

17 comments sorted by

11

u/Dont-Sleep California Conservation Corps Aug 11 '26

low pay and miserable conditions with certifications that make you look good. but playing in the dirt with your friends is so much fun. C1s are hard to make you better there is a real job to do. I was the only guy with a bachelors in every crew - get the time/exp and apply out 👍 ppl love the c’s overall it’s a fun time
Also fire training was the hardest thing I have ever done hands down and I’m 29

1

u/Raidgamer17 Aug 13 '26

I agree completely that was also my experience and if you go to Tahoe stay clear of the cmd Tami. The less she knows about you the better

1

u/Dont-Sleep California Conservation Corps Aug 13 '26

ok bro thanks for looking out for me

1

u/Creative_Issue_2825 Aug 13 '26

Do all centers have mentally ill CMD seems like a requirement

1

u/Raidgamer17 Aug 13 '26

I would hope not

1

u/Raidgamer17 Aug 13 '26

The only center I’ve heard that’s really good is magalia

1

u/Holiday-Lifeguard-32 Aug 16 '26

Haha 15 years ago it was some dude named Noah who was a huge prick. He lived to fire 🔥

4

u/Honey-Scooters Aug 11 '26

Cant say much about the Triple Cs, but if youre still struggling after CCC you should look into California Climate Action Corps. I was apart of it and it was a pretty good program!

2

u/Big_Health9776 Aug 12 '26

My son enjoyed his year with CCC but now has to figure out what to do next...

1

u/ECHELON619 19d ago

Are they not allowing extensions? My acquaintance knew some dude who was there 2 years. 

1

u/Big_Health9776 17d ago

by invite only and he was asked to stay on but would only if he took a team leader role which he didn't want....

1

u/brokenrosies California Conservation Corps Aug 12 '26

I have my bachelor's and just joined last month. It seems really worth it for the experience and certifications. I think you should go for it!

1

u/After_Neighborhood95 Aug 12 '26

dunno much about ccc, but i just did corps work and it was the most fun i’ve had! i didn’t have a car during my season and was fine (i was in a corps that provided housing/campsites during off time though). it’s definitely hard work for little pay, but in my mind it’s very worth it and rewarding + can help open up doors to tons of different jobs in the conservation world.

1

u/NearbyHedgehog8819 Aug 31 '26

What's the pay like ? Is it a monthly thing or just general stipend for joining the program?