Job Description and Duties More than a paycheck. More than a job. This is the start of a rewarding career! If you want to protect California’s natural environment while directly shaping, mentoring, and changing the lives of young adults, your next step starts here. The Los Piños Center of the California Conservation Corps (CCC) is looking for a purpose-driven, physically resilient leader ready to lead a Type I Fire Crew. Join us and turn your passion for wildland fire safety, leadership, and conservation into a life-changing profession! Under the direction of the Conservationist Supervisor, you will lead a crew of 8-15 young adults (Corpsmembers) between the ages of 18 and 29: Lead & Mentor: Supervise, train, and evaluate a hand crew, instilling discipline, safety, and a strong work ethic. Direct Wildland Fire Operations: Partner with Cal Fire Captains to supervise a Type I fire crew during critical fire suppression, fuel reduction, and forestry projects. Respond to Emergencies: Act as a critical line of defense during state emergencies, leading your crew through intense, extended disaster relief operations including wildland fires and floods. Review the Eligibility Information section below to find a link to the Conservationist 1 exam and to learn more about the methods of eligibility. How did you hear about this position? Tell us in this brief survey. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. Working Conditions Requires lifting objects weighing 50 pounds or more, often in combination with pushing, pulling, bending, stooping, squatting, grabbing, carrying, kneeling, twisting, and reaching at or above shoulder level. Includes sitting, standing, and walking most of the time; includes working on irregular surfaces, and the ability to hike difficult terrain, may require extraordinary physical activity and extended hours of continuous work in remote areas. Work temperatures vary from extreme cold to extreme heat and humidity, especially when responding to emergency work and disaster relief operations such as wild land fires and floods. This position is classified as "In Office" and is not eligible for Telework. This position reports to the Los Piños Center located at 39251 Ortega Highway, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530. Check out the CCC Los Piños Center on our website to learn more information about this location. Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
- CONSERVATIONIST I Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement Department Information
- Do you want to make a positive, significant difference in the lives of citizens in communities throughout California?
- Do you want to directly improve the lives of citizens in the State of California through the implementation of vital environmental restoration projects? Then the California Conservation Corps (CCC) has the job for you! The CCC is a dynamic organization committed to developing young adults by challenging them to complete a year of public service and conservation-related work. Employees of the CCC are leaders who inspire, educate and challenge young people to further their educational and professional goals. If you are looking to work for a state department that demands excellence, inspires staff to do their best and protects and enhances the state’s environment, we invite you to apply for a position with the California Conservation Corps, the finest youth Environmental Restoration, Education, Workforce Development program in the world. Career Consultation California Conservation Corps is excited to take part in the first agency-wide collaborative physical career center. The career center is located in the heart of Downtown Sacramento in the brand new CNRA headquarters building. Services provided include one-on-one career consultations, application/resume review, career guidance, mock interviews, and tips for applying. Days: Open every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (except state holidays) Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: Poppy Pavilion, 715 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Department Website:
http://www.ccc.ca.gov Special Requirements Candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment will be required to complete the following pre-employment requirements prior to being appointed:
- Commercial Driver License – Provide evidence that a Commercial Class C license with a Passenger Transport Vehicle special endorsement (or equivalent) has been obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
- Pre-employment Drug Test – Pass a urine drug test. In accordance with the Federal Highway Administration regulations (49 CFR, Part 382), persons hired to a class requiring a commercial driver license must take and pass a pre-employment drug test. Please note: Per California Code of Regulations 213.5, applicants who fail the drug test pursuant to section 213.4 (h), will be disqualified from the examination in which they are competing and, except as provided by section 213.5 (e), shall not be eligible to take any State civil service examination for a class for which drug testing is required until one year has elapsed from the date the drug test specimen is given.
- Background Investigation – Undergo fingerprinting and successfully pass a Criminal Offender Record Information check completed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) which may or may not also include a background check through the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).
- Medical Exam – A medical clearance exam is required for this classification.
Candidates will be required to pass the following trainings upon appointment:
- Position requires successful completion of the CalFire Type I 80-hour Fire Training Program. This includes a vigorous physical fitness portion of the training. Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
- Adaptive Leadership: Proven ability to remain calm, analytical, and decisive under high-pressure situations, dangerous field environments, or extended emergency deployments.
- Effective Communication: Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with the ability to deliver clear, concise operational briefings in the field and document administrative reports accurately.
- Youth Development & Mentorship: Deep understanding of youth development principles, with a passion for mentoring, motivating, and managing young adults from diverse backgrounds.
- Operational Management: Superb organizational and time-management skills, with a track record of safely managing multiple complex tasks, field logistics, and strict timelines simultaneously.
- Collaborative Teamwork: Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset to build cohesive crews and interface seamlessly with CAL FIRE partners and agency stakeholders.
- Digital Literacy: Proficiency in modern workplace software, including the Microsoft Office suite (Windows, Outlook, Word, Excel) and Salesforce.
- Corps Knowledge: Prior knowledge of or direct experience with the California Conservation Corps (CCC) mission, structure, and operations is highly preferred.
Benefits
There are many benefits to joining our team! Some benefits include:
- Medical Benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid Holidays and leave
- Defined benefit retirement program
- Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
- Employee Wellness Program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
- Access to over 7,000 on-demand training courses
- Free parking Information on the benefits associated with this civil service position including, but not limited to, salary, retirement and job protections can be found on the CalHR and CalPERS website. Eligibility Information
- List Eligibility – Successfully complete the Conservationist 1 civil service exam to be placed on the eligibility list. Please refer to the exam bulletin for more detailed information.
- Transfer Eligibility – Must have current employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable. If in a different classification, you must meet the minimum qualifications (see Minimum Qualifications section and associated links above).
- Reinstatement Eligibility – Previously obtained permanent employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable. If in a different classification, you must meet the minimum qualifications (see Minimum Qualifications section and associated links above.
- Training & Development (T&D) Assignment – State employees in a permanent appointment, and no longer on probation, may be considered for a T&D assignment. Resources Salary Information Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the temporary Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee receives a temporary reduction in pay in exchange for PLP 2025 leave credits. The temporary salary reduction percentage and the number of PLP 2025 leave credits are based on the position’s associated bargaining unit. The salary range(s) included in this job advertisement do not include the temporary salary reduction. For more details about PLP 2025, visit the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website. Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP) CCC encourages people with disabilities to apply for jobs with us. The Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP) can help people with disabilities get jobs with the State of California. It is an alternative to the regular civil service exam for a job. Using LEAP is optional. Learn more about LEAP and find available exams on CalHR's LEAP page. Veterans' Preference Veterans’ Preference is an assistance program for military benefits who seek employment with the state. Preference can be applied to a veteran’s eligibility for qualifying open and open, non-promotional examinations. To learn more about Veterans’ Preference visit CalHR’s Veteran’s Preference page. Non Electronic Submissions If applying by postal mail or in-person drop off, please indicate RPA 26-0120 / JC-537403 in the job title section of your State application.
