CONSERVATIONIST I

State of California; California (MO); On-site; USD 38,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The San Diego Center of the California Conservation Corps (CCC) is seeking a purpose-driven Conservationist I to lead a Type I Fire Crew of 8–15 Corpsmembers, aged 18–29, in wildland fire safety, forestry projects, and emergency response.

Under the Conservationist Supervisor, you will supervise, train, and evaluate crew members, coordinate with CAL FIRE, and help protect California’s environment while building youth development through public service.

Qualifications

• Conservationist I position with a focus on leadership, safety, and youth development.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Job description

$3,441.00 - $5,741.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 10/21/2026

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 San Diego 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.

Working Conditions

Physical requirements for this classification are arduous: Requires lifting objects weighing 50 lbs or more, often in combination with pushing, pulling, bending, stooping, squatting, grabbing, carrying, kneeling, twisting, and reaching at or above shoulder level. Includes standing and walking for extended periods of time; irregular work surfaces, and ability to hike difficult terrain. May require working extended hours and in remote areas as a Crew Supervisor on a Type I Fire Crew.
This position is classified as "In Office" and is not eligible for telework.
This position reports to the San Diego Center located at 401 West 35th Street, Suite A, National City, CA 91950. Check out the CCC San Diego 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

CONSERVATIONIST I $3,441.00 - $4,396.00A $4,420.00 - $5,741.00B New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions: 2

Work Location:

Telework: In Office

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

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 4p.m.

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.

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

Desirable Qualifications

• 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.

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, easy 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.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Department Website: http://www.ccc.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.