Conservationist I (JC-535966)

The Corps Network; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental Insurance

Health Insurance

Vision Insurance

Job summary

The California Conservation Corps is seeking a Conservationist I to lead and mentor Corpsmembers, overseeing conservation projects and safety. You will train crews, manage equipment and records, and coordinate with CAL FIRE partners for a hand crew leadership role.

Reporting to a supervisor, you will guide corpsmembers in leadership development, perform regular safety briefings, and support emergency response when needed. This is a full-time field position based in San Luis Obispo County, CA.

Qualifications

• Experience leading crews of young adults in conservation projects.
• Ability to train and evaluate Corpsmembers in field operations.
• Strong emphasis on safety, teamwork, and productive work habits.

Responsibilities

• Lead a crew of Corpsmembers on conservation projects in diverse settings.
• Forge daily safety practices and conduct safety meetings.
• Oversee equipment care, maintenance, and state vehicle operation.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to Corpsmembers for leadership development.
• Maintain records such as timesheets, leave records, and project updates.

Skills

Leadership

Training

Evaluation

Teamwork

Safety

Job description

JOB DETAILS

Actively Recruiting: Yes
Position title: Conservationist I (JC-535966)
Type of Position: Staff (Full-Time)
Town, City, Park, etc: San Luis Obispo County
State / Territory: California
Benefits:

• Dental Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Vision Insurance

Project/Program Focus: Other
Attachments/Supplemental Materials: 202610891fad74-4810-4fb5-8c80-450a52b124a9_JobPostingDS

The California Conservation Corps is a department within the California Natural Resources Agency. We are the oldest and largest conservation corps in the nation. Our mission is to protect and enhance California’s natural resources and communities while empowering and developing young adults through hard work and education.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Ready to forge a meaningful career that directly contributes to California’s future? We’re looking for passionate individuals who want to empower young adults and safeguard our beautiful natural resources. If you’re driven to make a difference every single day, consider joining our team as a Conservationist 1

Reporting to the Conservationist Supervisor, your key responsibilities will include:

Empowering the next generation: Lead, train, and evaluate Corpsmembers, helping them build skills and confidence.

Hands-on environmental stewardship: Oversee the care, maintenance, and security of state equipment and property essential for our conservation efforts.

Mentorship and development: Teach, direct, and counsel Corpsmembers, guiding them toward success in their personal and professional lives.

Operational support: Manage vital recordkeeping and personnel administration tasks.

*This C1 position will lead a wildland firefighting hand crew, in partnership with CAL FIRE and assigned CAL FIRE staff, including a captain and engineer.

See attached duty statement for a complete list of responsibilities.

JOB DUTIES

Supervise, Train & Evaluate Corpsmembers

Lead a crew of young adults working on conservation projects in cities, rural areas, and sometimes remote wilderness.

Teach teamwork, productivity, safety, and good work habits; follow CCC guidelines for discipline when needed.

Train Corpsmembers in conservation skills like construction, landscaping, erosion control, and trail building.

Support emergency response efforts (wildfires, floods, mudslides, etc.) and take quick action in urgent situations.

Run daily safety meetings and make sure everyone understands the hazards of each job.

Teach, Guide & Support Corpsmembers

Help Corpsmembers grow as leaders; recommend candidates for leadership programs and mentor them.

Supervise during non-work hours when assigned (evenings, weekends). Check dorms and make sure everyone stays safe.

Provide informal support and guidance; refer Corpsmembers to professional counseling when needed.

Track Corpsmembers’ progress in educational programs and give helpful feedback.

Stay in close communication with Navigators and Muir Teachers; attend monthly Navigator meetings.

Respond to after-hours emergencies.

Equipment & Property Care

Inspect vehicles and tools to make sure they’re safe and working properly; recommend repairs.

Drive and operate state vehicles; perform basic maintenance when needed.

Train Corpsmembers to become safe drivers and help them work toward obtaining the required licenses.

Recordkeeping & Admin Tasks

Keep accurate time sheets and leave records.

Write reports (injuries, corrective actions, weekly project updates, safety notes).

Document conservation and environmental education activities.

Support Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Participate in trainings and activities that build an inclusive, respectful workplace for everyone.