Youth Corps Job Training CYCC

As a Corps-member with the Conejo Youth Conservation Corps, (CYCC) you serve as an entry-level team member aged 15-18 Year-Old in a paid training mentorship program dedicated to community service, conserving natural resources and learning workplace skills. 

Crewmembers work in crews of 8-20 individuals under the mentorship and supervision of a Crew Leader or Lead Conservationist, engaging in training, skill development and outdoor projects tasks across the state. 

This role provides hands-on training, skill development, and career pathways, particularly in conservation, natural resource management.

Key Responsibilities:

Natural Resource Conservation Training and Projects: 

Construct and maintain trails in parks, forests, and public lands (e.g., painting , weed control, building erosion controls, installing and maintaining trail tread ). 

Perform forest health and fuel tasks, such as thinning vegetation, removing dead trees, and hauling, piling brush for professionals to reduce wildfire risk. ( No chipping or use of Chainsaws).   

Plant trees, native plants and restore habitats.   Improve fish and wildlife habitats, including but not limited to stream restoration and erosion control.   

Conduct park maintenance and rehabilitation in urban and rural recreation areas.

Trail  Building Support   - Serve on hand crews with duties varying by with hand tools (e.g., Pulaskis, rakes, hoes, shovels,   - e.g, Fill and place sandbags at fire stations and support community efforts.

NOTE: No use of vehicles, ladders, Power machinery. 

Physical Labor and Tool Use   - Perform manual labor for up to 4-6 hours in outdoor conditions (e.g., warmth, cold,  precipitation).

Use non-power hand tools (e.g., shovels, ) safely and effectively under direct supervision. ( No machinery ) 

Hike 3+ miles with gear, occasionally lifting and moving 30 pounds or more.

Education and Training Participation   - Engage in the CYCC education program and earn a local high school diploma (if needed) at the same time or pursue additional credentials.

Attend mandatory training sessions, including safety "tailgate sessions" at project sites, first aid , CPR certification, and introductory workplace  courses. 
 
Participate in on-the-job learning with agencies like COSCA, Sate Parks, NPS, USFS, CRPD, and State Parks to build transferable work skills.

Teamwork and Daily Operations   - Work collaboratively in a crew environment, following directions from supervisors and maintaining crew cohesion.   - Start days early with roll call at a CYCC center, travel up to an hour to project sites, and eat packed lunches.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Crewmembers Age 15-18 years old, or Crew-leaders must be over 18 years old.
  

- Residency: Must be a California resident. 

• Must have a California Student Work permit ( under 18 years old).

Eligibility: Must have the ability to legally work in the USA.

Physical Ability: Capable of outdoor work, including hiking, lifting, and enduring variable weather conditions.

Commitment: Willing to serve an and be available.

Skills and Attributes- No prior experience required; training is provided.- Willingness to learn, work hard, and adapt to a work environment. - Team-oriented mindset and eagerness to develop character, credentials, and commitment.

Benefits- Pay:  Bi weekly paycheck. - Training: Free certifications (e.g., ability to attend CPR, and other vocational trainings) and on-the-job experience with potential employers.

Education: Access to local high school and community college diploma programs, community college courses, and scholarships (e.g., CYCC  scholarship, Education Award).

Health and Leave.Free paid sick leave as outlined in State Law.

Career Pathways: Opportunities to transition into careers with CAL FIRE, Constructions, Parks and Rec, Bio Research, State Parks, USFS, Caltrans, or other conservation fields.

Work Environment- Primarily outdoors in diverse terrains (forests, mountains, urban parks) and climates.

The CYCC emphasizes personal and professional growth, preparing Corpsmembers for meaningful careers while serving local California’s environment and communities.

Job Restrictions: Minors cannot work in hazardous occupations (e.g., operating power-driven machinery, mining, or jobs involving explosives) as defined by state and federal law.www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/childlaborlawpamphlet.pdf  

Details: Comprehensive pamphlet outlining child labor laws, work hours, restrictions, and permit requirements for minors, enforced by the Labor Commissioner’s Office.
California Education Code (EC) Sections 49110-49119     - Source: Available via leginfo.legislature.ca.gov     - Details: Legal basis for work permits, authorizing schools to issue them and defining conditions (e.g., EC 49116 for hours and programs).

California Labor Code (LC) Sections 1285-1312 and 1391-1392     - Source: Available via leginfo.legislature.ca.gov     - Details: Specifies work hour limits, prohibited occupations, and employer obligations for minors aged 15-17.