VETERANS FINDING FISHERIES CAREERS
In the creeks of California, military veterans are continuing their service with the California Conservation Corps. It is a service to the state of California, the environment, and themselves.
“I didn’t know anything about fisheries before I started,” said Army veteran and CCC Corpsmember Joan Cardenas.
“I didn’t know how to electrofish, snorkel survey, or how to identify plants. In the CCC Veterans Corps Fisheries program, I’m learning all these things that could help me in the future.”
Cardenas is among a handful of veterans enrolled in the CCC Veterans Corps Fisheries Program, a partnership with the National Oceanographic & Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA). The program provides veterans, like Cardenas, the opportunity to work with state agencies, non-profits, and private entities to restore, maintain,
and monitor streams from Ventura County to the Oregon border.
“I love it. Every day that I can survey fish is a great day,”
said Army veteran and Corpsmember Sam Pratt. “I just like the diversity of experience and not necessarily knowing what you’re getting into every day. This program allows for so much diversity of work as well as all the partners you’re working with.”
Veterans can enroll as Corpsmembers to have housing and earn scholarship money toward continuing their education. Alternatively, veterans can live at home and as Special Corpsmembers, where they can receive higher pay.
It’s an opportunity for veterans to test the waters of fisheries careers.
“If you’re into nature and want to learn about plants and animals, this is a great opportunity,” Cardenas said. “It’s a great foot in the door. I didn’t have the
qualifications for some jobs I was applying for. This program is helping me get training, and it’ll look good on my resume.”
The Veterans Corps Fisheries Program has opportunities for veterans in Humboldt, Mendocino, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties. Veterans must be 18 to 29 years of age and possess a DD214 to be eligible.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to our veterans for their years of service to our country,” said CCC Director Bruce Saito. “The Veterans Corps Fisheries Program provides them great exposure to wonderful jobs and partners like NOAA, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and others. It’s a great way for veterans to keep serving.”
The CCC is a State of California department that enrolls young adults monthly for a year of paid service to the state. To learn more, visit ccc.ca.gov or call 800-952-5627.