In a year with falling job openings and sluggish hiring, economic and political instability, and an increasingly volatile job market, finding ways to connect job seekers with employers has become urgent. Many job seekers are becoming more disheartened, lacking options in a shrinking job market and in need of professional development.
With federal safeguards failing, investing in local conservation corps is one response. Conservation corps, working in conjunction with local government and key employers, can create jobs, revitalize communities, and restore invaluable ecological centers. Conservation Corps North Bay (CCNB) understands this well as America’s first local nonprofit youth conservation corps, founded in 1982 to offer under-resourced youth the opportunity to simultaneously earn a paycheck, work toward their diplomas, and receive supportive services.
A Launchpad for Careers
Cesar, a CCNB graduate, shows what that combination of paycheck, schooling, and support can add up to. In his year as a corpsmember, he completed the program’s academic track and earned his high school diploma. He also took part in workforce training, earning industry-recognized certifications such as OSHA-10 Safety, First Aid/CPR, HAZWOPER 40, and Forklift Operation.
During his time at CCNB, Cesar became a translator for the field program and obtained his driver’s license. After completing the program, he was hired as a landscape restoration technician at Prunuske Chatham.
Connecting Job Seekers with Employers
As political and economic instability increased and the job market slowed, CCNB recognized a growing need to connect corpsmembers directly to employers.
Research shows that anywhere from 50 to 80 percent of all jobs are filled through networking). CCNB corpsmembers leave the program with diplomas and in-demand certifications, but in a slowing job market, those credentials matter little if employers don’t know about them..
In 2025, the organization hosted its first internal career fair to create an opportunity for corpsmembers to connect with potential employers in a structured format designed specifically for CCNB participants. Research suggests job fairs can increase regional employment and build confidence among both job seekers and employers. Representatives from county agencies, tree companies, environmental restoration firms, waste management services, colleges and other employers took part.
In 2026, the day was divided between corpsmembers close to completing the program, who used the opportunity to engage with employers on a deeper level, and corpsmembers newer to CCNB who gained familiarity with the job-seeking process. Staff broadened the range of industries at the fair by adding representatives from several trade unions.
Cesar returned for the 2026 fair, this time on the employer side and as evidence of what corpsmembers can achieve.
CCNB’s longevity as a workforce development program reflects its ability to adapt. The career fair is one example: a direct line between young people like Cesar and the employers building the region’s environmental workforce.
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How to Help
Conservation Corps North Bay (CCNB) is the only certified, local nonprofit corps and paid-job program that offers higher-than-minimum-wage employment, high school education, and wraparound services all under one roof in the North Bay.
As America’s first local nonprofit youth conservation corps, it offers corpsmembers the opportunity to simultaneously earn a paycheck, work toward their diplomas, and receive supportive services. Founded in 1982, CCNB is one of 14 state-certified local conservation corps that provide job skills, training, and educational opportunities to young adults ages 18-30.
Shane Staab joined the development team of Conservation Corps North Bay in 2024 as the organization’s only full-time grant writer. Using a background in service and grant analysis, Shane raises contributed income for the organization’s celebrated and fully grant-funded Career Pathways program and shares CCNB’s story with its partners, donors, and community.
