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An investment in people 

Viable career opportunities in conservation are essential for addressing the social, ecological, and economic challenges of our times. According to a 2023 California Natural Resources Agency report, California will need an estimated 100,000 new workers in nature-based careers by 2035.  

Yet access to this growing sector is not equitable. People from communities historically underrepresented in conservation face barriers to entry, since much of the training and experience needed is unpaid and time intensive. Training that includes compensation helps remove obstacles, opening pathways to people from all backgrounds. Our paid apprenticeships are an investment in people — restoring landscapes, responding to climate change, and building economic vitality along the way.

Stewardship apprenticeship program  

We’re excited to launch a new six-month pilot program — with housing included — that opens doors for young adults who may not otherwise have access to careers in conservation. Supported by a grant from Parks California, the program offers apprentices hands-on experience in facilities management, land stewardship, and California Naturalist training, preparing them for thriving careers in California State Parks or similar settings. Through the process, apprentices will gain confidence, practical skills, and professional networks — working closely with mentors who are deeply invested in their futures.  

“Programs such as these are critical for workforce development and can be fundamental for skill development, mentorship, and community — not always available for young adults from historically excluded communities,” said José G. González, founder of Latino Outdoors and equity officer for the East Bay Regional Park District. 

After one week of opening the job to applicants, we received over 200 applications, validating the profound need for programs like this in the conservation field, as well as the desire among young people to be of service to the land.  

Prescribed fire apprenticeship program  

Since our prescribed fire apprenticeship launched in 2023, 15 apprentices have been hired in the 11-month program. Working alongside mentors with impressive skillsets and vast experience, apprentices receive well-rounded training in wildland fire, prescribed fire, stewardship, leadership, ecology, and community building. The program offers multiple career pathways, including forestry, fire agency, fuels management, prescribed fire, land management, community advocacy, and education. Apprentices from the prescribed fire program have gone on to work for organizations and government entities, including water agencies, global nonprofits, the National Park Service, and regional conservation districts. 

Apprentices have also been promoted as prescribed fire practitioners for our Fire Forward program.  

Chase Whitener, an apprentice from 2024, was hired as a prescribed fire practitioner in 2025 and shared these thoughts: “The apprenticeship was a beautiful training ground. Being a practitioner really means putting foundational skills into practice. Stepping into leadership is a big part of what’s drawing me back.”  

The prescribed fire apprenticeship is made possible by support from by CAL FIRE, the Farley Family Charitable Foundation, an anonymous philanthropic donor, family foundations, and generous individuals.