September 21, 2026 - SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Last Thursday, Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement (GO-Serve) Director Josh Fryday with state agency leaders announced the California Men’s Service Challenge surpassed its goal of engaging 10,000 men in mentoring, serving and volunteering and now calls on men to find purpose, belonging and opportunities through a career in public service.

Sharing in the announcement today at CAL FIRE LA Moran Reforestation Center in Davis were Major General Matthew Beevers, Adjutant General, California National Guard; Wade Crowfoot, California Natural Resources Agency Secretary; and Toks Omishakin, California Transportation Secretary.

“California is committed to making sure every young man and boy has a path to purpose, connection and opportunity. We’ve built programs that help young people find community, develop skills and serve something bigger than themselves — and this continues building on that work. We’re connecting young men with mentors, meaningful service and careers where they can lead, contribute and help build a stronger California,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

Through this effort, GO-Serve is partnering with CAL FIRE, State Parks, Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Conservation Corps, Caltrans, California Highway Patrol and California National Guard to promote employment opportunities that jumpstart a career and create pathways to success.

“Through public service, we can help young men find purpose and connection, build careers and make a real difference,” said GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday.

The California Men’s Service Challenge builds on Governor Newsom’s executive orderopens in a new window responding to rising suicide rates, disconnection and declining college attendance among young men to address the mental health crisis while creating new pathways to purpose, leadership and belonging. The effort advances Governor Newsom’s broader commitment to create more opportunities for youth success.

“With the California Men’s Service Challenge, we’re connecting more Californians with job opportunities and creating new paths to public service for generations,” said California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot. “Some of the most rewarding careers in California are spent outdoors, working with your hands and protecting the places and communities that make this state special. Whether it’s maintaining a trail, restoring a forest, protecting wildlife or keeping people safe, there are many ways to turn service into skills and skills into a career.”

California Natural Resources Agency and its departments offer opportunities for Californians with a wide range of experience and education, including seasonal and entry-level positions that can provide a first step into public service. Careers span protecting parks and communities, restoring forests, caring for wildlife and maintaining the infrastructure Californians rely on.

California Natural Resources Agency departments offer paid positions such as park aide, maintenance aide and forestry aide with State Parks; fish and wildlife technician with California Department of Fish and Wildlife; and forestry technician with CAL FIRE. The California Conservation Corps serves as a strong bridge to these positions, providing hands-on training in forestry, habitat restoration, trails and emergency response that aligns with many of these careers.

California State Transportation Agency, which includes Caltrans and California Highway Patrol departments, offers paid career opportunities across the transportation sector.

“Public service offers young men a unique opportunity to serve their communities and a career in transportation provides a path to build California’s infrastructure, drive economic prosperity and make a lasting impact on our state,” said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin.

Caltrans positions include engineers and transportation planners, environmental scientists, highway and landscape maintenance workers, equipment operators, mechanics, electricians, surveyors, information technology professionals and analysts. The California Highway Patrol also offers a wide range of careers, including officers, public safety dispatchers, motor carrier specialists, automotive technicians and administrative and professional positions. Together, these roles help plan, build, maintain and operate California’s transportation system while keeping roads and communities safe.

The California Army National Guard is a unique part-time military force with a powerful dual mission — protecting communities at home and supporting the nation when called upon. Members of the Cal Guard, serve under the state’s governor to respond to natural disasters, emergencies and times of crisis.

“Service in the California National Guard goes beyond responding to crisis — it means standing strong for the communities we call home. Standing as a pillar for your community starts with the decision to serve,” said Major General Matthew Beevers, Adjutant General, California National Guard. “When you put on the uniform, you protect your neighbors and build a stronger, more resilient California. The Cal Guard delivers unparalleled opportunities to hone leadership skills, build diverse, high-performing teams, while strengthening individual resilience and adaptability.”

The California Men’s Service Challenge builds on the California Service Corpsopens in a new window, the largest paid service force in the nation, which empowers Californians to tackle the state’s toughest challenges while building skills for the future.

Learn more about available state service positions from partner agencies and the California Men’s Service Challenge at MensServiceChallenge.comopens in a new window.

For a complete list of available jobs with the State of California, an equal opportunity employer, go to CalCareers.ca.govopens in a new window.