Position Summary
The US Forest Service (USFS)/ Student Conservation Association (SCA) Wildland Fire Academy is an intense Fuels Reduction Training program designed to introduce leaders and members to the rigors of the Fire & Fuel Programs across the USFS. During the program, leaders and members will train, live, and work as a cohesive and dynamic crew on fuels mitigation and fuels reduction projects. Members will be assigned with a leader to one of twenty-one priority landscapes in the wildland fire crisis strategy footprint to learn how different National Forests handle the challenges of wildfire mitigation in their respective ecosystems. Members will be expected to travel long distances between project sites, and live without electricity, running water, and/or cell phone reception for significant lengths of time. This is an entry-level position. Previous experience using chainsaws and working outdoors is not needed, just the passion to learn. The season begins with a rigorous 3-week training period that includes a robust introduction into the Student Conservation Association Values, Mission, Policies, Wellness Strategies, and introductions into crew dynamics and building and maintaining positive and inclusive communities. You will also receive Wilderness First Aid (WFA), several certification courses in route to obtain a federally recognized fire qualifications card with the USFS and your Beginner (Level A) Chainsaw Bucking and/or Felling Card.
Schedule
March 29, 2026 - October 31, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Each leader is expected to engage in daily tasks to achieve mission and project goals as assigned by USFS personnel and SCA Staff. Communication is key to success and each leader has their own responsibility to continually develop themselves and their team with positive personal communication strategies. Leader Responsibilities include monitoring completion of project tasks as assigned; supervising chainsaw operations, piling brush into burn piles, working with your team to move a large rock, or developing and participating in communal chores. Full engagement is expected in all work projects and community activities, both on and off duty. Assist the team with meal planning, developing emergency response plans, and completing logistical tasks. Recording work totals and creating reports for agency partners. Interfacing with general public and partner organizations in a manner that reflects positively upon the crew, organization, and agency. Developing and monitoring daily workflow, group physical fitness activities, and arduous daily tasks, speaking up when something is not right, and maintaining a solution-focused mindset to achieve crew objectives.
Marginal Duties
. Frequent data collection to achieve program expectations
. Frequent tool and gear maintenance and sharpening
. Occasional gear and tool repair/cleaning
. Helping teach and develop team in best practices with campsite set up, maintenance, and clean-up.
. Frequent communal living tasks such as cleaning, team meal preparation, and sanitation of shared spaces.
. Participating in occasional outreach or training support.
. Frequent participation in logistical support activities such as project plan translation, team work day management, budget monitoring, and team time management strategies.
. Frequent team engagement facilitation and planning.
. Other administrative tasks as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Leader Qualifications: Commitment to living and working within an intensive crew environment, often in close, shared spaces. Desire to do manual labor in all weather conditions, including wind, rain, extreme heat, extreme cold, and extremely pleasant days. Passion for the outdoors. Eligibility to operate an SCA vehicle. Be a minimum of 21 years old. Possess a current and valid driver's license, and a minimum of 3 years of State authorized driving experience Pass a comprehensive motor vehicle record check. Have at least one full season with a certified saw card at the A-Feller (Faller 3) level and some experience with prescribed fire or actual fireline work.
This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans aged 35 or younger, at the start of the position. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.
Preferred Qualifications
Backpacking experience Camping experience Ability to perform arduous tasks outdoors, for several hours at a time. Ability to live in a multi-gendered, multi-cultured living space, sharing common spaces and communal meal settings each day.
Hours
32 per week
Living Accommodations
Housing and meals description: Housing will consist of communal Forest Service Bunkhouse if available, consisting of 2-person rooms and shared kitchen and restrooms. Actual Housing TBD depending on forest locations and project sites. Short-term rentals will be provided by the SCA if no federal bunkhouse options are available and will consist of shared bedrooms and shared kitchen and restrooms. Housing is provided by the SCA regardless of option and is determined in coordination between SCA and USFS Program Staff.
Occasional camping will be required.
Other Accommodations: During the training period and entirety of the season, meals are provided by SCA and managed by the team leader. Transportation is also provided via SCA. Personal vehicles are allowed for off duty travel but are not authorized during work hours.
Compensation
Total weekly/hourly stipend: $900-1000 weekly determined on experience level and identified in official offer; Total travel stipend: $500 on first pay period and $500 on your last pay period; Boot Allowance: Because boots are critical for safety, we are providing a $300 boot allowance to ensure proper regulation of boots are purchased.
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Additional Benefits
Defensive Driver Training
Wilderness First Responder Training
Public Land Corps Certification
AmeriCorps: Not Eligible
Equal Opportunity Statement
SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.
