Job Description

2026 U.S. Forest Service/SCA Wildland Fire Academy Fuels Team - Member

Program Dates: 05/04/26 - 10/23/26

The U.S. 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 work on a team that consists of one Leader and four Members, serving on an assigned USFS district identified as Healthy Forest Restoration Act Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Lands to learn how different National Forests handle the challenges of wildfire mitigation in their respective ecosystems. 

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.

During the Field Season, teams will work with USFS staff on fuels reduction and other conservation and restoration projects. Some projects will require long daily commutes or traveling long distances between project sites, and Members may live without electricity, running water, WiFi, and/or cell phone reception for significant lengths of time.

The primary objective for this program is fuels reduction, not fire suppression. Prescribed burns are condition-dependent opportunities, and will often require an extended and flexible work schedule from the team as identified by the partner agency. Prescribed burns and wildfire suppression opportunities are possible, but cannot be guaranteed. Any fire suppression opportunities will require the member to be placed in Administratively Determined (AD) status with the U.S. Forest Service. During this time, members are placed on a service interruption with SCA, and become employees of the USFS. Work schedules in AD status may require 12+ hour days and extended time camping.

Each member 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 member has their own responsibility to continually develop themselves with positive personal communication strategies.

Schedule

Training Dates: 05/04/2026 to 05/26/2026

Field Season: 05/27/26 to 10/23/26

Work Locations:

TBD. Possible work site locations can be located within districts identified as Healthy Forest Restoration Act Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Lands located across 10 states in Western US; Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexica, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assisting with monitoring completion of project tasks as assigned; whether it is using a chainsaw, piling brush into burn piles, working with your team to move a large rock, or doing dishes.  Full engagement is expected in all work projects and community activities, both on and off duty.
• Assist the team with meal planning, chores, 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.
• Participating in 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.
• Members may be expected to participate in team building and team support activities that occur outside of standard work hours.

Marginal Duties:

• Assisting in project planning, travel planning, data collection, and team logistics support.
• Assisting with projects in conservation, recreation, campground maintenance, and other USFS needs.
• If eligible, may drive the SCA vehicle for team support.
• Meal planning, meal preparation, house chores, and other communal living tasks.
• If conditions allow, may participate in prescribed burns, gridding, mop-up, fuels sampling, and other monitoring and fuels reduction tasks.
• Tool and chainsaw maintenance.

Required 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
• Must complete a Health Screening Questionnaire and an in-person physical exam as required by the USFS to be cleared before the position start date.
• Must be able to pass the Arduous Work Capacity Test during the training timeline (exact date TBD). We recommend that physical training for this test begin 4 weeks prior to arrival at training.

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.
• Eligibility to operate an SCA vehicle
• Be a minimum of 21 years old
• Possess a current and valid driver’s license,
• Have a minimum of 3 years of State authorized driving experience
• Pass a comprehensive motor vehicle record check

Member Benefits:

• Total weekly/hourly stipend: $650 weekly
• Total travel stipend: $350 on first pay period and $300 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. The allowance will be included on the Member’s first paycheck. All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Living Accommodations:

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. Access to cell phone service and WiFi cannot be guaranteed at the provided housing, and some housing may be remotely located an hour or more away from a town with amenities.

Additional Accommodations:

During the training period and entirety of the season, meals are provided by SCA and managed by the crew leader. Members will contribute to the community meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning responsibilities. Transportation is also provided via SCA. Personal vehicles are allowed for off duty travel but are not authorized during work hours.

Training:

Training will consist of Federal Certifications for Chainsaw Operations (S-212), Basic Firefighting Training (S-130), Intro to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), and Basic Fireline Leadership (L-180). Other training includes Wilderness First Aid, physical training leading up to a Work Capacity Test (3-mile hike, with 45 lbs pack, in under 45 minutes to meet the qualification for confirmation of your Fire “Red Card”), and SCA Crew and Leader Training, including defensive and off-road driving tests.

• Passing of the Work Capacity Test is a condition of employment. We recommend the training for this test to begin 4 weeks prior to arrival at training.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.