2027 USFS Region 8 Fire Crew - Sam Houston NF

The 2027 USFS Region 8 Prescribed Fire Corps in Sam Houston National Forest (New Waverly, TX) is a dynamic and exciting opportunity for those passionate about wildland firefighting. This SCA crew will consist of four crew members and one crew leader and will assist with prescribed burns and other projects alongside the U.S. Forest Service.

January 18, 2027 - May 8, 2027 (16 weeks)

Program starts with two weeks of USFS Fire Academy Training alongside other SCA + USFS teams. Certifications and topics at this training include: 

• Fire Training (Red Card, S-130, S-190) 
• Basic First Aid and CPR Certification 
• Federal Chainsaw Training
• Risk Management 

The primary objectives for this crew will be fuels reduction and prescribed burning projects.

The crew will prepare USFS lands for burning, conduct prescribed burning, and serve on other recreation or conservation tasks as identified by USFS. Prescribed burning is condition dependent and members may be required to serve long hours and/or weekends depending on direction from the partner.

Members will not work more than 80 hours over a two-week period.

• →Work collaboratively with a team of four others to complete priority projects determined by USFS partner staff;
• →Engage as a crew member to promote healthy group dynamics, and promote effective and productive teamwork;
• →Work variable hours, possible long days and possible weekends, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, in varying weather conditions, and under physically demanding circumstances;
• →Use technical equipment such as hand or power tools. 

When conditions are not ideal for burning, members will assist with other projects including vegetation removal, fire line preparation, equipment maintenance, and other work duties. Throughout the season, the crew may have opportunities to respond to active fires. While deployed on a live fire with the federal fire teams, team members' service with SCA will be paused. Members should expect to work 10-12 hour days while on fire assignments. Participate in networking and professional development opportunities.

• Minimum of 18 years of age;
• Have ability to legally work in the US;
• Meet SCA’s criminal background check standards;
• Ability to lift 40 pounds and independently travel 2 miles over varied terrain while carrying a 40-pound pack without assistance;
• Ability to pass the Work Capacity Test at the Arduous level (3 mile walk with 45lb weight vest that must be completed in 45 minutes or less). Members who do not pass this test will not be able to continue with this program. Click for a video on the WCT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjOZA2sbdMo
• Must be able to undergo and clear an in-person physical required by USFS. In-person physicals should be completed by December 1, 2025, in order to clear by program start date;
• Ability to perform manual, physical labor in a variety of outdoor conditions for up to 8-10 hours per day;
• Interest in serving alongside and supporting others on a team;
• Willingness to live alongside a team and participate in community chores and meal preparation;
• Willingness to complete some project paperwork including project reports, output logs, and inventories;
• With training, ability to use hand tools and power tools to complete assigned work projects.
• Passion for the outdoors and conservation. 

• Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies. 
• Able to stay alert and engaged for extended periods of program time. 
• Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program. 
• Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including internal or external, safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, chaps, and appropriate footwear.  
• Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others. 
• Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time. 
• Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others. 
• Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions. 
• If using prescription medications, able to self-medicate by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance (except possibly at the direction of higher medical authority in emergency situations).
• Able to hike 3 miles over level terrain while carrying a 45-pound pack in 45 minutes.
• Able to independently carry a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight for a minimum of 5 miles and a maximum of 15 miles with adequate breaks dependent on weather, terrain, and trail conditions. 
• Able to lift a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight, with minimal assistance from others. 

40 per week

Crew members will live and serve together for the duration of the season. The crew will be provided with shared housing throughout the season. Crew members should expect to share rooms in team housing. 

SCA emphasizes the importance of community on our crews. Crew members should expect to fully participate in activities related to communal living on their team. To ensure a well-run team, crew members must all participate in house and crew responsibilities, including shared chores, cooking group meals, grocery shopping, and other team-based responsibilities. 

Recommended

Work schedules and projects may change on short notice or be ambiguous; inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, and lightning events.; decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog; warm temperatures and adverse heat conditions which could include temperatures in some regions up to 110°F or hotter; exposure to natural and environmental hazards such as, poison ivy, oak, or sumac, tick and mosquito -borne illness, snakes, and potential for other wildlife encounters.

SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.