Wildland Fire Academy Corps- USFS Fire and Fuels Member

Conservation Begins Here.  

The Student Conservation Association (SCA), America’s #1 conservation service organization seeks qualified applicants to lead, educate, and inspire students for the programs.   

2027 Wildland Fire Academy Member Position 

Member Start: March 28,2027

Training: March 28 - April 25, 2027

Fuel Team : April 26 -September 18,2027

Member 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, developing emergency response plans, and completing logistical tasks.   

• →Expected to maintain a positive and productive presence for the entire length of the season.  

• →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.  

• →Member 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 USFS and SCA Onboarding prior to training start date.  

• →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. We recommend that physical training for this test begin 4 weeks prior to arrival at training.  

General Physical Requirements

• →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 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, for example: safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, chainsaw 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 manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., extreme temperature, wind, sun, smoke from fire, 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 lift and 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.   

 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, and current good standing  

• →Pass a comprehensive motor vehicle record check  

Marginal Duties

• →Continued participation in physical training to keep up with the rigors of the program and federal partners.  

• →Occasional data collection for administrative support  

• →Frequent tools and gear maintenance and sharpening  

• →Occasional gear and tool repair/cleaning  

• →Helping 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 check ins with Staff, Reporting on Incidents, and time management of team.  

Benefits and Compensation

• →Total weekly/hourly stipend: $650 weekly   

• →Time off will affect total weekly pay and the ability to obtain Public Land Corps Certification. Pay will be adjusted based on the time off you take and may fluctuate depending on the amount of time taken.  

• →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.  

• →Time Off and health benefits: We advocate for a positive work-life balance. Approval for any member time off needs to happen 4 weeks in advance of the time off requested and the participant acknowledges a pay adjustment may be enforced to reflect time-off.  

• →This position is not eligible for health benefits but is covered under our Workers Compensation Coverage. You are also entitled to access to our Members Assistance Program (MAP) for access to virtual mental health visits during your position.  

Housing and Meals

• →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. All accommodations will have user/tenant agreements attached and policies agency and partner will be strictly enforced to maintain safe, professional and respectful environment by all.  

• →Other Accommodations
• → During the training period and entirety of the season, meals are provided by SCA and managed by the crew leader. 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-112), 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 Member 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 AND continuing throughout training leading up to the Work Capacity Test. No Re-Tests are given.  

Working Conditions

Teams will be expected to travel long distances between project sites, and may live without electricity, running water, internet and/or cell phone reception for significant lengths of time. Work schedules and projects may change on short notice or be ambiguous. The work environment will consist of extreme hot and cold temperatures, adverse heat conditions which could include temperatures in some regions up to 110°F or hotter, adverse humidity, etc.

The work environment will occasionally include poor air quality conditions by nature (due to wildfire smoke, smog, etc.). Also, there could be other severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, and lightning events.

Exposure to natural and environmental hazards such as poison ivy, oak, or sumac, tick and mosquito-borne illness, snakes, and the potential for other wildlife encounters are all potential working conditions.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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