2027 Wildland Fire Academy Member Position Description
Position Title:
2027 USFS/SCA Wildland Fire Academy Fuels Team Member
Position Timeline:
Start Date: March 28
- Training: March 28 – April 25, 2027
- Field Season: April 25 – October 16, 2027
End Date: October 16, 2027
Location:
Possible placement locations include National Forests in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Location preferences will be taken into consideration when making placements, and may change during the season.
Position Overview:
The US Forest Service (USFS)/Student Conservation Association (SCA) Wildland Fire Academy is a workforce development program designed to introduce participants to wildland fire career pathways with the USFS. During the program, Leaders and Members will train, live, and work together as a cohesive and dynamic team on fuels reduction and other projects.
Teams will be assigned to one of the US Forest Service’s districts to learn how different National Forests handle the challenges of wildfire mitigation, prevention, and education in their respective ecosystems.
The primary objective for this program is fuels reduction, not fire suppression. Fuels reduction projects can include using chainsaws, loppers, weed whackers, woodchippers, and other tools and equipment to reduce the volume of available fuels on a landscape.
Preparation for prescribed burns can include building and maintaining burn piles, taking fuels samples, and digging handline. Teams may also have the opportunity to engage in projects with a trails, recreation, archaeology, timber, or wildlife focus.
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, wildfire suppression, and Administratively Determined (AD) opportunities are possible but cannot be guaranteed. Participants may only participate in wildfire suppression while in AD status.
During this time, participants’ service with SCA will be paused, and they will be employed and compensated by the USFS at AD rates. AD assignments and prescribed burns can require working long days (12+ hours) that include evenings and weekends.
All participants are expected to participate in regular Physical Training (PT) and should begin conditioning prior to the start date in order to prepare for the arduous nature of the work.
This is an entry-level position, and all are encouraged to apply!
General Expectations:
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.
All members are expected to maintain professionalism while working in an intense and physically demanding environment.
Role and Responsibilities:
- Assisting with 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.
- 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.
- Expected to maintain a positive and productive presence for the entire length of the season.
Marginal Duties:
- Participating in routine physical training (PT) to maintain physical fitness. This could include hiking, running, strength training, and stretching.
- Occasional data collection for administrative support
- Frequent tool 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, incident reporting, and time management of team.
Required Qualifications:
- Must be able to pass the Arduous Work Capacity Test during training (3 mile walk wearing a 45lb weighted vest completed in 45 minutes or less). There will NOT be another opportunity to retake this test. Participants who do not pass this test the first time will not be able to continue with this program. We recommend that physical training for this test begin a minimum of 4 weeks prior to arrival at training. For more information on the WCT, please watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjOZA2sbdMo
- 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.
- This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Lands Corps Hiring Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 18 and 30, inclusive, or veterans aged 35 or younger, at the start of the position. Participants must have a high school diploma or GED. 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 Lands Corps (PLC) Hiring Authority.
- Must complete USFS and SCA onboarding prior to start date.
- Must be able to attend training in person for the full duration.
- Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 12 hours or more per day, exposed to the elements, and carrying/lifting 40 pounds or more on a routine basis
- Commitment to living and working within an intensive crew environment, often in close, shared spaces.
- Able to live in multi-gendered, multi-cultured housing and contribute to a safe, positive, and professional living and working environment.
- Desire to do manual labor in all weather conditions, including wind, rain, extreme heat, extreme cold, and extremely pleasant days.
General Physical Requirements
- Able to hike 3 miles over level terrain while carrying a 45-pound pack in 45 minutes.
- 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 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 or camping experience
- Experience working in an outdoor setting
- Prior experience living 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 by the position start date
- 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
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.
Compensation:
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
- Weekly Living Allowance: $650, paid bi-weekly
- Travel Allowance: $650 total, $325 distributed during first pay period and $325 distributed during last pay period.
- Boot Allowance: $300 boot allowance to ensure proper regulation of boots are purchased, distributed on first paycheck
- Public Lands Corps Hiring Authority certificate for completing 640+ hours of service
Time Off and Other Support:
We advocate for a positive work-life balance. Time off requests must be submitted to SCA Program Staff for approval a minimum of 4 weeks in advance of first day of the request. 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 SCA's Workers Compensation Coverage. You are also entitled to access our Members Assistance Program (MAP) for access to virtual mental health visits during your position.
Housing:
Housing is provided at no cost to participants for the duration of the season. Housing will either be in a communal Forest Service Bunkhouse or a short-term rental, consisting of 2-person bedrooms with shared kitchen and restrooms. Occasional camping may be , and camping gear is provided.
All accommodations will have user/tenant agreements attached. Agency and partner policies will be strictly enforced to maintain safe, professional, and respectful living environments.
Meals:
Meals are provided by SCA and managed by the team leader in the form of a meal budget for the full duration of the season. All participants should expect to fully participate in shared community responsibilities such as cleaning chores, cooking meals, and grocery shopping.
Transportation:
A work truck is provided for each team. Personal vehicles are great to have for off duty travel but are not authorized for use during work hours. All costs and logistics associated with bringing a personal vehicle are the responsibility of the participant.
Training Provided:
- Nationally recognized chainsaw operations certificate at the A-level
- Introduction to Chainsaw Operations (S-112)
- Basic Firefighting Training (S-130)
- Intro to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190)
- Basic Fireline Leadership (L-180)
- Wilderness First Aid and CPR
- Physical training leading up to a Work Capacity Test (3-mile walk, with 45 lbs weighted vest, in under 45 minutes to meet the qualification for your Fire “Red Card”). Passing the Arduous Work Capacity Test during training is a required condition of employment. There will not be another opportunity to take this test.
- SCA Training, including defensive and off-road driving tests
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Student Conservation Association is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.
