Field Leader - Region 8 Prescribed Fire Corps

The 2027 USFS Region 8 Prescribed Fire Corps 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.

Schedule

January 4, 2027 - May 15, 2027 (19 weeks)

Tentative Season Start Schedule:

Week one and two: SCA Leader Training and season preparation. Leader Training may take place alongside leaders from other teams or programs and may involve travel to a training location separate from the National Forest where team will be based. Season prep will take place on site alongside USFS staff supervisors.
Weeks three and four: Leader will join their team and other SCA teams for 2 weeks of USFS Fire Academy Training. Certifications and topics at this training include but are not limited to:

• Fire Training (Red Card, S-130, S-190, L-180)
• Federal Chainsaw Training (S-112)
• Risk Management

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Act as a Crew Lead: facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, guiding crew dynamics under the operational supervision of permanent USFS overhead, addressing team issues and challenges in a timely manner
• Serve as an Advisor: mentoring personal and professional development, teaching environmental stewardship
• Act as a Project Manager: communicating regularly with SCA and USFS supervisors, ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects, upholding a positive representation of SCA, ensuring gear, team vehicle, equipment, and PPE are being maintained and used properly
  Perform tasks as a Program Administrator: organizing logistics, completing documentation and paperwork, managing a budget, and communicating with SCA staff
• Lead by example in the primary objective of this crew: fuels reduction, wildfire response, and prescribed burning projects;
  Lead a team in additional projects, such as recreation or conservation tasks, as identified by USFS
• 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
• Working conditions may involve extreme high temperatures, high humidity, unpredictable weather conditions, and steep terrain. With support from their team supervisors, members will be asked to monitor and be responsible for their well-being in these environments

Marginal Duties

• When conditions are not ideal for burning, crew will assist with other projects including vegetation removal, fire line preparation, and equipment maintenance
• Participate in networking and professional development opportunities

Required Qualifications

• No prior wildland fire experience is required for this position
• Willingness to perform manual, physical labor for up to 12 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and carrying/lifting 40 pounds or more on a routine basis
• Experience working with youth or young adults.
• 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). Participants who do not pass this test given at training will not be able to continue with this program. Click for a video on the WCT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjOZA2sbdMo
• Undergo an in-person physical required by USFS. In-person physicals should be initiated by December 1, 2027, and cleared by the start of the program
• Wilderness First Aid certification, or ability to obtain a Wilderness First Aid certification before start of season
• Must attend Crew Leader training: 1/4 – 1/9/2027
• Minimum of 21 years of age
• US Work Authorization
• Valid driver’s license for 3+ years and MVR that meets SCA standards

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching or with environmental education.
  Experience with conservation work skills or related skills – i.e., wildland firefighting, trail maintenance, trail construction, habitat restoration, chainsaw, carpentry, landscaping, gardening

Hours: 40 per week or 80 over two weeks

Living Accommodations

Crew will live and serve together for the duration of the season. The crew will be provided with shared housing throughout the season. Crew should expect to share rooms in team housing. SCA emphasizes the importance of community on our crews. Crew should expect to fully participate in activities related to communal living on their team. To ensure a well-run team, crew must all participate in house and crew responsibilities, including shared chores, cooking group meals, grocery shopping, and other team-based responsibilities.

Compensation

• $850/week (pre-tax), paid bi-weekly
• Up to $1,000 travel stipend, to be used for travel to/from leader training, site location, and USFS Fire Academy
• Housing provided
• Meals provided during work days
• SCA uniform package
• Eligibility for a Public Land Corps Certificate for Noncompetitive Hiring Status

Equal Opportunity Statement:

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