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.   

Training Dates: (04/07/25 to 04/27/25) (paid mandatory training)

Official leader duties start with the arrival of members on 04/27/25 and will consist of initial crew rapport building through Corps Member Training and USFS Basic 40 “Guard School” from 04/28/25 to 05/16/25. 

Program Dates: Fuels Crew Period (05/17/25 to 11/01/25) 

Location (City and State): TBD 

Primary Responsibilities: 

The US 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 fuel mitigation and fuel reduction projects.  Leaders and their crew will be assigned to one of twenty-one priority landscapes in the wildland fire crisis strategy footprint to learn how different National Forests handle the challenges of wildfire mitigation in their respective ecosystems.  
 
Leaders will be expected to travel long distances between project sites and may live without electricity, running water, and cell phone reception for significant lengths of time.  This is NOT an entry-level position. Previous experience using chainsaws, as well as working and leading in the role of FFT2 is required. Firefighter Type 1 qualification is preferred, but not required for this position. 

The season begins with a rigorous 6-week paid training period that includes a robust introduction to leading in the Student Conservation Association, Wilderness First Responder (WFR), several certification courses in route to obtaining a federally recognized fire qualifications card with the USFS and your Intermediate (Level B) Chainsaw Felling Card. 

Every leader is expected to engage in daily tasks to achieve mission and project goals as assigned by USFS personnel. Communication is key to success and each leader has their own responsibility to continually develop themselves with positive communication strategies while advocating for safety, wellness, and crew development throughout the season.

Specifically,  the Crew Leader will: 

• 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.  
• Assist the team with meal planning, developing emergency response plans, and completing logistical tasks such as route planning and fuel monitoring.  
• Recording work totals and creating reports for agency partners.  
• Interfacing with the general public and partner organizations in a manner that reflects positively upon the crew, organization, and agency.  
• Participating in daily workflow, while developing corps members’ leadership styles and abilities in a team setting. Planning and implementing time management strategies to achieve daily objectives and tasks. 
• Facilitating a positive work and home environment for your members on and off duty. Engaging members in activities that empower and inspire a growth mindset. 
• Maintaining administrative crew leadership including budget management and service hour verification. 

Leader Qualifications: 

• Commitment to living and working within an intensive crew environment, often in a shared space.  
• Desire to do manual labor in all weather conditions, including wind, rain, extreme heat, extreme cold, and extremely pleasant days.  
• Passion for the outdoors. 
• Minimum of 1 (One) year of previous chainsaw operation experience at the A-Feller Lever. 
• Minimum of a FFT2 (Firefighter Type 2) qualified. (Can be expired, if demonstrating at least 90 days of active experience)  
• 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 

Preferred   

• Backpacking experience  
• Camping experience with kitchen setup 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. 

Leader Benefits and Compensation: 

• $850 weekly
• $1000 travel stipend ($500 on the first pay period, and $500 on the 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. 
• Housing and meals description: Housing will consist of a communal Forest Service Bunkhouse if available, consisting of 2-person rooms and a 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 kitchens and restrooms. Housing is provided by the SCA regardless of option and is determined in coordination between SCA and USFS Program Staff. Camping will occur occasionally while on assignment. 
• 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 in the form of a crew work truck. Personal vehicles are allowed for off-duty travel but are not authorized during work hours. 
• Training offered: Training will consist of a nationally recognized chainsaw operations certificate at the Intermediate level, Basic Firefighting Training (S-130), Intro to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), and Basic Fireline Leadership (L-180). Other training includes Wilderness First Responder, 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 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.

The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Click here to learn more about Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the SCA.