Position Summary 

The SCA Alaska Female Fire Corps team is open to any female-identifying or non-binary person interested in a career in wildland fire, fire ecology, or fire management. The mission of this affinity team is to increase gender diversity and representation in Wildland Fire and to provide a safe and challenging learning environment. Members and leaders will receive direct mentorship and training from National Park Service partners, complete 10-12 weeks of fuels reduction service work, and network with professionals in Wildland Fire. Leaders will work with the National Park Service to provide oversight and professional mentorship to young adult members. This team will be employed by the National Park Service directly during their training to obtain their Red Card, and during one fire assignment consisting of 14-16 days of work.

Schedule 

April 13, 2025 - August 30, 2025

Location  Anchorage, Alaska

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Leaders are responsible for overseeing the team’s workday, making sure camp tasks are completed, providing leadership in conflict resolution, and mentoring young adults in both outdoor living and fire management skills. They are also responsible for administrative tasks such as incident reporting, approving timecards, preparing Emergency Response Plans and Job Hazard Analysis, and end-of-season reporting. The ability to operate a chainsaw safely and skillfully is a must for Fire Corps leaders as they will act as mentors and supervisors for chainsaw work on a daily basis.

Marginal Duties 

Leaders will complete 2-4 weeks of SCA leader training, and assist with the planning and implementation of Corps Member Training at the beginning of the season. They will be responsible for member safety and wellbeing for the duration of the program, including off-days since the crew will be living together for the entire summer.

Required Qualifications 

• 21 years old or older;
• Valid driver's license for at least 3 years, and ability to meet the standards for a Motor Vehicle Record background check;
• Ability to pass Arduous Duty physical fitness and health requirements determined by the National Park Service;
• At least 6 months of experience operating a chainsaw without supervision;
• At least 6 months of experience supervising a team or crew;
• At least 6 months of field experience in ecology, trail maintenance, wildland fire, or related field;
• Experience working with diverse groups of young adults;
• Interest in a career in wildland fire and/or fire ecology;
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying and inclement weather conditions
• Experienced in living and working in bear country, with a strong understanding of bear safety protocols and awareness
• Wilderness First Responder Certification or willingness to obtain certification
• Ability to thrive in a high-stress environment, managing personal stress effectively while providing support and coaching to team members in the field.

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. 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 Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications 

• One or more season leading a crew or team in a backcountry setting;
• Formal chainsaw training through a federal agency or other certified educator;
• Experience with outdoor education, wilderness therapy, or other social/emotional development program;
• Professional work experience with wildland fire, fire ecology, or related work

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

The crew will be camping for the duration of the season in National Parks throughout Alaska and at the training facility near Anchorage.

Compensation  

• $800-900 DOE weekly salary *
• Travel stipend- $1300;
• Cell phone reimbursement- $40/month;
• Paid WG-3 salary through the NPS during Guard School and a Fire Assignment;
• $300 Boot Stipend after completing Guard School;
• All food, work-related transportation, and lodging is paid for

All food, work-related transportation, and lodging is paid for

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

Additional Benefits 

• Bear Safety
• Defensive Drive Training
• First Aid/CPR
• Wilderness First Responder Training

Equal Opportunity Statement 

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. 

 Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.