2026 Wildland Fire Academy - Gila National Forest - Crew Member

Position Summary

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 fuels mitigation and fuels reduction projects.

Members will be assigned with a leader 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. Members will be expected to travel long distances between project sites, and live without electricity, running water, and/or cell phone reception for significant lengths of time. This is an entry-level position. Previous experience using chainsaws and working outdoors is not needed, just the passion to learn.

The season begins with a rigorous 3-week training period that includes a robust introduction into the Student Conservation Association Values, Mission, Policies, Wellness Strategies, and introductions into crew dynamics and building and maintaining positive and inclusive communities. You will also receive Wilderness First Aid (WFA), several certification courses in route to obtain a federally recognized fire qualifications card with the USFS and your Beginner (Level A) Chainsaw Bucking and/or Felling Card.

Schedule

• Training - May 3, 2026 – May 27, 2026
• Fuels Crew – October 24, 2026 – November 7, 2026

Work Locations

Possible work site locations can be located within 21 Priority Landscapes identified by the US Forest Service's Wildland Fire Crisis Strategy Landscape located across 10 states in Western US; Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexica, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

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.

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.
• 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.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to live in a multi-gendered, multi-cultured living space, sharing common spaces and communal meal settings each day.
• Desire to do manual labor in all weather conditions, including wind, rain, extreme heat, extreme cold, and extremely pleasant days.
• Passion for the outdoors
• Eligibility to operate an SCA vehicle
• Be a minimum of 21 years old
• Possess a current and valid driver's license, with a minimum of 3 years of State authorized driving experience
• Pass a comprehensive motor vehicle record check
• 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 aged 35 or younger, at the start of the position. 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.

Marginal Duties

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 route planning, team-building activity planning, and daily gear and vehicle inspections.

Preferred Qualifications

• Backpacking experience
• Camping experience
• Ability to perform arduous tasks outdoors, for several hours at a time.

Hours

Average 40 hours per week

Living Accommodations

Housing and meals description:

• 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.
• 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.

Compensation

• Total weekly/hourly stipend: $650 weekly
• Total travel stipend: $325 on first pay period and $325 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.

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Not needed

Additional Benefits

• Defensive Driver Training
• Wilderness First Aid Training
• Federal Certifications for Chainsaw Operations
• Basic Firefighting Training (S-130), Intro to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190) and, Basic Fireline Leadership (L-180).
• 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”)

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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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

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