Field Leader - Sam Houston National Forest Prescribed Fire Corps

The 2027 USFS Region 8 Prescribed Fire Corps in Sam Houston National Forest 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)

Location

New Waverly, TX

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, members will assist with other projects including vegetation removal, fire line preparation, equipment maintenance, and other work duties
• 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, 2026, 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 members will live and serve together for the duration of the season. The crew will be provided with shared housing throughout the season. Crew members should expect to share rooms in team housing.SCA emphasizes the importance of community on our crews. Crew members should expect to fully participate in activities related to communal living on their team. To ensure a well-run team, crew members 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

General Physical Requirements

• 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 program 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, including internal or external, safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, 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 self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, 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 hike 3 miles over level terrain while carrying a 45-pound pack in 45 minutes.
• Able to independently 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.
• Able to lift a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight, with minimal assistance from others.

Working Conditions

• Work schedules and projects may change on short notice or be ambiguous.
• Work settings require the ability to positively interact with people of varying cultures and perspectives.
• Natural environments and culturally significant locations that require respect to the land and indigenous peoples.
• Inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, and lightning events.
• Decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog.
• Warm temperatures and adverse heat conditions which could include temperatures in some regions up to 110°F or hotter.
• Exposure to natural and environmental hazards such as, poison ivy, oak, or sumac, tick and mosquito -borne illness, snakes, and potential for other wildlife encounters.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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