Field Leader - 2026 USFS Wildland Fire Academy Fuels Team 8 - Gila NF

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 

October 24, 2026 - November 14, 2026 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Each leader 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 leader has their own responsibility to continually develop themselves and their team with positive personal communication strategies. Leader Responsibilities include monitoring completion of project tasks as assigned; supervising chainsaw operations, piling brush into burn piles, working with your team to move a large rock, or developing and participating in communal chores. 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. Developing and monitoring 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.

Marginal Duties 

·      Frequent data collection to achieve program expectations

·      Frequent tool and gear maintenance and sharpening

·      Occasional gear and tool repair/cleaning

·      Helping teach and develop team in best practices 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 project plan translation, team work day management, budget monitoring, and team time management strategies.

·      Frequent team engagement facilitation and planning.

·      Other administrative tasks as assigned. 

Required Qualifications 

Leader Qualifications: Commitment to living and working within an intensive crew environment, often in close, shared spaces. 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, and a minimum of 3 years of State authorized driving experience Pass a comprehensive motor vehicle record check. Have at least one full season with a certified saw card at the A-Feller (Faller 3) level and some experience with prescribed fire or actual fireline work.

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.

Preferred Qualifications 

Backpacking experience Camping 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.

Hours 

32 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 team 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 stipend: $950; Total travel stipend: $500 on first pay period and $500 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. 

Additional Benefits

Defensive Driver Training

Wilderness First Responder Training

Public Land Corps Certification

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible 

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. 

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.; Cold temperatures and adverse winter weather which could include temperatures in some regions -20°F or colder with wind, snow, and sleet.; 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.; Exposure and potential contact to bear habitat and wildlife.

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.