2027 USFS  Region 8  Prescribed  Fire Corps -Oconee NF

The 2027 USFS Region 8 Prescribed Fire Corps in Oconee NF (Eatonton, GA) 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 18, 2027 - May 8, 2027 (16 weeks)

Program starts with two weeks of USFS Fire Academy Training alongside other SCA + USFS teams. Certifications and topics at this training include: 

• Fire Training (Red Card, S-130, S-190) 
• Basic First Aid and CPR Certification 
• Federal Chainsaw Training
• Risk Management 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

The primary objectives for this crew will be fuels reduction and prescribed burning projects.

The crew will prepare USFS lands for burning, conduct prescribed burning, and serve on other recreation or conservation tasks as identified by USFS. Prescribed burning is condition dependent and members may be required to serve long hours and/or weekends depending on direction from the partner.

Members will not work more than 80 hours over a two-week period.

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. Throughout the season, the crew may have opportunities to respond to active fires. While deployed on a live fire with the federal fire teams, team members' service with SCA will be paused. Members should expect to work 10-12 hour days while on fire assignments. Participate in networking and professional development opportunities.

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• Work collaboratively with a team of four others to complete priority projects determined by USFS partner staff;
• Engage as a crew member to promote healthy group dynamics, and promote effective and productive teamwork;
• 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;
• Use technical equipment such as hand or power tools. 

Required Qualifications 

• Minimum of 18 years of age;
• Have ability to legally work in the US;
• Meet SCA’s criminal background check standards;
• Ability to lift 40 pounds and independently travel 2 miles over varied terrain while carrying a 40-pound pack without assistance;
• Ability to 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). Members who do not pass this test will not be able to continue with this program. Click for a video on the WCT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjOZA2sbdMo
• Must be able to undergo and clear an in-person physical required by USFS. In-person physicals should be completed by December 1, 2025, in order to clear by program start date;
• Ability to perform manual, physical labor in a variety of outdoor conditions for up to 8-10 hours per day;
• Interest in serving alongside and supporting others on a team;
• Willingness to live alongside a team and participate in community chores and meal preparation;
• Willingness to complete some project paperwork including project reports, output logs, and inventories;
• With training, ability to use hand tools and power tools to complete assigned work projects.
• Passion for the outdoors and conservation. 

Hours 

40 per week

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  

• $600/week (pre-tax) living allowance, paid bi-weekly
• A one-time $650 (pre-tax) travel allowance, paid in first paycheck
• Housing provided
• Meals provided during work days
• SCA uniform package

Personal Vehicle Information

Recommended

Additional Benefits 

First Aid/CPR

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 18 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.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

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