Field Leader - USFS Wildland Fire Academy Fuels Team

2027 USFS/SCA Wildland Fire Academy Fuels Team - Leader

Training Dates: 02/28/27 to 03/27/27

Official leader duties start with arrival of members on 03/28/27 and will consist of initial crew rapport building through Corps Member Training and USFS Basic 40 “Guard School” from 03/28/27 to 04/25/27

Program Dates: Fuel Team Period – 04/26/27 to 09/25/27 with POTENTIAL EXTENSION from 09/19/27 to 10/16/27
Program Close out for leaders (before extension opportunity) will be 09/19/27 – 09/25/27.
Possible work site locations can be located within fire prone Landscapes identified by the US Forest Service districts identified as Healthy Forest Restoration Act Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Lands [TH1.1][DC1.2]located across 9 states in Western US; California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Primary Responsibilities
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 Fire & Fuel Programs across the USFS National Forest Systems. During the program, leaders and members will train, live, and work as a cohesive and dynamic team on fuels mitigation and fuels reduction projects. Leaders and their team will be assigned to one of the US Forest Service’s forest districts to learn how different National Forests handle the challenges of wildfire mitigation, prevention, and education in their respective ecosystems, with a secondary priority to assist in increasing the capacity of trained personnel on fire incidents across the Western US.

Leaders will be expected to travel long distances between project sites, and may live without electricity, running water, and/or cell phone reception for significant lengths of time. This is NOT an entry-level position. Previous experience using chainsaws, as well as working and/or leading in the role of FFT2 is required. Also required is the minimum current qualification at the A-Feller Level for chainsaw operations, with at least 6 months of felling operations documented by previous employer and saw carding in the National Saw Database. Firefighter Type 1 qualification is preferred, but not required for this position.

The season begins with a rigorous 8-week paid training period that includes a robust introduction into leading in the Student Conservation Association, Wilderness First Responder (WFR), several certification courses in route to obtaining a federally recognized fire qualifications card with the USFS and your Intermediate (Level B) Chainsaw Felling Card. Please note: PASSING OF USFS WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) IS A REQUIREMENT FOR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT. FAILURE TO PASS THE WCT WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE SEPARATION FROM PROGRAM. Current scheduled WCT will be April 8th.

The primary objective for this program is fuels reduction, not fire suppression. Prescribed burns and projects are condition-dependent opportunities and will often require an extended and flexible work schedule from the team as identified by the partner agency. Prescribed burns and wildfire suppression opportunities are possible but cannot be guaranteed. Any fire suppression opportunities may require the team to extend at the end of the season. Your SCA Staff will work with each team to identify extension opportunities throughout the season that occur from AD Opportunities. Extensions are not guaranteed to every team.

This program allows participants to accrue 640 hours of federal land management, creating a pathway to receiving the Public Land Corps Certificate, allowing participants to have a hiring authority through the Federal Hiring Systems. Time tracking and time off will be monitored closely to ensure all participants are able to obtain this hiring authority by the end of the program.

Throughout the season, Leaders will mentor a team of four Members through fuels reduction and other conservation or restoration projects, while supporting positive group dynamics, and individuals’ personal and professional development. Leaders are expected to provide growth-oriented strategies to assist in team behavior management, corrective actions, and professional development.

Throughout the season, Field Leaders play an important role in maintaining professional working relationships with land management agency partners, and will NOT have the opportunity to engage in Administratively Determined (AD) status with the U.S. Forest Service, with the exception of local, on-district Initial Attacks.

Every leader is expected to engage in daily tasks to achieve mission and project goals as assigned by USFS personnel. Communication is key to success and each leader has their own responsibility to continually develop themselves with positive communication strategies, while advocating for safety, wellness, and crew development throughout the season.
You will also be expected to engage your team in positive corrective actions strategies in behavior management, performance evaluation, and professionalism.
As a Team Leader, you will:

• Act as a Team Supervisor, by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, cultivating a positive safety culture, providing appropriate structure and healthy boundaries, supporting behavior and performance development through goal setting and evaluations, and guiding crew dynamics
• Serve as an Advisor, by training members in technical fuels reduction, conservation, or recreation projects, coaching safe and effective chainsaw and hand tool use and maintenance, mentoring personal and professional development, modeling a growth-oriented mindset, and teaching environmental stewardship
• Act as a Project Manager, by communicating with agency partners, ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects, adapting to the unpredictable nature of fieldwork, managing the gear, equipment, and vehicle support for the team, and upholding a positive and professional representation of SCA
• Perform tasks as a Team Administrator, by organizing logistics and schedules, completing documentation of project work, approving timecards, managing a budget, preparing final reports and presentations, and communicating with SCA and USFS staff

Marginal Duties

• Occasional data collection for administrative support
• 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 check ins with Staff, Reporting on Incidents, and time management of team.

Leader Responsibilities

• 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.
• Serve as a mentor for Members by guiding team dynamics, establishing healthy group norms, and providing support for Members’ personal and professional development through routine check-ins and performance evaluations. 
• Assist the team with meal planning, developing emergency response plans, and completing logistical tasks such as route planning and fuel monitoring.
• Recording work totals and creating reports for SCA and 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, while developing corps members’ leadership styles and abilities in a team setting. Planning and implementing time management strategies to achieve daily objectives and tasks.
• Facilitating a positive work and home environment for your members both on and off duty. Engaging members in activities that empower and inspire a growth mindset.
• May be required to provide team building and team support outside of standard work hours.
• Maintaining administrative crew leadership including budget management and service hour verification.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 1 (One) year of previous chainsaw operation experience at the A-Feller Lever.
• Minimum of a FFT2 (Firefighter Type 2) qualified. (Can be expired, if demonstrating at least 90 days of active experience)
• Must complete USFS and SCA Onboarding prior to training start date.
• Must complete a Health Screening Questionnaire and an in-person physical exam as required by the USFS to be cleared before the position start date.
• Must be able to pass the Arduous Work Capacity Test during the training timeline. We recommend that physical training for this test begin 4 weeks prior to arrival at training.
• Eligibility to operate an SCA vehicle
• Be a minimum of 21 years old
• Possess a current and valid driver’s license
• Have a minimum of 3 years of State authorized driving experience, in good standing.
• Pass a comprehensive motor vehicle record check
• Commitment to living and working within an intensive crew environment, often in a shared space.
• Desire to do manual labor in all weather conditions, including wind, rain, extreme heat, extreme cold, and extremely pleasant days.
• Ability to confront problem behaviors in a positive, constructive way, documenting strategies for growth and progress.
• Passion for the outdoors

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Backpacking experience
• Passion for the outdoors, and mentoring and teaching others in an outdoor setting
• Camping experience with kitchen set up 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.

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 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, for example: safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, chainsaw 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 manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., extreme temperature, wind, sun, smoke from fire, 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 lift and 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.

Benefits and Compensation

• All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes
• Total weekly/hourly stipend: $1000 weekly
• Time off will affect total weekly pay and the ability to obtain Public Land Corps Certification. Pay will be adjusted based on the time off you take and may fluctuate depending on the amount of time taken.
• Total travel stipend: $500 on first pay period, and $500 on 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.
• Time Off and health benefits: 40 hours of PTO (not used in 20 consecutive hours at a time, without advance notice of 4 weeks or more), access to HealthJoy Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and option to enroll in SCA benefits
• 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. Camping will occur occasionally while on assignment and during season when project commute dictates. All accommodations will have user/tenant agreements attached and policies agency and partner will be strictly enforced to maintain safe, professional and respectful environment by all.
• 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 in the form of a crew work truck. Personal vehicles are allowed for off duty travel but are not authorized during work hours.
• Training offered: Training will consist of a nationally recognized chainsaw operations certificate at the Intermediate level, Basic Firefighting Training (S-130), Intro to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), and Basic Fireline Leadership (L-180). Other training includes Wilderness First Responder, Mental Health First Aid, 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”), and SCA Crew and Leader Training, including defensive and off-road driving tests, as well as a Mental Health First Aid Certification.
• Passing of 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 AND continuing throughout training leading up to the Work Capacity Test. No Re-Tests are given.

Working Conditions
Teams will be expected to travel long distances between project sites, and may live without electricity, running water, internet and/or cell phone reception for significant lengths of time. Work schedules and projects may change on short notice or be ambiguous. The work environment will consist of extreme hot and cold temperatures, adverse heat conditions which could include temperatures in some regions up to 110°F or hotter, adverse humidity, etc. The work environment will occasionally include poor air quality conditions by nature (due to wildfire smoke, smog, etc.). Also, there could be other severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, and lightning events. Exposure to natural and environmental hazards such as poison ivy, oak, or sumac, tick and mosquito-borne illness, snakes, and the potential for other wildlife encounters are all potential working conditions.
 
Equal Opportunity Statement

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