Feild Leader- Prescribed Fire Corps (USFS - Kisatchie National Forest)

Prescribed Fire Crew (Kisatchie National Forest), USFS Region 8

Position Description

The 2026 Region 8 Prescribed Fire Crew is a dynamic and exciting opportunity for those passionate about wildland firefighting, prescribed fire, and caring for public land. Working closely with the Student Conservation Association (SCA) and the US Forest Service (USFS), this team will consist of four crew members and one crew leader.

Applicants looking to get into a wildland fire career path are highly encouraged to apply; no prior wildland fire experience is required for this position.

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 assist in other recreation or conservation tasks as identified by USFS. Prescribed burning is condition-dependent, and members may serve long hours and/or weekends, depending on projects.

Generally, members will not work more than 80 hours over a two-week period.

When conditions are not ideal for burning, members will assist with other projects, including but not limited to vegetation removal, fire line preparation, equipment maintenance, and other work duties. The team will also have the opportunity to participate in networking and professional development.

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, and members will be put on a Service Interruption (also called Administratively Determined status). Members should expect to work 10–12-hour days while on these fire assignments.

Location

New Waverly, TX

Schedule

January 5, 2026 - May 15, 2026 (19 weeks)

Tentative Season Start Schedule:

• Week one: SCA Leader Training. 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 the team will be based.
• Week two: Prep week on site at National Forest with USFS staff.
• 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)
  • Federal Chainsaw Training
  • Risk Management

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Act as a Crew Supervisor, by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, and guiding crew dynamics;
• Serve as an Advisor, by training members in technical conservation work skills, mentoring personal and professional development, and teaching environmental stewardship;
• Act as a Project Manager, by communicating with agency park partners, ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects, and upholding a positive representation of SCA;
• Perform tasks as a Program Administrator, by organizing logistics, completing documentation, managing a budget, and communicating with SCA staff;
• The primary objective 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 conservation tasks as identified by USFS. Prescribed burning is condition dependent and the crew may be required to serve long hours and/or weekends depending on direction from the partner.

Other Duties

• When conditions are not ideal for burning, lead a crew on other projects including vegetation removal, fire line preparation, equipment maintenance, and other work duties.
• Spearhead and participate in networking and professional development opportunities.

Required Qualifications

• Experience working with youth or young adults. Experience teaching or with environmental education a plus;
• Experience with conservation work skills or related skills preferred – i.e., wildland firefighting, trail maintenance, trail construction, habitat restoration, chainsaw, carpentry, landscaping, gardening;
• Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 10 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and must occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more;
• 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 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
• Must be able to undergo an in-person physical required by USFS. In-person physicals should be initiated by December 1, 2025.
• Must clear the in-person physical before the start of the program;
• Wilderness First Aid certification, or ability to obtain a Wilderness First Aid certification before start of season;
• Must be able to attend Crew Leader training: 1/5 – 1/9/2026;
• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age;
• Must have the ability to legally work in the US;
• Must have a valid driver’s license for 3+ years and MVR that meets SCA standards.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Team will live and work together for the duration of the season. SCA emphasizes the importance of community building and growth in interpersonal skills throughout the program. The crew will be provided with shared housing throughout the season; crew members should expect to share rooms in team housing.

Crew members should also expect to participate in communal living practices such as cooking group meals, grocery shopping, and sharing chores at the team house. If crew members have the opportunity to respond to active fires with USFS, they may be camping.

Compensation and Benefits

• $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 workdays
• SCA uniform package
• Trainings:
  • USFS Fire Academy Training (Red Card, S-130, S-190)
  • Chainsaw
  • Other training opportunities, when available
• Eligibility for a Public Land Corps Certificate for Noncompetitive Hiring Status

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

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, including but not limited to, 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 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.

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:

The 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 may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.