Field Leader- Fire & Fuels Crew (USFS - Table Rock)

Organization icon

Student Conservation Association

Location icon

Atlanta, GA, United States

Apply now

2026 Table Rock Fire 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. Two to three professional references and a cover letter or letter of interest are strongly encouraged.


The 2026 Table Rock Fire Crew is a dynamic and immersive opportunity for those interested in wildland firefighting, prescribed fire, and caring for public lands. This team will be made up of two crew leaders and six crew members; the team will be under the supervision of three dedicated USFS primary fire employees throughout the season as part of the Table Rock Fire Crew.


The primary objectives for this crew will be prescribed burning, fuels reduction, and wildfire response. The crew will prepare US Forest Service (USFS) lands for burning, conduct prescribed burning, and work on other conservation tasks as identified by USFS. Prescribed burning is condition-dependent and members may be required to work long hours and/or weekends depending on directions from the partner.


Members will not work more than 80 hours over a two-week period (unless deployed in wildfire response as outlined below). When conditions are not ideal for burning, members will assist with other projects including vegetation removal, fire line preparation, and equipment maintenance. In addition, members will be exposed to federal networking and professional development.


Throughout the season, the crew will have opportunities to support wildfire response. During such times, team members' service with SCA will be paused, and crew members will be compensated at USFS AD rates. Members should expect to work longer days (14+ hour days) while on wildfire assignments.


Crew members will participate in regular Physical Training (PT) throughout the season and should begin conditioning prior to the season start date. Crew PT will include hiking, running, calisthenics, stretching, and routine physical activity as part of fire readiness.


Full Program Dates: 35 weeks, Jan 5 – September 5, 2026. Full program includes 26 weeks of SCA time, and 9 weeks of USFS Administratively Determined (AD) time, outlined below.


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 team will be based.
  • Week two: Prep week on site in Clemson, SC, 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, L-180)
    • Federal Chainsaw Training
    • Risk Management


General Season Hours and Schedule:

Please note that this schedule is tentative. Dates may change, but training opportunities will remain the same.

  • Team will serve variable hours based on service activities and season. Specific weekly schedule will vary depending on the needs of the team.
  • Twenty-three weeks of SCA program time completing prescribed fire and fuels projects with flexibility depending on the day’s activities. Generally, members will not serve more than 80 hours over a two-week period over the course of the 23 weeks of SCA program time.
  • Members should be prepared to be away from housing for up to two weeks during hitch for prescribed burning or other required duties.
  • Nine weeks of US Forest Service Administratively Determined (AD) time being paid the hourly AD-C rate as an FFT2. When deployed in wildfire response, members should expect to work 14+ hour days, more than 80 hours in a two week period, and be away from housing for up to three weeks.
  • Team members' service with SCA will be paused during any Administratively Determined time. During this time, they will be working directly under USFS.


Program Location: Based near Clemson, SC, with regular travel throughout the southeastern U.S and potential to travel nationally.


Living Accommodations

Crew members 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.


The crew will camp while out on fire assignment and will be provided shared housing near Clemson, SC, for off time.


Key Duties and Responsibilities - Primary Team Leader

  • Act as a Crew Lead, by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, and guiding crew dynamics under the operational supervision of permanent USFS overhead;
  • Serve as an Advisor, mentoring personal and professional development, and teaching environmental stewardship;
  • Act as a Project Manager, by communicating with USFS supervisors and 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;
  • Lead by example in the primary objective of this crew: fuels reduction, wildfire response, and prescribed burning projects;
  • Lead a team in additional projects: Additional 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;
  • The Primary Team Leader will ultimately be responsible for team’s administrative tasks being submitted on time; team dynamic being healthy and productive; ensuring regular communication is kept with SCA and USFS supervisors; ensuring gear, team vehicle, equipment, and PPE are being maintained and used properly; and making sure issues and challenges of the team are addressed.


Other Duties

  • When conditions are not ideal for burning, team will assist with other projects including vegetation removal, fire line preparation, equipment maintenance, and other work duties;
  • Participate in networking and professional development opportunities;
  • Crew will participate in regular Physical Training (PT) throughout the season. This may include hiking, running, calisthenics, stretching, and routine physical activity alongside their crew.


Required Qualifications

  • Ability 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. 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 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, 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 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.


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, 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., 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.


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 for duration of season
  • Meals provided during workdays
  • SCA uniform package
  • Up to $350 reimbursement for fire boots
  • Trainings:
    • USFS Fire Academy Training (Red Card, S-130, S-190)
    • Chainsaw training
    • S-219: Firing, S-211: Portable Pumps, S-270: Basic Air Operations, S-131: Firefighter 1, L-280: Followship to Leadership
    • Other training opportunities when available
  • Eligibility for a Public Land Corps Certificate for Noncompetitive Hiring Status


Equal Opportunity Employment 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.