Integrated Fire and Recreation Internship

Integrated Fire and Recreation Internship

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is partnering again with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to administer the Integrated Fire and Recreation Internship. This program is a full-time, 16-week, paid internship opportunity which prioritizes mission-critical work in fire and recreation while providing young adults with a high-quality internship experience. We value and seek greater diversity in our programs to enrich and broaden our community and tackle ever-changing and more complex conservation and social issues. We seek a diverse group of candidates and encourage applications from female-identifying or members of other marginalized communities interested in employment with USFS.

Program Details:

• Expected Program Dates: Jan. 19, 2025 – May 10, 2025
• Internship starts with two weeks training followed by 14 week placement in the field.

Previous Forest Service Locations:

• Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
• Cherokee National Forest
• Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests
• Kisatchie National Forest
• Ouachita National Forest
• National Forests in North Carolina

Eligibility Requirements:

• U.S. Citizen; 18-30 years of age
• Vehicle required for service at all locations
• A Health Screening Questionnaire will be required from each member after hire
• All members will be required to receive a physical via Acuity Health (hired candidates will have no out-of-pocket costs for physical)
• Work Capacity Test (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS level is a ”condition of employment.” The Arduous fitness (Pack) Test requires completing a three (3) mile hike within forty-five (45) minutes, while carrying a forty-five (45) pound pack.

Duties:

• Under close supervision, receive on-the-job training in fire suppression and prevention
• Assist with fuel management fire suppression such as fire line construction and backfiring
• Move dirt, chop brush, or fell small trees to build fire line using hand tools
• Patrol fire line to location and extinguish sparks, flare-ups and hot spot fire
• Perform other resource management activities as assigned
• Recreation/trails duties

Benefits:

• $600/week living allowance
• $1000/month Housing or monthly housing allowance provided
• Hands-on experience
• $1,100 Travel allowance paid once
• Additional payment based on amount of active duty fire work with the U.S. Forest Service
• Red card certification (Wildland Fire)
• If internship is completed, interns will earn the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority giving them eligibility to apply to merit vacancy announcements for two years.
• Likely potential to extend internship
• Training and skill-building needed to effectively compete for permanent positions throughout the Region.
• 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.