Individual Placement-Integrated Fire and Recreation Intern 2026
Integrated Fire and Recreation Intern 2026
Location: Southeast Region of the United State. Forest Service Region 8.
Previous Site locations:
Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina
Blue Ridge Ranger District, Georgia
Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee
National Forests in North Carolina – Nantahala Ranger District, South Carolina
Francis Marion Sumter/Andrew Pickens Ranger District, South Carolina
Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests - Long Cane Ranger District, South Carolina
Bienville National Forest, Mississippi
Land Between the Lakes, Kentucky
Service Dates: January 18, 2026 - May 9, 2026 = 16 weeks
Position Description:
The selected individual will participate in mission-critical activities within fire and recreation. The Integrated Fire and Rec (IFR) program supports opportunities to provide a high-quality internship experience to a young adult with an interest in public lands and aims to introduce the mission, values, and goals of the US Forest Service. Additionally, multidisciplinary individuals who are familiar with multiple program areas significantly add to the ability of a unit to accomplish work. The selected individual will be primarily working in duties related to fire but may also perform other resource management activities with a variety of programs as assigned to build familiarity with a broad scope of potential employment opportunities.
Member Key Duties and Responsibilities
Work in fire includes but not limited to site preparation for prescribed burning, equipment and facilities maintenance, and construction of fire line using hand tools. Work in recreation will include but not limited to landscaping of developed recreation areas, interacting with visitors and answering questions, monitoring and maintaining roadside campsites, and assisting with facilities maintenance.
Member Marginal Duties
Fire suppression as needed, fuel management as needed, trail maintenance, hazard tree management in recreation sites, and working at the Visitor Center. Other resource management activities with program areas outside of fire and recreation may be assigned.
Member Required Qualifications
U.S. Citizen; Ages 18-30 years of age (35 for Veterans)
Education Requirement: 2 years or more of higher education
Personal 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.
Ability to obtain a Red Card (training provided)
CPR/First Aid (training provided)
Member Preferred Qualifications
Background in natural resources
Previous work experience in an outdoor environment
Experience with hand tools and small engine driven powered equipment i.e. weed eaters, mowers, chainsaws etc.
Member Benefits:
Combined Living/Commuter Allowance: $600.00 per week (pre tax)
Relocation Travel: $1,100.00 one time (pre tax)
Housing Allowance: $1,000.00 per month. (pre tax)
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.