Overview
The SCA Alaska Female Fire Corps team is open to any female-identifying or non-binary person interested in a career in wildland fire, fire ecology, or fire management. The mission of this affinity team is to increase gender diversity and representation in Wildland Fire and to provide a safe and challenging learning environment. Members and leaders will receive direct mentorship and training from National Park Service partners, complete 10-12 weeks of fuel reduction service work, and network with professionals in Wildland Fire. Leaders will work with the National Park Service to provide oversight and professional mentorship to young adult members. This team will be employed by the National Park Service directly during their training to obtain their Red Card and during one fire assignment consisting of 14-16 days of work.
Schedule
April 13, 2025 – August 30, 2025
Location Anchorage, Alaska
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Leaders are responsible for overseeing the team’s workday, making sure camp tasks are completed, providing leadership in conflict resolution, and mentoring young adults in both outdoor living and fire management skills. They are also responsible for administrative tasks such as incident reporting, approving timecards, preparing Emergency Response Plans and Job Hazard Analysis, and end-of-season reporting. The ability to operate a chainsaw safely and skillfully is a must for Fire Corps leaders as they will act as mentors and supervisors for chainsaw work on a daily basis.
Leaders will complete 2-4 weeks of SCA leader training, and assist with the planning and implementation of Corps Member Training at the beginning of the season. They will be responsible for member safety and wellbeing for the duration of the program, including off-days since the crew will be living together for the entire summer.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
The crew will be camping for the duration of the season in National Parks throughout Alaska and at the training facility near Anchorage.
Compensation
$800-900 DOE weekly salary *
Travel stipend- $1300;
Cell phone reimbursement- $40/month;
Paid WG-3 salary through the NPS during Guard School and a Fire Assignment;
$300 Boot Stipend after completing Guard School;
All food, work-related transportation, and lodging is paid for
All food, work-related transportation, and lodging is paid for
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Additional Benefits
Bear Safety
Defensive Drive Training
First Aid/CPR
Wilderness First Responder Training
Equal Opportunity Statement
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 of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer.
Qualifications:
Crew Leaders will supervise teams, manage projects, and ensure efficient operations. They’ll train members, mentor development, and promote environmental stewardship. Additionally, they’ll handle logistics, budgets, and work with SCA staff to implement the program.
This SCA position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority for participants aged 18-30 or veterans up to 35. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Hours served count toward PLC hiring authority.
Required Skills:
Applicants must be 21 or older, possess a valid driver’s license (3+ years), and meet National Park Service fitness standards. They need at least 6 months of experience operating chainsaws, supervising teams, and working in fields like ecology, trail maintenance, or wildland fire. Additional requirements include experience with diverse groups, bear safety knowledge, outdoor resilience, Wilderness First Responder certification (or willingness to obtain), and strong stress management skills.
Preferred Skills:
One or more seasons leading a crew or team in a backcountry setting;
Formal chainsaw training through a federal agency or other certified educator;
Experience with outdoor education, wilderness therapy, or other social/emotional development program;
Professional work experience with wildland fire, fire ecology, or related work
About Student Conservation Association
Today, SCA’s mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of the environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land. Members participate in a variety of capacities and contexts. Beyond national parks, members work on marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, and community green spaces in our nation’s urban centers. Members do land management, habitat restoration, trail building, disaster rehabilitation or prevention work, environmental education, public outreach, and more.
