Overview
Conservation Begins Here.
The Student Conservation Association (SCA), America’s #1 conservation service organization seeks qualified applicants to lead, educate, and inspire students for the programs.
Training Dates: (04/07/25 to 04/27/25) (paid mandatory training)
Official leader duties start with the arrival of members on 04/27/25 and will consist of initial crew rapport building through Corps Member Training and USFS Basic 40 “Guard School” from 04/28/25 to 05/16/25.
Program Dates: Fuels Crew Period (05/17/25 to 11/01/25)
Location (City and State): TBD
Primary Responsibilities:
The USFS/SCA Wildland Fire Academy is an intensive Fuels Reduction Training program that prepares leaders and members for the challenges of Fire & Fuel Programs across the USFS. Participants train, live, and work as a cohesive crew on fuel mitigation projects, assigned to one of 21 priority landscapes within the wildland fire crisis strategy. This provides hands-on experience with wildfire mitigation in various National Forest ecosystems.
Leaders must travel extensively between sites and may live without electricity, running water, or cell phone reception for extended periods. This is not an entry-level position. Previous experience with chainsaws and working or leading as FFT2 is required. FFT1 qualification is preferred but not mandatory.
The season begins with a 6-week paid training period, including leadership training, Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification, and courses to earn a federally recognized fire qualifications card and an Intermediate Chainsaw Felling Card.
Leaders are responsible for daily tasks assigned by USFS personnel, emphasizing communication, safety, wellness, and crew development throughout the season.
Leader Benefits and Compensation
– Pay**: $850/week.
– Travel Stipend**: $1,000 ($500 at the start and end of the season).
– Boot Allowance**: $300 for safety-compliant boots.
– Housing and Meals**: Provided housing includes bunkhouses or rentals with shared facilities. Camping may be required. Meals are provided during training and the season.
– Transportation**: Crew work truck for work use; personal vehicles allowed off-duty.
– Training**: Includes Intermediate Chainsaw, Basic Firefighting (S-130), Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), Fireline Leadership (L-180), Wilderness First Responder, and Work Capacity Test prep (3-mile hike with 45-lb pack in under 45 minutes).
– Requirement**: Passing the Work Capacity Test is mandatory. Begin training at least four weeks in advance.
The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Click here to learn more about Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the SCA.
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.
Required Skills:
- Commitment to intensive crew living and shared spaces.
- Willingness to perform manual labor in all weather conditions.
- Passion for the outdoors.
- At least 1 year of chainsaw experience at the A-Feller level.
- Minimum FFT2 qualification (expired accepted with 90+ days of active experience).
- Eligibility to operate an SCA vehicle.
- At least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license and 3+ years of driving experience.
- Pass a motor vehicle record check.
Preferred Skills:
-Backpacking experience
-Camping experience with kitchen set up experience
-Ability to perform arduous tasks outdoors, for several hours at a time
-Ability to live in a multi-gendered, multi-cultured living space, sharing common spaces and communal meal settings each day.
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.
