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Wildland Fire Academy - Backfill Crew Member

The Student Conservation Association
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Position Summary   

The Wildland Fire Academy is currently seeking backfill candidates for 2026 Fuels Team Member positions. Occasional vacancies arise on Wildland Fire Academy teams during the season, and these vacancies will be filled by qualified candidates on the backfill list. We will be accepting applications for backfill positions until July 30, 2026. Those selected for hire will join an existing team of young adults to complete fuels reduction projects on national forests in the western U.S. This is an entry-level position, but as a mid-season backfill opportunity, opportunities for training will be limited. 

 

The US Forest Service (USFS)/ Student Conservation Association (SCA) Wildland Fire Academy is an intense Fuels Reduction Training program designed to introduce leaders and members to the rigors of the Fire & Fuel Programs across the USFS. During the program, leaders and members will train, live, and work as a cohesive and dynamic crew on fuels mitigation and fuels reduction projects. Wildland Fire Academy participants will gain hands-on experience with fuels reduction projects, and may have opportunities to participate in prescribed burns. Prescribed burns and Administratively Determined (AD) opportunities with the Forest Service are possible, but cannot be guaranteed.  

  

 

Timeline   

July 13, 2026 – October 23, 2026 

  

Work Locations  

Alder Springs, California 

San Bernardino, California 

Redmond, Oregon and Waldport, Oregon 

Quemado, New Mexico and Lakeside, Arizona  

New Meadows, Idaho 

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities   

Each member is expected to engage in daily tasks to achieve mission and project goals as assigned by USFS personnel and SCA Staff. Communication is key to success and each member has their own responsibility to continually develop themselves with positive personal communication strategies.  

Member Responsibilities:  

  • Assisting with completion of project tasks as assigned; whether it is using a chainsaw, piling brush into burn piles, working with your team to move a large rock, or doing dishes.  
  • Assist the team with meal planning, developing emergency response plans, and completing logistical tasks.  
  • Recording work totals and creating reports for agency partners. Interfacing with general public and partner organizations in a manner that reflects positively upon the crew, organization, and agency.  
  • Full engagement is expected in all work projects and community activities, both on and off duty. 
  • Participating in daily workflow, group physical fitness activities, and arduous daily tasks, speaking up when something is not right, and maintaining a solution-focused mindset to achieve crew objectives.  
  • Must be able to model safe and professional behavior and communication at all times. 
  • Work effectively with other team members to achieve goals and contribute to a positive living and working environment. 

 

Required Qualifications   

  • Must have a current Incident Qualification Card (red card), and current Arduous Work Capacity Test (pack test), valid through October 23, 2026 
  • Must have a current chainsaw qualification of an A-bucker or higher, valid through October 23, 2026 
  • Must have a current first aid and CPR certification, valid through October 23, 2026 
  • Eligibility to operate an SCA vehicle  
  • Be a minimum of 21 years old by the start date 
  • Possess a current and valid driver’s license, with a minimum of 3 years of State authorized driving experience  
  • Pass a comprehensive motor vehicle record check  
  • 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. 
  • Ability to live in a multi-gendered, multi-cultured living space, sharing common spaces and communal meal settings each day.  
  • Desire to do manual labor in all weather conditions, including wind, rain, extreme heat, extreme cold, and extremely pleasant days.  
  • Passion for the outdoors  

 

Marginal Duties 

  •  Assisting in project planning, travel planning, data collection, and team logistics support. 
  • Assisting with projects in conservation, recreation, campground maintenance, and other USFS needs. 
  • If eligible, may drive the SCA vehicle for team support. 
  • Meal planning, meal preparation, house chores, and other communal living tasks. 
  • If conditions allow, may participate in prescribed burns, gridding, mop-up, fuels sampling, and other monitoring and fuels reduction tasks.  
  • Tool and chainsaw maintenance. 

 

 

Preferred Qualifications   

  • Certified sawyer at the A-feller level, valid through October 23, 2026 
  • Demonstrated experience using a chainsaw on fuels reduction projects 
  • Demonstrated experience working as part of a team in an outdoor setting 
  • Demonstrated experience in a communal living environment 
  • Backpacking or camping experience  
  • Ability to perform arduous tasks outdoors, for several hours at a time  

   

Hours   

Average 40 hours per week  

 

Living Accommodations   

Housing and meals description:  

  • Housing is provided, but will vary depending on placement location. Housing will consist of communal Forest Service Bunkhouse if available, consisting of 2-person rooms and shared kitchen and restrooms.  
  • Short-term rentals will be provided by the SCA if no federal bunkhouse options are available and will consist of shared bedrooms and shared kitchen and restrooms.  
  • Occasional camping will be required. Members may be expected to travel long distances between project sites, and live without electricity, running water, and/or cell phone reception for significant lengths of time. 
  • Meals are provided by SCA and managed by the crew leader.  
  • Transportation is also provided via SCA. Personal vehicles are allowed for off duty travel but are not authorized during work hours.  

   

Compensation   

  • Total weekly/hourly stipend: $650 weekly  
  • Total travel stipend: $325 on first pay period and $325 on your last pay period  
  • Boot Allowance: Because boots are critical for safety, we are providing a $300 boot allowance to ensure proper regulation of boots are purchased.  

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.  

  

Personal Vehicle Information  

A personal vehicle is not required, but may be brought for the season. All expenses and logistics associated with the personal vehicle are the members’ responsibility.  

 

Equal Opportunity Statement   

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. 

  

 Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.