Field Leader-2025 USFS Region 8 Prescribed Fire Corps (Kisatchie National Forest)

Field Leader-2025 USFS Region 8 Prescribed Fire Corps (Kisatchie National Forest)

#PO-00800373-LDR | Posted 09/10/2024

Job Description

Conservation Begins Here.

The 2025 USFS Region 8 Prescribed Fire Corps is a dynamic and exciting opportunity for those passionate about wildland firefighting. This SCA crew will consist of four crew members and one crew leader and will assist with prescribed burns and other projects alongside the U.S. Forest Service.

Schedule 

January 6, 2025 - May 17, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• Act as a Crew Supervisor, by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, and guiding crew dynamics;
• Serve as an Advisor, by training members in technical conservation work skills, mentoring personal and professional development, and teaching environmental stewardship.
• Act as a Project Manager, by communicating with agency park partners, ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects,     and upholding a positive representation of SCA;
• Perform tasks as a Program Administrator, by organizing logistics, completing documentation, managing a budget, and communicating with SCA staff;
• The primary objectives for this crew will be fuel reduction and prescribed burning projects;
• The crew will prepare USFS lands for burning, conduct prescribed burning, and serve on other conservation tasks as identified by USFS. Prescribed burning is condition-dependent and members may be required to serve long hours and/or weekends depending on direction from the partner.

Marginal Duties 

When conditions are not ideal for burning, members will assist with other projects including vegetation removal, fire line preparation, equipment maintenance, and other work duties.

Participate in networking and professional development opportunities.

Throughout the season, the crew may have opportunities to respond to active fires. While deployed on a live fire with the federal fire teams, team members' service with SCA will be paused. Members should expect to work 10-12 hour days while on fire assignments.

Required Qualifications 

• Experience working with youth or young adults, teaching, or environmental education a plus; Experience with conservation work skills or related skills preferred – i.e., wildland firefighting, trail maintenance, trail construction, habitat restoration, chainsaw, carpentry, landscaping, and gardening;
• Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and must occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more;
• Wilderness First Aid certification, or ability to obtain a Wilderness First Aid certification before start of season;
• Must be able to attend Crew Leader training: 1/6/2025 – 1/10/2025;
• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age;
• Must have the ability to legally work in the US;
• Must have a valid driver’s license for 3+ years and MVR that meets SCA standards;

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

• Crew members will live and work together for the duration of the season. SCA emphasizes the importance of community building and growth in interpersonal skills throughout the program.

The crew will be provided with shared housing throughout the season; crew members should expect to share rooms in team housing. Crew members should also expect to participate in communal living practices such as cooking group meals, grocery shopping, and sharing chores at the team house. If crew members have the opportunity to respond to active fires with USFS, they may be camping.

Compensation  

$850/week (pre-tax), paid bi-weekly

Up to $1,000 travel stipend, to be used for travel to/from leader training, site location, and USFS Fire Academy

Housing provided

Meals provided during workdays

SCA uniform package

• Eligibility for a Public Land Corps Certificate for Noncompetitive Hiring Status

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

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. 

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

The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer. Click here to learn more about Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the SCA.