Field Leader

2027 Usfs Region 8 Prescribed Fire Corps In Angelina-Sabine National ForestThis 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.
ScheduleJanuary 4, 2027
- May 15, 2027 (19 weeks)LocationZavalla, TXTentative Season Start ScheduleWeek one and two: SCA Leader Training and season preparation. Leader Training may take place alongside leaders from other teams or programs and may involve travel to a training location separate from the National Forest where team will be based. Season prep will take place on site alongside USFS staff supervisors.
Weeks three and four: Leader will join their team and other SCA teams for 2 weeks of USFS Fire Academy Training. Certifications and topics at this training include but are not limited to:Fire Training (Red Card, S-130, S-190, L-180)Federal Chainsaw Training (S-112)Risk ManagementKey Duties and ResponsibilitiesAct as a Crew Lead: facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, guiding crew dynamics under the operational supervision of permanent USFS overhead, addressing team issues and challenges in a timely mannerServe as an Advisor: mentoring personal and professional development, teaching environmental stewardshipAct as a Project Manager: communicating regularly with SCA and USFS supervisors, ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects, upholding a positive representation of SCA, ensuring gear, team vehicle, equipment, and PPE are being maintained and used properlyPerform tasks as a Program Administrator: organizing logistics, completing documentation and paperwork, managing a budget, and communicating with SCA staffLead by example in the primary objective of this crew: fuels reduction, wildfire response, and prescribed burning projectsLead a team in additional projects, such as recreation or conservation tasks, as identified by USFSWork variable hours, possible long days and possible weekends, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, in varying weather conditions, and under physically demanding circumstancesWorking conditions may involve extreme high temperatures, high humidity, unpredictable weather conditions, and steep terrain. With support from their team supervisors, members will be asked to monitor and be responsible for their well-being in these environments.
Marginal DutiesWhen conditions are not ideal for burning, members will assist with other projects including vegetation removal, fire line preparation, equipment maintenance, and other work dutiesParticipate in networking and professional development opportunities.
Required QualificationsNo prior wildland fire experience is required for this positionWillingness to perform manual, physical labor for up to 12 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and carrying/lifting 40 pounds or more on a routine basisExperience working with youth or young adults.
Pass the Work Capacity Test at the Arduous level (3 mile walk with 45lb weight vest that must be completed in 45 minutes or less). Participants who do not pass this test given at training will not be able to continue with this program.
Undergo an in-person physical required by USFS. In-person physicals should be initiated by December 1, 2026, and cleared by the start of the programWilderness First Aid certification, or ability to obtain a Wilderness First Aid certification before start of seasonMust attend Crew Leader training: 1/4 – 1/9/2027Minimum of 21 years of ageUS Work AuthorizationValid driver's license for 3+ years and MVR that meets SCA standardsPreferred QualificationsExperience teaching or with environmental education.
Experience with conservation work skills or related skills – i.e., wildland firefighting, trail maintenance, trail construction, habitat restoration, chainsaw, carpentry, landscaping, gardeningHours40 per week or 80 over two weeksLiving AccommodationsCrew members will live and serve together for the duration of the season. The crew will be provided with shared housing throughout the season. Crew members should expect to share rooms in team housing. SCA emphasizes the importance of community on our crews. Crew members should expect to fully participate in activities related to communal living on their team. To ensure a well-run team, crew members must all participate in house and crew responsibilities, including shared chores, cooking group meals, grocery shopping, and other team-based responsibilities.
Compensation$850/week (pre-tax), paid bi-weeklyUp to $1,000 travel stipend, to be used for travel to/from leader training, site location, and USFS Fire AcademyHousing providedMeals provided during work daysSCA uniform packageEligibility for a Public Land Corps Certificate for Noncompetitive Hiring StatusGeneral Physical RequirementsAble to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.
Able to stay alert and engaged for extended periods of program time.
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