2026 USFS Region 8 Table Rock Fire & Fuels Crew Team Member

Student Conservation Association•Clemson, SC

About The Position

SCA is looking to fill an open member position on the 2026 Table Rock team. The Table Rock team started the season in January; this new member position will be starting with the team mid-season. Applicants who already have a current red card are highly encouraged to apply! The 2026 Table Rock Fire Crew is a dynamic and immersive opportunity for those interested in wildland firefighting, prescribed fire, and caring for public lands. This team is made up of two crew leaders and six crew members; the team is under the supervision of three dedicated USFS primary fire employees throughout the season as part of the Table Rock Fire Crew. The primary objectives for this crew is prescribed burning, fuels reduction, and wildfire response. The crew prepares US Forest Service (USFS) lands for burning, conducts prescribed burning, and works on other conservation tasks as identified by USFS. Prescribed burning is condition-dependent and members may be required to work long hours and/or weekends depending on direction from the partner. Members will not work more than 80 hours over a two-week period (unless deployed in wildfire response as outlined below). When conditions are not ideal for burning, members will assist with other projects including vegetation removal, fire line preparation, and equipment maintenance. In addition, members will be exposed to federal networking and professional development. Throughout the season, the crew will have opportunities to support wildfire response. During such times, team members' service with SCA will be paused, and crew members will be compensated at USFS AD rates. Members should expect to work longer days (14+ hour days) while on wildfire assignments. Crew members will participate in regular Physical Training (PT) throughout the season and should begin conditioning prior to the season start date. Crew PT will include hiking, running, calisthenics, stretching, and routine physical activity as part of fire readiness. Schedule April 27th - August 29th Team is currently in the field, so this member position start date is flexible. Team member end date is Aug 29, 2026. Full program includes both SCA time, and up to 9 weeks of USFS Administratively Determined (AD) time, outlined below. Team will serve variable hours based on service activities and season. Specific weekly schedule will vary depending on the needs of the team. While team is on SCA program time, they will work on prescribed fire and fuels projects with flexibility depending on the day’s activities. Generally, members will not serve more than 80 hours over a two-week period over the course of SCA program time. Members should be prepared to be away from housing for up to two weeks during hitch for prescribed burning or other required duties. Up to nine weeks of US Forest Service Administratively Determined (AD) time being paid the hourly AD-C rate as an FFT2. When deployed in wildfire response, members should expect to work 14+ hour days, more than 80 hours in a two week period, and be away from housing for up to three weeks. Team members' service with SCA will be paused during any Administratively Determined time. During this time, they will be working directly under USFS. Location Based near Clemson, SC, with regular travel throughout the southeastern U.S and potential to travel nationally.

Requirements

Minimum of 18 years of age;
Have ability to legally work in the US;
Meet SCA’s criminal background check standards;
Ability 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 basis;
If applicant does not have a current red card, having the ability to 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). Click for a video on the WCT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjOZA2sbdMo
Must be able to undergo an in-person physical required by USFS.
Must clear the in-person physical before start date;
Interest in serving alongside and supporting others on a team;
Ability to perform manual, physical labor in a variety of outdoor conditions for up to 8-10 hours per day;
Willingness to live alongside a team, in shared housing, and participate in community chores and meal preparation;
Willingness to complete some project paperwork including project reports, output logs, and inventories;
With proper training, have the ability to use hand tools and power tools to complete assigned work projects.
Passion for the outdoors and conservation.

Nice To Haves

Current red card, or if red card is expired, having the ability to pass the Work Capacity Test at the Arduous level

Responsibilities

The primary objectives for this crew will be fuels reduction, prescribed burning projects, and wildfire response.
The crew will prepare USFS lands for burning, conduct prescribed burning, and assist in 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.
When conditions are not ideal for burning, members will assist with other projects including vegetation removal, fire line preparation, and equipment maintenance.
The crew will be able to participate in networking and professional development opportunities.
Crew members will live and serve together for the duration of the season.
SCA emphasizes the importance of community building and growth in interpersonal skills throughout the program.
Participate in networking and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

SCA uniform package
Shared housing with crew
Meals (during field days)
Up to $350 reimbursement for fire boots
Trainings may include S-219: Firing, S-211: Portable Pumps, S-270: Basic Air Operations, S-131: Firefighter 1, L-280: Followship to Leadership
Eligibility for a Public Land Corps Certificate for Noncompetitive Hiring Status

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