2026 Wildland Fire Academy - Salmon-Challis and Boise NF - Crew Member

Student Conservation Association • Boise, ID

5d • Onsite

About The Position

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. Members will be assigned with a leader to one of twenty-one priority landscapes in the wildland fire crisis strategy footprint to learn how different National Forests handle the challenges of wildfire mitigation in their respective ecosystems. Members will 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. This is an entry-level position. Previous experience using chainsaws and working outdoors is not needed, just the passion to learn. The season begins with a rigorous 3-week training period that includes a robust introduction into the Student Conservation Association Values, Mission, Policies, Wellness Strategies, and introductions into crew dynamics and building and maintaining positive and inclusive communities. You will also receive Wilderness First Aid (WFA), several certification courses in route to obtain a federally recognized fire qualifications card with the USFS and your Beginner (Level A) Chainsaw Bucking and/or Felling Card.

Requirements

• 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
• Eligibility to operate an SCA vehicle
• Be a minimum of 21 years old
• 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
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Backpacking experience
• Camping experience
• Ability to perform arduous tasks outdoors, for several hours at a time.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with monitoring 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.
• Full engagement is expected in all work projects and community activities, both on and off duty.
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• Defensive Driver Training
• Wilderness First Aid Training
• Federal Certifications for Chainsaw Operations
• Basic Firefighting Training (S-130), Intro to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190) and, Basic Fireline Leadership (L-180).
• Physical training leading up to a Work Capacity Test (3-mile hike, with 45 lbs pack, in under 45 minutes to meet the qualification for confirmation of your Fire “Red Card”)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed