2026 USFS Region 8 Prescribed Fire Corps Team Member - Angelina-Sabine National Forest

Student Conservation Association • Houston, TX

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The 2026 Region 8 Prescribed Fire Crew is a dynamic and exciting opportunity for those passionate about wildland firefighting, prescribed fire, and caring for public land. Working closely with the Student Conservation Association (SCA) and the US Forest Service (USFS), this team will consist of four crew members and one crew leader. Applicants looking to get into the field and work in fire are highly encouraged to apply; no prior wildland fire experience is required. The primary objectives for this crew will be fuels reduction and prescribed burning projects. The crew will prepare USFS lands for burning, conduct prescribed burning, and assist in other recreation or conservation tasks as identified by USFS. Prescribed burning is condition-dependent, and members may serve long hours and/or weekends, depending on projects. When conditions are not ideal for burning, members will assist with other projects, including but not limited to vegetation removal, fire line preparation, equipment maintenance, and other work duties. The team will also have the opportunity to participate in networking and professional development. 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, and members will be put on a Service Interruption (also called Administratively Determined status). Members should expect to work 10–12-hour days while on these fire assignments.

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 10 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and must occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more
• 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). Members who do not pass this test given at training will not be able to continue with this program. Click for a video on the WCT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjOZA2sbdMo
• Must be able to undergo and clear an in-person physical required by USFS. In-person physicals should be initiated by December 1, 2025 and cleared by the start of the program
• Interest in serving alongside and supporting others on a team
• 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

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with a team of three other members and a leader to complete priority projects determined by USFS partner staff
• Engage as a productive crew member to promote healthy group dynamics and promote effective teamwork
• Work variable hours, possible long days and possible weekends, in remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, in varying weather conditions, and under physically demanding circumstances
• Use technical and mechanical equipment such as radios and hand or power tools

Benefits

• $600/week (pre-tax) living allowance, paid bi-weekly
• A one-time $650 (pre-tax) travel allowance, paid in first paycheck
• Housing provided
• Meals provided during workdays
• SCA uniform package
• Trainings: USFS Fire Academy Training (Red Card, S-130, S-190) Chainsaw Basic First Aid +CPR Other training opportunities, when available
• First Aid/CPR

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed