Program Assistant (Wildland Fire Academy) - Staff

Student Conservation Association • Sacramento, CA

15d • $45,000 • Remote

About The Position

The Roving Program Assistant (RPA) will work as part of a team to assist in the operational and logistical aspects of all fielded teams. The RPA will provide support for Program Staff by ensuring that cache management, leader support during training and field season, and member outcomes are achieved in a safe and responsible manner.  We will be looking for two (2) RPA’s running from February to November, where February, March, and November will be aligned with Staff as a Program Assistant (more administration and logistics), and April to October will be aligned as Operational Field Support as a Roving PA (more operational). During the Roving PA Function, you may be required to provide long-term or short-term leadership for a team in the field should a leader be unable to continue their position. Living Accommodations: This position is primarily remote and will require daily connection to the internet. Meals, transportation, and housing will be provided while traveling to perform the duties of this position, but are not provided when working remotely from home. Selected candidates will need to secure their own housing within 75 miles of Sacramento prior to their start date, and have reliable transportation to and from Sacramento for the full duration of this position. While conducting business in Sacramento, possibility of utilizing work truck is possible, if available and coordinated with Program Management.

Requirements

• High school degree or equivalent
• Must be at least 21 years old by start date
• Must have Wilderness First Responder/CPR certification, Firefighter Type II (FFT2) Red Card, and current B-Feller chainsaw certification
• Must maintain IQCS Red Card, and complete required annual refresher and arduous work capacity test (pack test)
• Demonstrated experience leading crews of young adults, performing administrative tasks, and participating in fuels reduction operations.
• Must have a valid driver’s license for 3+ years and MVR that meets SCA standards
• Must be able to meet SCA’s criminal background check standards Strong interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal)
• Ability to work independently and as part of a highly mobile, fast-paced team

Nice To Haves

• Prior Wildland Fire Academy or SCA Leader preferred
• SalesForce experience a plus
• Experience with conservation programming a plus
• Passion for the outdoors

Responsibilities

• Supports in-person training events, located in California, that will take place in April-May 2026
• Maintains personal field readiness throughout fuels crew season (April-October) to provide for leader support when needed.
• Obtain and maintain IQCS Red Card each year.
• Obtain National Saw Program Level Saw Card and passion to personally develop own skill set.
• Maintains Wildland Fire Academy Equipment Cache and Inventories.
• Completes general administrative tasks as assigned.
• Provide logistical support to leaders in the field
• Repair and/or replace broken/damaged gear, equipment and tools.
• Prepare vehicles for programs to use, cleaning and ensuring inventories and tracking
• Supports the monitoring of field readiness for all crew member positions
• Monitors and responds to crew member inquiries.
• Responds to help requests as needed.
• Continuously gathers field insight and program improvements from field sites.
• Travel to support crew operations throughout the season, travel in Western United States may be up to 50% of the time, during peak fielding months. This can include performing hands-on project work, delivering and maintaining tools and equipment, supporting community living responsibilities, capturing photos and stories from the field, meeting with USFS partners, and providing positive mentorship and professional development opportunities to members and leaders.
• Temporarily provide leadership for a team in the field should a leader be unable to continue their position
• Work in collaboration with team members to create and support a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, team work, empowerment, and positive crew dynamics and incident management.
• Other duties as assigned, including mentorship and possibility of filling in as leader when needed.

Benefits

• Meals, transportation, and housing will be provided while traveling to perform the duties of this position.
• Health, Dental, Vision, and additional benefits options.
• PTO, Holiday, Education, and Community Service Hours.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED