2027 USFS Region 8 - Table Rock Fire & Fuels Crew

Student Conservation Association • Clemson, SC

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Table Rock Fire Crew is a U.S Forest Service (USFS) / SCA partner-enabled training crew established in 2023, operating under USFS Agency crew standards. This team consists of two crew leaders and six crew members, all supervised by three dedicated USFS primary fire employees. It offers a dynamic and immersive opportunity for individuals interested in wildland firefighting, prescribed fire, and land conservation, requiring strong teamwork. The crew's primary objectives include prescribed burning, fuels reduction, and wildfire response. They will prepare US Forest Service (USFS) lands for burning, conduct prescribed burns, and undertake other conservation tasks as identified by USFS. Prescribed burning is condition-dependent, and members may need to work long hours and/or weekends. When conditions are not ideal for burning, members will assist with other projects such as vegetation removal, fire line preparation, and equipment maintenance. Members will also be exposed to federal networking and professional development opportunities. The crew will have opportunities to support wildfire response, during which their service with SCA will be paused, and they will be compensated at USFS AD rates, expecting longer days (14+ hours) and tours (14 operational shifts + travel days) with limited food options. Crew members will participate in regular Physical Training (PT) including hiking, running, calisthenics, and stretching.

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 in a variety of outdoor conditions, and carrying/lifting 40 pounds or more on a routine basis
• 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.
• Must be able to undergo an in-person physical required by USFS. In-person physicals should be initiated by December 1, 2027.
• Must clear the in-person physical before the start of the program
• Experience and interest in serving alongside and supporting others on a team
• Ability to live alongside a team, in shared housing, and participate in community chores, activities, 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 wildland fire, outdoors, and conservation.

Nice To Haves

• No prior wildland fire experience is required for this position.
• A cover letter is strongly encouraged.

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 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.
• Working conditions may involve extreme high temperatures, wildfire smoke, 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.
• Crew will participate in regular Physical Training (PT) throughout the season. This may include hiking, running, calisthenics, stretching, and routine physical activity alongside their crew.

Benefits

• Weekly $600 in allowances (pre-tax)
• One-time $650 travel allowance (pre-tax)
• SCA uniform package
• Shared housing with crew
• Team food budget for work days (managed by team leaders)
• Trainings: USFS Fire Academy Training (Red Card, S-130, S-190), Chainsaw training (S-112), Basic First Aid +CPR, 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
• Eligibility for an AmeriCorps Education Award
• First Aid/CPR

What This Job Offers

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