Wildland Fire Academy Corps- USFS Fire and Fuels Member

Student Conservation Association • Sacramento, CA

23h • $650 • 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 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. Leaders and their team will be assigned to one of the US Forest Service’s forest districts to learn how different National Forests handle the challenges of wildfire mitigation, prevention, and education in their respective ecosystems, with a secondary priority to assist in increasing the capacity of trained personnel on fire incidents across the Western US. 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. Members should expect to share living and sleeping spaces throughout the season. Respectful behavior, inclusive language, and positive personal conduct is expected the entire duration of the season. The season begins with a rigorous 4-week paid training period that includes a robust introduction into culture and team building in the Student Conservation Association, Wilderness First Aid (WFA), several certification courses in route to obtaining a federally recognized fire qualifications card with the USFS and your beginner (Level A) Chainsaw Felling/Bucking Card. The primary objective for this program is fuels reduction, not fire suppression. Prescribed burns and projects are condition-dependent opportunities and will often require an extended and flexible work schedule from the team as identified by the partner agency. Prescribed burns and wildfire suppression opportunities are possible but cannot be guaranteed. This program allows participants to accrue 640 hours of federal land management, creating a pathway to receiving the Public Land Corps Certificate, allowing participants to have a hiring authority through the Federal Hiring Systems. Time tracking and time off will be monitored closely to ensure all participants are able to obtain this hiring authority by the end of the program. Each member is expected to engage in daily tasks to achieve mission and project goals as assigned by USFS personnel and SCA Staff. Communication is key to success and each member has their own responsibility to continually develop themselves with positive personal communication strategies. All members are expected to maintain professionalism and respect towards a diverse team living and working in intense and physically demanding environments.

Requirements

• Commitment to living and working within an intensive crew environment, often in close, shared spaces.
• Desire to do manual labor in all weather conditions, including wind, rain, extreme heat, extreme cold, and extremely pleasant days.
• Passion for the outdoors
• Must complete USFS and SCA Onboarding prior to training start date.
• Must complete a Health Screening Questionnaire and an in-person physical exam as required by the USFS to be cleared before the position start date.
• Must be able to pass the Arduous Work Capacity Test during the training timeline. We recommend that physical training for this test begin 4 weeks prior to arrival at training.
• Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.
• Able to stay alert and engaged for extended periods of time.
• Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program.
• Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, for example: safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, chainsaw chaps, and appropriate footwear.
• Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others.
• Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time.
• Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others.
• Able to manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., extreme temperature, wind, sun, smoke from fire, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions.
• If using prescription medications, able to self-medicate by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance (except possibly at the direction of higher medical authority in emergency situations).
• Able to hike 3 miles over level terrain while carrying a 45-pound pack in 45 minutes.
• Able to independently lift and carry a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight for a minimum of 5 miles and a maximum of 15 miles with adequate breaks dependent on weather, terrain, and trail conditions.
• Passing of the Work Capacity Test is a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Backpacking experience
• Camping experience
• Ability to perform arduous tasks outdoors, for several hours at a time.
• Ability to live in a multi-gendered, multi-cultured living space, sharing common spaces and communal meal settings each day.
• Eligibility to operate an SCA vehicle
• Be a minimum of 21 years old
• Possess a current and valid driver’s license,
• Have a minimum of 3 years of State authorized driving experience, and current good standing
• Pass a comprehensive motor vehicle record check

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.
• Expected to maintain a positive and productive presence for the entire length of the season.
• 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.
• Continued participation in physical training to keep up with the rigors of the program and federal partners.
• Occasional data collection for administrative support
• Frequent tools and gear maintenance and sharpening
• Occasional gear and tool repair/cleaning
• Helping with campsite set up, maintenance, and clean-up.
• Frequent communal living tasks such as cleaning, team meal preparation, and sanitation of shared spaces.
• Participating in occasional outreach or training support.
• Frequent participation in logistical support activities such as check ins with Staff, Reporting on Incidents, and time management of team.

Benefits

• Total weekly/hourly stipend: $650 weekly
• Total travel stipend: $350 on first pay period and $300 on your last pay period.
• Boot Allowance: $300 boot allowance
• Workers Compensation Coverage
• Members Assistance Program (MAP) for access to virtual mental health visits

What This Job Offers

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