2026 U.S. Forest Service/SCA Wildland Fire Academy Fuels Team - Member

2026 U.S. Forest Service/SCA Wildland Fire Academy Fuels Team - Member

 

 

Program Dates: 05/04/26 - 10/23/26

 

The U.S. 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 work on a team that consists of one Leader and four Members, serving on an assigned USFS district identified as Healthy Forest Restoration Act Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Lands to learn how different National Forests handle the challenges of wildfire mitigation in their respective ecosystems.  
 
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. 

 

During the Field Season, teams will work with USFS staff on fuels reduction and other conservation and restoration projects. Some projects will require long daily commutes or traveling long distances between project sites, and Members may live without electricity, running water, WiFi, and/or cell phone reception for significant lengths of time. 

 

The primary objective for this program is fuels reduction, not fire suppression. Prescribed burns 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. Any fire suppression opportunities will require the member to be placed in Administratively Determined (AD) status with the U.S. Forest Service. During this time, members are placed on a service interruption with SCA, and become employees of the USFS. Work schedules in AD status may require 12+ hour days and extended time camping.

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. 

Schedule 

 

Training Dates: 05/04/2026 to 05/26/2026 

 

Field Season: 05/27/26 to 10<