Field Leader- Prescribed Fire Corps (USFS - Kisatchie National Forest)

Prescribed Fire Crew (Kisatchie National Forest), USFS Region 8

 

Position Description 

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 a wildland fire career path are highly encouraged to apply; no prior wildland fire experience is required for this position.  

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. 

 

Generally, members will not work more than 80 hours over a two-week period. 

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. 

 

Application Process: Leader interviews will begin in early September, with offers issued no later than November 14. As the program begins in January, we encourage candidates who are available for the full duration to apply

 

Location 

New Waverly, TX

 

Schedule 

January 5, 2026 - May 15, 2026 (19 weeks)

 

Tentative Season Start Schedule: 

• Week one: SCA Leader Training. Training may take place alongside leaders from other teams or programs and may involve travel to a training location separate from the National Forest where the team will be based. 
• Week two: Prep week on site at National Forest with USFS staff.  
• Weeks three and four: Leader will join their team and other SCA teams for 2 weeks of USFS Fire Academy Training. Certifications and topics at this training include but are not limited to:  
  • Fire Training (Red Card, S-130, S-190)  
  • Federal Chainsaw Training 
  • Risk Management  

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities  

• Act as a Crew Supervisor, by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, and guiding crew dynamics; 
• Serve as an Advisor, by training members in technical conservation work skills, mentoring personal and professional development, and teaching environmental stewardship; 
• Act as a Project Manager, by communicating with agency park partners, ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects, and upholding a positive representation of SCA; 
• Perform tasks as a Program Administrator, by organizing logistics, completing documentation, managing a budget, and communicating with SCA staff; 
• The primary objective for this crew will be fuels reduction and prescribed burning projects; 
• The crew will prepare USFS lands for bur