WFA - 2025 USFS Wildland Fire Academy Fuels Team 8 - Mt. Hood NF

Position Summary
The US Forest Service (USFS)/Student Conservation Association (SCA) Wildland Fire Academy is an immersive Fuels Reduction Training program that introduces participants to fire and fuel management across various National Forests. Participants will live and work in a team setting, engaging in fuels mitigation projects in remote and rugged environments.

 

This is a backfill position. Members will be placed on the Mt. Hood 2025 USFS Wildland Fire Academy Fuels Team 8 in Dufur, Oregon and may involve extended travel, primitive living conditions, and a high level of physical engagement.

Start Date: June 9, 2025

 

Participants must arrive with a valid Red Card (including completion of S-130/S-190/L-180 and Work Capacity Test) and an A-Feller level chainsaw certification. These are required for participation in this backfill role—no entry-level training will be provided.

 

Schedule
• Start Date: June 9, 2025
• Fuels Crew Field Work: June 9 – October 21, 2025
• Close-Out Celebration: October 22 – October 24, 2025

 

Work Locations
Assignments will take place in Mt. Hood National Forest, Dufur Ranger District

 

Key Responsibilities
• Perform fieldwork including fuel reduction, chainsaw operation, and brush clearing
• Support daily crew tasks and logistics, including cooking, planning, and reporting
• Maintain communication, teamwork, and a positive crew dynamic
• Participate in physical training and adapt to challenging environmental conditions

 

Qualifications
• Must have a valid Red Card and A-Feller level chainsaw certification at the time of arrival. Red Card and Work Capacity Test must be valid through the position end date, October 24,2025
• Must be 21+ years old with a valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Must meet Public Land Corps eligibility (ages 16–30, or veterans up to 35)
• Ability to work and live in group settings and remote field environments
• Strong desire to contribute to wildfire mitigation and work outdoors in all weather conditions

 

Compensation
• Total travel stipend: $350 on first pay period and $300 on your last pay period
• Total weekly/hourly stipend: $650 weekly, paid bi-weekly
• $300 boot allowance
• This position does not include other benefits

 

Housing & Transportation
• Shared housing or short-term rentals provided, depending on site availability
• Occasional camping may be required
• SCA-provided transportation during work hours; personal vehicles allowed for off-duty use only

 

 

 

Equal Opportunity Statement  

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. 

 

 Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.