2026 Wildland Fire Academy - Backfill Crew Member - Multiple Locations

Position Summary   

The Wildland Fire Academy is currently seeking backfill candidates for 2026 Fuels Team Member positions. Occasional vacancies arise on Wildland Fire Academy teams during the season, and these vacancies will be filled by qualified candidates on the backfill list. We will be accepting applications for backfill positions until July 30, 2026. Those selected for hire will join an existing team of young adults to complete fuels reduction projects on national forests in the western U.S. This is an entry-level position, but as a mid-season backfill opportunity, opportunities for training will be limited. 

 

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 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. Wildland Fire Academy participants will gain hands-on experience with fuels reduction projects, and may have opportunities to participate in prescribed burns. Prescribed burns and Administratively Determined (AD) opportunities with the Forest Service are possible, but cannot be guaranteed.  

  

 

Timeline   

July 13, 2026 – October 23, 2026 

  

Work Locations  

Alder Springs, California 

San Bernardino, California 

Redmond, Oregon and Waldport, Oregon 

Quemado, New Mexico and Lakeside, Arizona  

New Meadows, Idaho 

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities   

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.  

Member Responsibilities:  

• Assisting with 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.  

• Assist the team with meal planning, developing emergency response plans, and completing logistical tasks.  

• 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.  

• Full engagement is expected in all work projects and community activities, both on and off duty. 

• 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.  

• Must be able to model safe and professional behavior and communication at all times. 

• Work effectively with other team members to achieve goals and contribute to a positive living and working environment. 

 

Required Qualifications   

• Must have a current Incident Qualification Card (red card), and current Arduous Work Capacity Test (pack t