Wildland Fire Academy - Backfill Crew Member

Wildland Fire Academy Fuels Team Member

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

Alder Springs, California

San Bernardino, California

Redmond, Oregon and Waldport, Oregon

Quemado, New Mexico and Lakeside, Arizona

New Meadows, Idaho

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.

• 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.

• Must have a current Incident Qualification Card (red card), and current Arduous Work Capacity Test (pack test), valid through October 23, 2026
• Must have a current chainsaw qualification of an A-bucker or higher, valid through October 23, 2026
• Must have a current first aid and CPR certification, valid through October 23, 2026
• Eligibility to operate an SCA vehicle
• Be a minimum of 21 years old by the start date
• Possess a current and valid driver's license, with a minimum of 3 years of State authorized driving experience
• Pass a comprehensive motor vehicle record check
• This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans aged 35 or younger, at the start of the position. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.
• Ability to live in a multi-gendered, multi-cultured living space, sharing common spaces and communal meal settings each day.
• Desire to do manual labor in all weather conditions, including wind, rain, extreme heat, extreme cold, and extremely pleasant days.
• Passion for the outdoors

• Assisting in project planning, travel planning,…