Field Leader - Sam Houston National Forest PrescribedFireCorps

Job Description

The
2027

USFSRegion8

Prescribed Fire Corps  in Sam Houston National Forest is a dynamic and exciting opportunity for those passionate about wildland firefighting. This SCA crew will consist of fourcrewmembersand onecrewleader and will assistwithprescribedburnsand other projects alongside the U.S.Forest Service.

January 4, 2027 - May 15, 2027 (19 weeks)

New Waverly, TX

• Week one and two
  : SCA Leader Training and season preparation. Leader 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 team will be based. Season prep will take place on site alongside USFS staff supervisors.
• 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, L-180)
  • Federal Chainsaw Training (S-112)
  • Risk Management

• Act as a Crew Lead
  : facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, guiding crew dynamics under the operational supervision of permanent USFS overhead, addressing team issues and challenges in a timely manner
• Serve as an Advisor
  : mentoring personal and professional development, teaching environmental stewardship
• Act as a Project Manager
  : communicating regularly with SCA and USFS supervisors, ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects, upholding a positive representation of SCA, ensuring gear, team vehicle, equipment, and PPE are being maintained and used properly
• Perform tasks as a Program Administrator
  : organizing logistics, completing documentation and paperwork, managing abudget, and communicating with SCA staff
• Lead by example in the primary objective of this crew
  : fuels reduction, wildfire response, and prescribed burning projects
• Lead a team in additional projects, such as recreation or conservation tasks, as identified by USFS
• Work variable hours, possible long days and possible weekends, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, in varying weather conditions, and under physically demanding circumstances
• Working conditions may involve extreme high temperatures, high humidity, unpredictable weather conditions, and steep terrain. With support from their team supervisors, members will be asked to monitor and be responsible for their well-being in these environments.

• When conditions are not ideal for burning, members will assist with other projects including vegetation removal, fire line preparation, equipment maintenance, and other work duties
• Participate in networking and professional development opportunities.

• No prior wildland fire experience is required for this position
• Willingness to perform manual, physical labor for up to 12 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and carrying/lifting 40 pounds or more on a routine basis
• Experience working with youth or young adults.
• Pass the Work Capacity Test at the Arduous level (3 mile walk with 45lb weight vest that must be completed in 45 minutes or less). Participants who do not pass this test given at training will not be able to continue with this program. Click for a video on the WCT:
• Undergo an in-person physical required by USFS. In-person physicals should be initiated by December 1, 2026, and cleared by the start of the program
• Wilderness First Aid certification, or ability to obtain a Wilderness First Aid certification before start of season
• Must attend Crew Leader training: 1/4 – 1/9/2027
• Minimum of 21 years of age
• US Work Authorization
• Valid driver’s license for 3+ years and MVR that meets SCA standards

• Experience…