Hybrid Crew Member - 2026 USFS Region 8 Table Rock Fire & Fuels Crew bei Student Conservation Association

2026 Table Rock Fire Crew Member

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. Two to three professional references and a cover letter or letter of interest are strongly encouraged. 

The 2026 Table Rock Fire Crew is a dynamic and immersive opportunity for those interested in wildland firefighting, prescribed fire, and caring for public lands. This team will be made up of two crew leaders and six crew members; the team will be under the supervision of three dedicated USFS primary fire employees throughout the season as part of the Table Rock Fire Crew. 

The primary objectives for this crew will be prescribed burning, fuels reduction, and wildfire response. The crew will prepare US Forest Service (USFS) lands for burning, conduct prescribed burning, and work on other conservation tasks as identified by USFS. Prescribed burning is condition-dependent and members may be required to work long hours and/or weekends depending on direction from the partner.  

Members will not work more than 80 hours over a two-week period (unless deployed in wildfire response as outlined below). When conditions are not ideal for burning, members will assist with other projects including vegetation removal, fire line preparation, and equipment maintenance. In addition, members will be exposed to federal networking and professional development.   

Throughout the season, the crew will have opportunities to support wildfire response. During such times, team members' service with SCA will be paused, and crew members will be compensated at USFS AD rates. Members should expect to work longer days (14+ hour days) while on wildfire assignments.   

Crew members will participate in regular Physical Training (PT) throughout the season and should begin conditioning prior to the season start date. Crew PT will include hiking, running, calisthenics, stretching, and routine physical activity as part of fire readiness. 

Full Program Dates: 32 weeks, Jan 19 – Aug 29, 2026. Full program includes 23 weeks of SCA time, and 9 weeks of USFS Administratively Determined (AD) time, outlined below.   

Program Location: Based near Clemson, SC, with regular travel throughout the southeastern U.S and potential to travel nationally.   

Living Accommodations  

Crew members will live and work together for the duration of the season. SCA emphasizes the importance of community building and growth in interpersonal skills throughout the program.  

The crew will be provided with shared housing throughout the season; crew members should expect to share rooms in team housing. Crew members should also expect to participate in communal living practices such as cooking group meals, grocery shopping, and sharing chores at the team house. 

The crew will camp while out on fire assignment and will be provided shared housing near Clemson, SC, for off time.   

Hours and Schedule  

Please note that this schedule is tentative. Dates may change, but training opportunities will remain the same. 

• Team will serve variable hours based on service activities and season. Specific weekly schedule will vary depending on the needs of the team.  
• Two weeks of USFS Fire Academy Training in January 2026 
• Twenty-three weeks of SCA program time completing prescribed fire and fuels projects with flexibility depending on the day’s activities. Generally, members will not serve more than 80 hours over a two-week period over the course of the 23 weeks of SCA program time.   
• Members should be prepared to be away from housing for up to two weeks during hitch for prescribed burning or other required duties. 
• Nine weeks of US Forest Service Administratively Determined (AD) time being paid the hourly AD-C rate as an FFT2. When deployed in wildfire response, members should expect to work 14+ hour days, more than 80 hours in a two week period, and be away from housing for up to three weeks. 
• Team members' service with SCA will be paused during any Administratively Determined time. During this time, they will be working directly under USFS. 

Responsibilities 

• The primary objectives for this crew will be fuels reduction, prescribed burning projects, and wildfire response. 
• The crew will prepare USFS lands for burning, conduct prescribed burning, and assist in other conservation tasks as identified by USFS. Prescribed burning is condition-dependent and members may be required to serve long hours and/or weekends depending on direction from the partner. When conditions are not ideal for burning, members will assist with other projects including vegetation removal, fire line preparation, and equipment maintenance. 
• The crew will be able to participate in networking and professional development opportunities. 
• Crew members will live and serve together for the duration of the season. SCA emphasizes the importance of community building and growth in interpersonal skills throughout the program. 

Required Qualifications  

• Minimum of 18 years of age; 
• Have ability to legally work in the US; 
• Meet SCA’s criminal background check standards; 
• Ability 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; 
• Ability to 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). Members 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: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjOZA2sbdMo  
• Must be able to undergo an in-person physical required by USFS. In-person physicals should be initiated by December 1, 2025. 
• Must clear the in-person physical before the start of the program; 
• Interest in serving alongside and supporting others on a team; 
• Ability to perform manual, physical labor in a variety of outdoor conditions for up to 8-10 hours per day; 
• Willingness to live alongside a team, in shared housing, and participate in community chores and meal preparation; 
• Willingness to complete some project paperwork including project reports, output logs, and inventories; 
• With proper training, have the ability to use hand tools and power tools to complete assigned work projects. 
• Passion for the outdoors and conservation.  

Member Benefits 

• Weekly $600 in allowances (pre-tax) 
• One-time $650 travel allowance (pre-tax) 
• SCA uniform package
• Shared housing with crew 
• Meals (during field days) 
• Up to $350 reimbursement for fire boots 
• Trainings:     
  • USFS Fire Academy Training (Red Card, S-130, S-190)  
  • Chainsaw training 
  • Basic First Aid +CPR 
  • S-219: Firing, S-211: Portable Pumps, S-270: Basic Air Operations, S-131: Firefighter 1, L-280: Followship to Leadership 
• Eligibility for a Public Land Corps Certificate for Noncompetitive Hiring Status 

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

Additional Benefits  

First Aid/CPR 

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants that receive the PLC must be between the ages of 18 and 30, or veterans aged 35 or younger, at the start of the position. Participants must also be a citizen, 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 if eligible.  

Personal Vehicle Information 

Recommended but not required 

General Physical Requirements 

• Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.  
• Able to stay alert and engaged for extended periods of time.  
• Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program.  
• Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, for example: safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, chaps, and appropriate footwear.   
• Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others.  
• Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time.  
• Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others.  
• Able to manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, smoke from fire, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions.  
• If using prescription medications, able to self-medicate by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance (except possibly at the direction of higher medical authority in emergency situations). 
• Able to hike 3 miles over level terrain while carrying a 45-pound pack in 45 minutes. 
• Able to independently lift and carry a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight for a minimum of 5 miles and a maximum of 15 miles with adequate breaks dependent on weather, terrain, and trail conditions.  

Working Conditions 

Work schedules and projects may change on short notice or be ambiguous. There could be inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, and lightning events. Also, there could be decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog. Warm temperatures and adverse heat conditions which could include temperatures in some regions up to 110°F or hotter, exposure to natural and environmental hazards such as poison ivy, oak, or sumac, tick and mosquito -borne illness, snakes, and potential for other wildlife encounters are all potential working conditions.  

Employment Statement: 

The 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 may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.