Hybrid Crew Member - 2026 USFS Region 8 Prescribed Fire Corps -Sam Houston NF bei Student Conservation Association

Prescribed Fire Crew (Sam Houston National Forest), USFS Region 8

The 2026 Region 8 Prescribed Fire Crew is a dynamic and exciting opportunity for those passionate about wildland firefighting, prescribed fire, and caring for public land. Working closely with the Student Conservation Association (SCA) and the US Forest Service (USFS), this team will consist of four crew members and one crew leader.  

Applicants looking to get into the field and work in fire are highly encouraged to apply; no prior wildland fire experience is required. 

Location 

New Waverly, TX

Schedule 

January 19, 2026 - May 8, 2026 (16 total weeks)

Program starts with two weeks of USFS Fire Academy Training alongside other SCA + USFS teams. Certifications and topics at this training include but are not limited to: 

• Fire Training (Red Card, S-130, S-190) 
• Basic First Aid and CPR Certification 
• Federal Chainsaw Training 
• Risk Management 

Position Description: 

The primary objectives for this crew will be fuels reduction and prescribed burning projects. 

The crew will prepare USFS lands for burning, conduct prescribed burning, and assist in other recreation or conservation tasks as identified by USFS. Prescribed burning is condition-dependent, and members may serve long hours and/or weekends, depending on projects. 

Generally, members will not work more than 80 hours over a two-week period. 

When conditions are not ideal for burning, members will assist with other projects, including but not limited to vegetation removal, fire line preparation, equipment maintenance, and other work duties. The team will also have the opportunity to participate in networking and professional development.  

Throughout the season, the crew may have opportunities to respond to active fires. While deployed on a live fire with the federal fire teams, team members' service with SCA will be paused, and members will be put on a Service Interruption (also called Administratively Determined status). Members should expect to work 10–12-hour days while on these fire assignments. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities  

• Work collaboratively with a team of three other members and a leader to complete priority projects determined by USFS partner staff; 
• Engage as a productive crew member to promote healthy group dynamics and promote effective teamwork; 
• Work variable hours, possible long days and possible weekends, in remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, in varying weather conditions, and under physically demanding circumstances; 
• Use technical and mechanical equipment such as radios and hand or power tools. 

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 10 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and must occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more; 
• 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 and clear an in-person physical required by USFS. In-person physicals should be initiated by December 1, 2025 and cleared by the start of the program. 
• Interest in serving alongside and supporting others on a team; 
• 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. 

Hours  

40 per week 

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. If crew members have the opportunity to respond to active fires with USFS, they may be camping.   

Compensation and Benefits 

• $600/week (pre-tax) living allowance, paid bi-weekly 
• A one-time $650 (pre-tax) travel allowance, paid in first paycheck 
• Housing provided  
• Meals provided during workdays 
• SCA uniform package 
• Trainings: 
  • USFS Fire Academy Training (Red Card, S-130, S-190) 
  • Chainsaw 
  • Basic First Aid +CPR 
  • Other training opportunities, when available 

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

Personal Vehicle Information 

Recommended but not required 

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. 

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, 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 with minimal assistance from others. 

Working Conditions 

• Work schedules and projects may change on short notice or be ambiguous. 
• Work settings require the ability to positively interact with people of varying cultures and perspectives. 
• Natural environments and culturally significant locations that require respect to the land and indigenous peoples. 
• Inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, and lightning events. 
• 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. 

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.