Conservation Corps - 2025 USFS Table Rock Affinity Fire & Fuels Crew

Full Program Dates

January 20, 2025 - August 23, 2025

Schedule: 31 weeks, Jan 20, 2025 – August 23, 2025. Full program includes 23 weeks of SCA time, and 8 weeks of USFS AD time, outlined below.

Position Summary

The 2025 Table Rock Fire Crew is a dynamic and exciting opportunity for those interested in wildland firefighting. This female-identifying team will be made up of one Primary Lead, one Assistant Lead, and six crew members. The team will assist with prescribed burns and other projects with dedicated U.S. Forest Service operational overhead. The crew will be based in Clemson, SC.

Female-identifying candidates are encouraged to apply. We welcome cis and trans females, as well as non-binary and gender non-conforming applicants.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The primary objectives for this crew will be prescribed burning, fuel 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).

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.

Marginal Duties

When conditions are not ideal for burning, members will assist with other projects including vegetation removal, fire line preparation, and equipment maintenance.

Members will have opportunities for networking and professional development.

Crew members will participate in regular Physical Training (PT) throughout the season. This may include hiking, running, calisthenics, stretching, and routine physical activity alongside their crew.

Required Qualifications

• All team members must be able to pass the Work Capacity Test at the arduous level (a 3-mile walk with 45lb weight vest that must be completed in 45 minutes or less). Members that do not pass the pack test will not be able to continue with this program. More on the WCT can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjOZA2sbdMo.
• All team members must be able to undergo an in-person physical before December 1, 2024.
• Ability to work variable hours (long days and/or weekends), at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, in varying weather conditions, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Ability to perform manual labor for up to 10 hours per day on a routine basis, exposed to the elements and lifting and/or moving 40 pounds or more.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working in an outside setting

• Prior experience working as a member of a team

• Passion for wildland fire and conservation work

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.

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

Compensation

• Living allowance: $300/week (pre-tax)
• Commuting allowance: $300/week (pre-tax)

• A one-time $650 travel allowance (pre-tax)
• Shared housing with crew
• Meals (during work days)
• Eligibility for 675-hour AmeriCorps education award ($2,626.27)*
• Eligibility for a Public Land Corps Certificate for Noncompetitive Hiring Status

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

Vehicle Requirements

Recommended but not required

Additional Benefits

First Aid/CPR
AmeriCorps: Eligible/Optional

Equal Opportunity Statement

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 of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer.

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.