Crew Lead: Wildland Fire & Prescribed Burns

Sowela; Houston, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 46,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided

Meals provided during workdays

SCA uniform package

Up to $1,000 travel stipend

Job summary

Sowela seeks a dynamic SCA crew lead for a 19-week season in Sam Houston National Forest, supporting prescribed burns, hazard reduction, and related projects with USFS oversight. Roles include leadership, mentoring, and project coordination under challenging field conditions.

Requirements include passing the WCT, in-person USFS medical, and Wilderness First Aid certification. Housing and travel stipends accompany a weekly stipend, with season dates January 4, 2027 through May 15, 2027.

Qualifications

• No prior wildland fire experience is required.
• Pass the Work Capacity Test at the Arduous level (3 mile walk with 45lb weight vest in 45 minutes or less).
• In-person physical required by USFS; initiate by 2026-12-01 and cleared by start of season.
• Wilderness First Aid certification, or ability to obtain before start of season.
• US Work Authorization.
• Valid driver’s license for 3+ years and MVR meeting SCA standards.

Responsibilities

• Act as a Crew Lead: facilitate teamwork and manage field tasks under USFS supervision.
• Serve as an Advisor: mentor personal and professional development and environmental stewardship.
• Act as a Project Manager: communicate with SCA and USFS, ensure timely completion of work and proper gear and PPE usage.
• Perform tasks as a Program Administrator: organize logistics, documentation, budgeting, and communication.
• Lead by example in 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 weekends, at remote locations, on difficult terrain and in varying weather.
• Monitor well-being in demanding environments with team support.

Job description

Sowela seeks a dynamic SCA crew lead for a 19-week season in Sam Houston National Forest, supporting prescribed burns, hazard reduction, and related projects with USFS oversight. Roles include leadership, mentoring, and project coordination under challenging field conditions.

Requirements include passing the WCT, in-person USFS medical, and Wilderness First Aid certification. Housing and travel stipends accompany a weekly stipend, with season dates January 4, 2027 through May 15, 2027.