Lead Prescribed Fire Crew — Region 8

University of North Texas at Dallas; Dallas (TX); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided

Meals provided on workdays

Travel stipend

SCA uniform package

Job summary

The 2027 USFS Region 8 Prescribed Fire Corps offers a dynamic opportunity for those passionate about wildland firefighting. This SCA crew will have four crewmembers and one crew leader, assisting with prescribed burns and related projects with the U.S. Forest Service.

Schedule runs January 4, 2027 to May 15, 2027 (19 weeks). Compensation includes $850/week pre-tax, up to $1,000 travel stipend, and provided housing/meals.

Qualifications

• No prior wildland fire experience is required.
• Willingness to perform manual, physical labor for up to 12 hours per day, outdoors.
• 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).
• In-person physical required by USFS (initiated by Dec 1, 2026).
• Wilderness First Aid certification, or ability to obtain 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.

Responsibilities

• Act as a Crew Lead: facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, guiding crew dynamics under the operational supervision of permanent USFS overhead.
• 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 a budget, and communicating with SCA staff.
• 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 possible weekends, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, in varying weather conditions.
• Working conditions may involve extreme high temperatures, high humidity, unpredictable weather conditions, and steep terrain.

Skills

Manual labor

Leadership

Mentoring

Project management

Teamwork

Safety compliance

Adaptability

Tools

Wilderness First Aid certification

Driver's license

MVR compliance

Job description

The 2027 USFS Region 8 Prescribed Fire Corps offers a dynamic opportunity for those passionate about wildland firefighting. This SCA crew will have four crewmembers and one crew leader, assisting with prescribed burns and related projects with the U.S. Forest Service.

Schedule runs January 4, 2027 to May 15, 2027 (19 weeks). Compensation includes $850/week pre-tax, up to $1,000 travel stipend, and provided housing/meals.