2027 Table Rock Fire Crew Member Position Description Highly motivated applicants looking for a wildland fire career path are encouraged to apply; no prior wildland fire experience is required for this position. A cover letter is strongly encouraged; references may be checked. The Table Rock Fire Crew is a U.S Forest Service (USFS) / SCA partner-enabled training crew established in 2023; USFS Agency crew standards apply throughout the season. This team will be made up of two crew leaders and six crew members all working under the operational supervision of three dedicated USFS primary fire employees as part of the Table Rock Fire Crew. This is a dynamic and immersive opportunity for those interested in wildland firefighting, prescribed fire, and caring for public lands. Strong teamwork is required. 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+ hours) and longer tours (14 operational shifts + travel days) while on wildfire assignments, and have limited food options available. 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 11- 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.

Tentative Season Start Schedule:

Week one: SCA season preparation. Season prep will take place on site alongside SCA crew leads and/or other subject matter experts.

Weeks two and three:

Crew will join other SCA teams for 2 weeks of USFS Fire Academy Training. Certifications and topics at this training include but are not limited to: Fire Training (Red Card, S-130, S-190, L-180) Federal Chainsaw Training (S-112) Risk Management Living Accommodations Crew members will live and serve together for the duration of the season. The crew will be provided with shared housing and campsites throughout the season. Crew members should expect to share rooms in team housing. SCA emphasizes the importance of community on our crews. Crew members should expect to fully participate in activities related to communal living on their team. To ensure a well-run team, crew members must all participate in house and crew responsibilities, including shared chores, cooking group meals, grocery shopping, and other team-based responsibilities. The crew will camp while out on fire assignment and will be provided shared housing near Clemson, SC, for off time. General Season 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 2027 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 for 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 should expect to fully participate in activities related to communal living on their team. To ensure a well-run team, crew members must all participate in house and crew responsibilities, including shared chores, cooking group meals, grocery shopping, and other team-based responsibilities. Working conditions may involve extreme high temperatures, wildfire smoke, high humidity, unpredictable weather conditions, and steep terrain. With support from their team supervisors, members will be asked to monitor and be responsible for their well-being in these environments. Crew 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 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 in a variety of outdoor conditions, 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, 2027. Must clear the in-person physical before the start of the program; Experience and interest in serving alongside and supporting others on a team; Ability to live alongside a team, in shared housing, and participate in community chores, activities, 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 wildland fire, 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 Team food budget for work days (managed by team leaders)

Trainings:

USFS Fire Academy Training (Red Card, S-130, S-190) Chainsaw training (S-112) 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 Eligibility for an AmeriCorps Education Award 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 Working Conditions Work schedules and projects may change on short notice or be ambiguous. The work environment will consist of extreme hot and cold temperatures, adverse heat conditions which could include temperatures in some regions up to 110°F or hotter, adverse humidity, etc. The work environment will occasionally include poor air quality conditions by nature (due to wildfire smoke, smog, etc.). Also, there could be other severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, and lightning events. Exposure to natural and environmental hazards such as poison ivy, oak, or sumac, tick and mosquito-borne illness, snakes, and the 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.