The SCA is a national non-profit changing lives through hands-on conservation work in the outdoors. Our program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces at various locations across the country. After working with the SCA, program participants emerge with increased environmental awareness, social responsibility and leadership skills.

Current Opportunities

2024 Integrated Fire and Recreation Internship Candidates
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is partnering again with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to administer the Integrated Fire and Recreation Internship. This program is a full-time, 16-week, paid internship opportunity which prioritizes mission-critical work in fire and recreation while providing young adults with a high-quality internship experience. We value and seek greater diversity in our programs to enrich and broaden our community and tackle ever-changing and more complex conservation and social issues. We seek a diverse group of candidates and encourage applications from female-identifying or members of other marginalized communities interested in employment with USFS. Expected dates: Jan. 22, 2024 – May 17, 2024. Pay: $600/week living allowance, $1000/month Housing or monthly housing allowance provided and $1,100 Travel allowance paid once.

Program Details:

  • Program Dates: Jan. 22, 2024 – May 17, 2024
  • Internship starts with two weeks training followed by 14 week placement in the field.

Forest Service Locations:

  • Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
  • Cherokee National Forest
  • Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests
  • Kisatchie National Forest
  • Ouachita National Forest
  • National Forests in North Carolina

Eligibility Requirements:

  • U.S. Citizen; 18-30 years of age
  • Vehicle required for service at all locations
  • A Health Screening Questionnaire will be required from each member after hire
  • All members will be required to receive a physical via Acuity Health (hired candidates will have no out-of-pocket costs for physical)
  • Work Capacity Test (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS level is a ”condition of employment.” The Arduous fitness (Pack) Test requires completing a three (3) mile hike within forty-five (45) minutes, while carrying a forty-five (45) pound pack.

Integrated Fire & Rec Intern Team

Duties:

  • Under close supervision, receive on-the-job training in fire suppression and prevention
  • Assist with fuel management fire suppression such as fireline construction and backfiring
  • Move dirt, chop brush, or fell small trees to build fireline using hand tools
  • Patrol fireline to location and extinguish sparks, flare-ups and hot spot fire
  • Perform other resource management activities as assigned
  • Recreation/trails duties

Benefits:

  • $600/week living allowance
  • $1000/month Housing or monthly housing allowance provided
  • Hands-on experience
  • $1,100 Travel allowance paid once
  • Additional payment based on amount of active duty fire work with the U.S. Forest Service
  • Red card certification (Wildland Fire)
  • If internship is completed, interns will earn the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority giving them eligibility to apply to merit vacancy announcements for two years.
  • Likely potential to extend internship
  • Training and skill-building needed to effectively compete for permanent positions throughout the Region.

Ready to Apply?

Create an SCA Internship/Corps application here.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Chris Burley (CBurley@thesca.org) .

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