SCA is looking to fill an open member position on the 2026 Table Rock team. The Table Rock team started the season in January; this new member position will be starting with the team mid-season. Applicants who already have a current red card are highly encouraged to apply!
The 2026 Table Rock Fire Crew is a dynamic and immersive opportunity for those interested in wildland firefighting, prescribed fire, and caring for public lands. This team is made up of two crew leaders and six crew members; the team is under the supervision of three dedicated USFS primary fire employees throughout the season as part of the Table Rock Fire Crew.
The primary objectives for this crew is prescribed burning, fuels reduction, and wildfire response. The crew prepares US Forest Service (USFS) lands for burning, conducts prescribed burning, and works 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+ hour days) while on wildfire assignments.
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.
Schedule
April 27th - August 29th
Team is currently in the field, so this member position start date is flexible. Team member end date is Aug 29, 2026. Full program includes both SCA time, and up to 9 weeks of USFS Administratively Determined (AD) time, outlined below.
Team will serve variable hours based on service activities and season. Specific weekly schedule will vary depending on the needs of the team.
While team is on SCA program time, they will work on 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 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.
Up to 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 under USFS.
Location
Based near Clemson, SC, with regular travel throughout the southeastern U.S and potential to travel nationally.
Key Duties and 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 will live and serve together for the duration of the season. SCA emphasizes the importance of community building and growth in interpersonal skills throughout the program.
Marginal Duties
Participate in networking and professional development opportunities.
Required Qualifications
Minimum of 18 years of age;
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.
Preferred Qualifications
- Current red card, or if red card is expired, having the ability to pass the Work Capacity Test at the Arduous level
Living Accommodations
Crew members 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
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Additional Benefits
Personal Vehicle Information
Recommended but not required.
Equal Opportunity 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.
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults.
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, our members emerge with increased environmental awareness, social responsibility and leadership skills.
As America’s most effective youth conservation service organization, the SCA transforms lives by empowering young people of all backgrounds to plan, act, and lead while they protect and restore our natural and cultural resources.
Founded in 1957, the SCA is dedicated to building the next generation of conservation leaders while inspiring lifelong protection of the environment and our communities.
SCA's mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of our environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.
