Position Description and Application Information
2024 Integrated Fire and Recreation (IFR) Internship Candidates (PO-00735889)
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is partnering again with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to administer the Integrated Fire and Recreation (IFR) 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.
The internship will start with a two-week training with basic firefighter training (S-130 & S-190), an arduous work capacity test, and basic trail management and maintenance. After the training, interns will spend approximately 14 weeks on districts implementing what they learned in the field. Upon completion of their 640-hour internship, interns will have the opportunity to earn the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority giving them eligibility to apply to merit vacancy announcements for two years with the Federal Government. Check out this quick 5-minute video about the program for an in-depth look and to hear from alumni. This position is split between fire service and trail work, the amount of fire work will vary from site to site.
Eligibility:
- US Citizen or Permanent Resident
- 18-30 years of age
- Background in natural resource management or biological sciences a plus.
- Physically fit
- Interested in working outside
- Positive attitude
- 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.
Program Details:
- Expected Dates: 1/22/2024 – 5/17/2024
- Position end dates may vary based on amount of active duty fire service competed
- Two week training followed by a 14 week placement in the field
- Qualified applicants will be able to express interest in their preferred sites
- Candidates will have the opportunity to go on AD status to fight wildfire for a portion of their internship and be paid by the USFS. If that is the case, interns will need to extend their internships end date by the same amount of days.
Site locations for this year:
Chattahoochee National Forest, Cherokee National Forest, National Forests in North Carolina, Francis Marion & Sumter National forest, Kisatchie National Forest, Ouachita National Forest.
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
Benefits:
- $600 / week living allowance
- $1000 / month Housing or monthly housing allowance provided
- $1,100 Travel allowance paid once
- Additional payment based on amount of active duty fire work with USFS
- 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.
SCA 1957
Position ID: PO-00735889
Expected Dates: January 22, 2024 - May 17, 2024
Professional Development Opportunities:
- 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.
Main Area of Focus: Backcountry/Trail work
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Not Eligible
Driving Logistics: Required
In order to get from housing to basic amenities you'll likely need a personal vehicle.
Housing will vary by the unit level you will be placed at.
Indoor/Outdoor: Outside
US Citizenship: Yes
