Individual Placement - Big Bend National Park Wildland Fire Placement

Service Position Summary

The service opportunity entails engaging on wildfire and potentially all hazardous incidents. This includes training to becoming a qualified Type 2 firefighter per agency standards. Fighting fire will include various settings and crew types. Engines, Hand Crew, Helicopter Crew, and other related function may be a part of the “on the job training” daily activities. It will also include regular physical training and fitness activities.

This service opportunity is a part of SCA's National Direct Opportunity Youth Service Initiative (OYSI). OYSI is a partnership between SCA, AmeriCorps, and The Corps Network which engages youth ages 18–24 who are disconnected from school or work in hands-on conservation service that protect and restore public lands, waters, and recreation resources nationwide. The program provides job-skills training, support, and career pathways in environmental stewardship and infrastructure fields, while prioritizing placements for participants who meet opportunity-youth eligibility criteria

Service Location

Big Bend, TX

Service Schedule

June 8, 2026 - October 23, 2026

40 hours per week Monday-Friday

A minimum 30-minute lunch break is required each service day. Lunch periods do not count toward the required minimum service hours.

Immediate Supervisor/Title

Fabian Montano, Fire Management Officer, fabian_montano@nps.gov

AmeriCorps Service Term Minimum Hours

675 hours

Essential Functions

Responding to wildfire incidents and/or all hazardous incidents; Preparedness and ready for incident response will be routine, including daily equipment checks, PT, and any other requirements; Extensive travel within the GACC and or National assignments will be frequent throughout the season.

Marginal Functions

Assist park staff with general operations and visitor activities as needed; Support park-led events, programs, or maintenance tasks when requested; Provide occasional assistance with park fuels management or related resource projects.

Age Requirement

Adults 18 or older

Required Qualifications

Participants must be physically fit and capable of passing a work capacity pack test and engaging in strenuous outdoor work. Prior experience with manual labor in difficult outdoor settings is strongly preferred. Candidates need to be capable of remaining calm in stressful situations and ok being physically uncomfortable for extended periods of time. An interest in pursuing a career in wildland fire is key.

Local applicants only.

AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:

This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program and if you are selected, you will be serving as an SCA AmeriCorps member. To be eligible for this position you must meet these basic AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:

. Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States;

. Being at least 18 years or older;

. Having a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to complete;

. Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check after acceptance of position, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks.

Preferred Qualifications

First Aid/CPR certified, Fire Fighter 2 certified, Wilderness First Responder certified, S212 power saw certified

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Park housing or commuting

Compensation

$600/wk living stipend

Relocation cost support as needed, up to $650

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Recommended

Training and Additional Benefits

• Training will not exceed 20% of total service hours
• AmeriCorps and SCA Orientation
• SCA Risk Management
• Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace
• Professional Development and Job Readiness
• Defensive Driving Training
• First Aid/CPR
• Off-Road Vehicle Safety
• AmeriCorps Education Award

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.