Through a partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, the Integrated Fire and Recreation Internship is a full-time, paid 16-week program designed to provide young adults with valuable training and certifications to start their conservation careers in wildland firefighting.
Hands-On Experience: Dive into critical fire and recreation management tasks, from wildfire response to trail maintenance.
Professional Training: Receive essential certifications, including wildland firefighting and work capacity testing.
Career Launchpad: Build a strong foundation for a career in conservation and environmental science.
Applications for the 2025 season are now closed. Keep an eye out for the 2026 recruitment, starting in late August 2025.
Dates: Jan. 19, 2025 – May 10, 2025
Internship starts with two weeks training followed by 14 week placement in the field.
$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.
Applications submitted by Sept. 8, 2024 will be the first to be reviewed.
U.S. Citizen; Ages 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.
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
Amanda DuPrey
Program Coordinator – National Initiatives
The Student Conservation Association, Inc.
Email: aduprey@thesca.org
Manage and mentor junior program participants working outdoors at sites in various states.
Hyper-local community service projects in a city near you.
Wildland fire hazardous fuels reduction.
Conservation internships for a variety of fields.
Join our community of supporters who care deeply about preserving parks, public lands and urban green spaces.
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