Congratulations on making it into the Student Conservation Association’s highly competitive Corps program! We’re thrilled to have you on the team.

Before you can hit the field, you will need to complete the steps below. All documents are due at least five days before your position starts. If you do not complete all onboarding requirements prior to your start date, you will not be able to start your position.

Required Paperwork

Please contact HRDocs@thesca.org for questions about any of the paperwork items below.
  • Background Check. Participation in a SCA program is contingent upon a satisfactory background check reviewed by SCA’s Human Resources Department. Look for an email from research@easybackgrounds.com or applicationstation@truescreen.com that includes a link to begin the background check process.
  • Electronic I-9. Form I-9 is used to verify your identity and employment authorization for work in the U.S. You will receive two simultaneous emails from PerfectCompliance.com; one will include directions for completing Section 1 of your Form I-9, the second will include directions for completing Section 2. You may also find the link to complete Section 1 in MySCA on the Home Page under the “Alerts” box. Please note: Section 2 can be completed by anyone who is not yourself or a family member (ex: a neighbor, a teacher, or a family friend). 
  • Medical Forms. Participation in a SCA program is contingent upon a medical form cleared by SCA’s Safety Department. Find your medical form in your MySCA portal under the “Alerts” box on the home page.  Based on the information that you provide in your medical form, you may be emailed additional forms to complete (if you take medications or need a physical exam, for instance). These follow-up forms will be emailed to you directly.
  • Enrollment Forms. All enrollment forms can be found in your MySCA portal, either on the homepage under the “Alerts” box, or under the “Prepare for Service” tab.
  • Distracted Driver Policy. Required for any members who may drive an SCA team vehicle. View the form here. Please sign and send to HRDocs@thesca.org.
  • ADP login. ADP is where you can fill out W-4 and direct deposit information. Look for an email from noreply@ADP.com for instructions on how to set up your account. Be sure to check your spam folder. This email is sent no later than the Wednesday prior to your start date.
  • MyAmeriCorps Enrollment Form. Required for members accepting an AmeriCorps Education Award. An email will be sent to you directly from SCA’s AmeriCorps Program Manager with instructions on how to create a MyAmeriCorps profile and complete the Enrollment Form.
  • FBI Fingerprinting. Required for members accepting an AmeriCorps Education Award. An email will be sent to you directly from SCA’s HR Department with a link to get started.

Required reading and trainings

Online trainings need to be completed within 14 days of accepting your offer in order to remain eligible for your Corps member position.
  • Corps Member Handbook. This contains important information about SCA, AmeriCorps, benefits, expectations, policies and procedures.
  • Driver Online Training. Required for members age 21+ who have cleared SCA’s MVR check and may be driving an SCA vehicle during their season. Online training must be completed before start of season, and is valid for two years. Look for an email from LearnUpon, SCA’s Learning Management System. Training takes about 40 minutes and contains two courses: Driver Safety & Distracted Driving Prevention.
  • Prevent Discrimination and Harassment Online Training. Watch this training. Be sure to save your completed certificate. Please note: Mosaic “CA” course is specifically for those working California. All others should take the standard Mosaic training.
  • The What & Why of JEDI – An Introduction to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Online Training. Watch this training.
  • AmeriCorps Orientation Video. Required for members accepting an AmeriCorps Education Award. Each link to this video is unique, so please use the link included in the “Next Steps for your AmeriCorps position” email that you received.

Additional reading materials

  • Field Guide. The Field Guide contains tons of useful resources for your time in the field.  From safety standards and written policies to games and helpful resources, the Field Guide is often the first resource teams use while in the field. We recommend taking a look at the Field Guide before your season to help you get prepared. View the SCA Field Guide.

Register now for the SCA's Wildland Fire Academy virtual info session at 1 p.m. EST on Nov. 4, 2024