Individual Placements – Ifri Chatahoochee-oconee National Forest

The Student Conservation Association is seeking two interns for the Chattooga River Ranger District in Lakemont, Georgia, from January 19 to May 9, 2026. Interns will work on the prescribed fire program and various projects, including fire line construction, hazard tree mitigation, and trail clearing. Candidates must be 18+, have transportation, and pass the arduous Work Capacity Test. This is a full-time position with a living allowance.
Chattooga River Ranger District – 2 IFRI Interns

Location: Lakemont, Georgia

Service Dates: January 19, 2026 – May 9, 2026= 16 weeks

About us:

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, community green spaces, and much more across the country.

Position Description:

The Chattooga River Ranger District will be preparing and implementing the 2026 prescribed fire program and a variety of additional projects across district program areas. The interns will primarily be working directly with the fire organization to help accomplish program goals, and they will also be working with the recreation program. The 2026 prescribed fire program includes burns across varied terrain with objectives related to fuels reduction, wildlife, and forest health management.

Member Key Duties and Responsibilities

The interns will primarily be working as part of a team. Activities will include fire line construction and maintenance, hazard tree mitigation, prescribed fire implementation and monitoring, as well as trail clearing, minor construction projects, and campground infrastructure maintenance. Interns who pass the Arduous Work Capacity Test may also respond to district wildfires under the forest’s AD hiring authority.

Member Marginal Duties

In addition to work assignments with the fire program and the recreation program, the intern will have opportunities to work with all other resource areas, to include silviculture, heritage, and wildlife management. While these are not the primary duties, these cross-training opportunities will be available on an ad-hoc basis.

Member Required Qualifications

The participant must be eighteen years of age with their own transportation and a government issued driver’s license.

Member Preferred Qualifications

The district recommends the intern should be able to pass the arduous level Work Capacity Test and have a strong interest in the management of public lands.

Combined Living/Commuter Allowance: $600.00 per week

Relocation Travel: $1,100.00 onetime

Housing Allowance: $1,000.00 per month.

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans aged 35 or younger, at the start of the position. Participants must also be a citizen or 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.

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.