Forestry, Wildfire Mitigation and Natural Resources

Help conserve and protect our planet

Are you interested in working to conserve our natural resources and help keep people connected with nature? With a certificate or degree in forestry, wildfire mitigation, or natural resources from PCC Southwest, you’ll be at the forefront of conserving and protecting our planet.

By engaging in our program's interactive and cooperative learning experience, you will acquire critical skills that are highly valued in the workforce, including effective communication, teamwork, and critical thinking. These skills will serve you well in any professional context. The program opens doors to various career paths, from education and community engagement to conserving forests and wildlands, land stewardship, policy formation, and consultancy services.

Forestry and Wildland Firefighting Certificate

The Forestry and Wildland Firefighting Certificate program provides comprehensive training in both wildland firefighting techniques and forest management practices. This integrated approach equips students with the skills to not only fight fires but also understand forest ecosystems, implement preventative measures, and contribute to sustainable forest management. Graduates emerge with practical skills for immediate employment and the ecological knowledge needed to maintain healthy forest environments.

Top reasons to enroll:

•  Complete pathway to Red Card certification
• Practical skills in both firefighting and forest management
• Career versatility across multiple natural resource agencies
• Hands-on field experience with professional equipment
• Understanding of forest ecology and fire behavior science
• No prior experience or college degree required

What will I learn?

Fire Management Skills:

• Fire behavior analysis and prediction techniques
• Safety protocols and risk assessment in wildland environments
• Firefighting equipment operation and maintenance
• Fire line construction methods
• Communication systems and protocols
• Tactical firefighting operations with and without water resources

Forest Management Skills: 

• Forest measurement techniques (diameter, height, volume calculations)
• Tree identification and forest ecology principles
• Silvicultural techniques and forest management practices
• Insect and disease identification and management
• Watershed, wildlife, and recreation resource management
• Timber harvesting planning and site impact assessment