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.

Options:

  • Entry-level Wildland Fire certificate (through Wildland Fire Academy)
  • Two-semester certificate in Forestry & Wildland Fire
  • Two-year degree coming soon

Wildland fire academy

FREE, with a 20-person limit

  • Will be held the first week in June in Pagosa Springs; registration details TBA
  • Job possibilities: apply for Red Card, front line fire crew, junior wildland firefighter

Forestry & Wildland Fire certificate (two semesters)

FREE to the first 20 participants

  • Job possibilities: forest product/timber industry, logging crew, thinning operations, work with arborists and small businesses
  • Two options to take the courses for free:
    - Take the Wildland Fire courses (during the fall semester or as a Wildland Fire Academy) FSW 1043, FSW 1000 and FSW 1001.
    - Take the entire certificate in fall 2024 and spring 2025.
  • Anyone who applies for the certificate starting Spring 2025 or later will be eligible for remaining Career Advance money, if funds are available, and will be eligible for financial aid.

Contact

Perry Pepper
Regional Director of Academic Services
Perry.Pepper@pueblocc.edu
970-564-6205

Heather Houk
Agriculture program coordinator
Heather.Houk@pueblocc.edu
970-564-6230