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Wildland Fire Science Certificate

award
CC Certificate of Completion
type of award
1 Year
total Credits
50-51
Financial Aid Available
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Overview

Ignite your passion for wildland fire science at Clackamas Community College 

Are you passionate about protecting our forests and communities from wildfires? Do you thrive in challenging environments and crave a career that makes a real difference? If so, then Clackamas Community College's Wildland Fire Science Certificate program is perfect for you. 

This one-year program equips you with the knowledge, skills and hands-on training you need to enter the exciting field of wildland firefighting. You will gain a deep understanding of: 

  • Wildland fire behavior and ecology 
  • Firefighting safety and tactics 
  • Forest management principles 
  • Land navigation and wilderness survival 
  • Crew leadership and teamwork 

Don't let your passion for the outdoors go untamed. Clackamas Community College's Wildland Fire Science Certificate program can equip you with the skills and knowledge to make a real difference on the frontlines of wildfire protection.

For detailed description and learning outcomes for this program, view the course catalog.
Classes

Required classes for the Wildland Fire Science Certificate

Job Outlook

From forest fires to forest futures: Launch your career today

The wildland fire science program provides training that can lead to seasonal employment in wildland firefighting or to the first step to a career in the forest industry or park service. There are many career tracks in the field of wildland firefighting and forestry. It’s exciting work that requires fundamental survival, safety and firefighting training and skills. It is also important to be physically fit, work well in a team environment and respond quickly and efficiently to instruction/commands. 

With increased demand for skilled professionals in these fields, a Wildland Fire Science Certificate from Clackamas Community College can be your springboard to a rewarding career.

For more information on career opportunities for this program, view the course catalog.
Skills

Gain essential skills for wildland science professionals

Clackamas Community College's Wildland Fire Science Certificate program equips you with the in-demand skills you need to thrive in this exciting field. Here's what you should gain:

  • Wildland fire experience: Develop a deep understanding of wildland fire behavior, fuels and weather patterns to predict fire spread and make critical decisions. 
  • Safety: Learn to recognize and mitigate hazards in wilderness and fire environments, ensuring your safety and the safety of your crew. 
  • Teamwork and leadership: Understand the skills needed to work effectively as part of a hand crew or engine crew, fostering strong communication and collaboration. 
  • Forest management: Gain a solid foundation in forest management principles, understanding the role of fire in healthy ecosystems. 

Upon graduation, you should be prepared to take on complex challenges with the ability to:

  • Assess risks and develop plans: Evaluate fire situations and design effective response plans based on strategy, tactics and incident objectives. 
  • Use firefighting tools: Become proficient in operating various firefighting tools and equipment, ensuring safe and efficient fire suppression. 
  • Lead with confidence: Develop the leadership skills necessary to supervise and direct personnel on the fire line.

This comprehensive program sets you apart, preparing you for a rewarding career in wildland fire management.

For more information on expected learning outcomes of successfully completing this program, view the course catalog.
Cost

Investing in your future

Clackamas Community College offers some of the lowest tuition rates in the Portland metro area. To begin building the cost for your program, you can start with the base estimate below. 

This estimate includes the cost of tuition and the general fees applied per class and per academic term. This estimate does not include additional fees required for many courses or the cost of course materials. Contact the program to learn more about additional costs that may apply. 

You can also find more information about the costs of attending CCC on the Tuition and Fees page.

Get help paying for college

Scholarships and grants (free money!) are available for students in this program. For help with financial aid and scholarships, contact the Financial Aid Resource Lab.  

 

Continuing Education

Continuing education for firefighters 

Separate from its degrees and academic certificates, Clackamas Community College also offers recertification trainings and professional development opportunities for wildland firefighters, forestry workers, public land managers and natural resource field technicians. 

Our S courses, professional workshops and refresher courses will boost your skills and allow you to advance in your profession. Learn more at www.cccwildfire.com

Wildland Refresher Training (RT-130) 

Wildland Fire Refresher Training (RT 130) informs wildland firefighters of current issues and the upcoming fire season. This training is required annually by all federal, state and contract firefighters. 

Training is provided to recognize and mitigate risk, maintain safe and effective firefighting practices, and reduce accidents and near misses. Clackamas Community College offers a five-hour refresher course each season. The college can arrange courses geared toward agency-specific requirements, such as fireline EMTs. 

Work Capacity (Pack) Test 

The Work Capacity (Pack) Test is a yearly requirement for all fireline personnel. CCC offers the test at the arduous level. As a recognized Public Training Provider, our pack tests are overseen by the Oregon Department of Forestry. 

After a safety briefing, participants will carry a weighted vest around the college track, completing three miles in 45 minutes (arduous). 

NWCG Logo National Wildfire Coordinating Group

Professional partnerships add value to your Clackamas education

Many of our courses are certified by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) and also provide college credit. We also partner with:

See where your certificate can take you

The classes you take in this program can help you earn additional certificates or degrees. Take one step at a time and know that each step gets you closer to your future goals. Even if you decide to change direction later, you will have a solid foundation to build on to keep moving forward.

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