Forestry Conservation and Firefighting
Training Programs > Renewable Resources and Energy

Forestry Conservation and Firefighting

Potential earnings range:
$32,864-$84,926*
Per year after graduation

Do you enjoy teamwork and physical tasks? Do you have a commitment to safety and respond well to stressful situations? Enjoy being outside and active? 

Then you may be a good fit for Job Corps’ Forestry Conservation and Firefighting training program. 

On the job, you will ...

  • Work to measure and improve the quality of forests 

  • Use digging and planting tools to plant seedlings and power saws to cut down diseased trees 

  • Provide technical assistance regarding the conservation of soil, water, forests and related natural resources 

  • Control and put out fires 

  • Respond to emergencies involving life, property or the environment, including disaster aid, search-and-rescue operations, and traffic accidents 

  • Provide medical attention in a variety of situations 

Some of the career options you will have ...

Most Forestry Conservation and Firefighting graduates go on to become forest conservation and firefighting specialists. Forestry conservation and firefighting specialists spend most of their time outdoors and have very physically demanding tasks. Those interested in this career should be able to follow directions well because of the risks involved with this job. They work in close-knit teams in forested and wooded areas. Additionally, you must be at least 18 years old to be hired as a firefighter.

Students should also consider pursuing the Advanced Fire Management and Advanced Forestry training area and other Advanced Training programs at Job Corps as part of their career pathway. 

The credentials you will earn ...

In the Forestry Conservation and Firefighting training program, you can earn industry-recognized credentials from such organizations as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) and the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).  

Students will also become Pack Test-certified and earn a certification in basic first aid and CPR. Students will also gain the ability to work in steep terrain and in extreme temperatures, altitude and smoke while maintaining the ability to meet unforeseen emergencies. 

Students should also earn a state-issued learner’s permit and driver’s license upon completion of the program. 

What you’ll need to start training ...

  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent (can be earned at all Job Corps centers) 

  • Completion of all introductory and career preparation courses 

  • Passing scores on all written and performance test 

  • Meet academic (math and reading) requirements 

* Salary information comes from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Program and is provided for planning purposes only. Actual salary will depend on student skill level, credentials earned, experience level and location.

Need help meeting one or more of these requirements?

Don’t worry! At Oconaluftee Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center, our staff will help you along your journey to make sure you have all the tools and resources you need to check those boxes and start your training.

 

Meet your instructors

Meet your instructors

Austin Ritch
Austin Ritch
Austin Ritch is a Forestry Conservation and Wildland Firefighting Instructor at Oconaluftee Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center. He has Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Administration degrees from Western Carolina University and has completed the Master Tree Farmer course from Clemson University.