There were over 50,000 wildfires in the US in 2019.
Wildfires destroy animal ecosystems as well as human environments. This is why the job of a wildland firefighter is so important.
If you’re interested in being part of a team that helps protect our nation’s forests, then this is the job for you. But how do you become a wildland firefighter?
The first step is reading through this guide about the educational and physical requirements (with a few tips on how to set yourself apart).
What Is a Wildland Firefighter?
Wildland firefighters do what all firefighters do: they put out fires. Except they’re tasked with putting out wildfires in some of the greatest forests in the US. They also work to prevent future fires from ever starting.
Wildland firefighters can work in both public and private forests. They may work for the federal or state government or at a local level.
Regardless of where and who they work for, their job is tough and competitive. This is exactly why having a checklist of the requirements is so useful.
Education Needed to Be a Wildland Firefighter
There isn’t exactly a “wildland firefighter” course you can take before applying for this position. Instead, there are a number of different post-secondary courses that are relevant to the job. These include coursework in:
- Forest Engineering
- Forestry
- Range Management or Conservation
- Wildland Fire Science
- Natural Resources Management
With that said, there are a number of agencies through which wildland firefighters work. These operate at the federal, state, and local levels. Each of these agencies has its own specific educational requirements. But, at the very least, you must be 18 years of age or older with a high school diploma.
Physical Requirements of a Wildland Firefighter
We can’t talk about wildland firefighting without talking about the physical requirements. Of course, the job is extremely strenuous and takes a high level of physical fitness. For this reason, wildland firefighters are not only expected to pass fitness tests to demonstrate their candidacy but they are tested annually to ensure they can keep up.
One of the tests that are common to all federal agencies is the Work Capacity Test. This is series of tests that measure physical strength and endurance. They’re intended to measure whether you have what it takes to perform the duties you’d be tasked with on the job.
Getting One Step Closer to a Wildland Firefighting Career
When agencies hold recruitment fairs, there are typically hundreds of applicants and very few open positions. For that reason, you need to know how to stand out.
Firstly, consider that previous firefighting experience will show that you have the physical and mental capacity to do the job of a firefighter. You might consider volunteering as a firefighter at your local department.
Second, while there are many different courses that can prepare you for wildland firefighter jobs, there are two types of courses in particular that are more relevant. These are fire science and emergency medical technician courses.
Last but not least, consider physically preparing for testing in the off-season so you’re at peak physical condition when the time comes. You’ll want to do a lot of cardio, but not just running. Think about hiking with a significant amount of weight.
More of The Best Career Advice
Being a wildland firefighter is a tough job. What’s even tougher is standing out from other applicants. But you can do that by pursuing the right education and physically preparing for what’s to come.
And for more of the best career advice, be sure to check out this section regularly.
