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Wildland Fire Forestry Career Pathway Certificate

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CPCC Career Pathway Certificate of Completion
type of award
Less Than 1 Year
total Credits
18
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Overview

Ignite Your Career in wildland fire forestry at Clackamas Community College 

Embrace the challenge, protect our lands and build a fulfilling career in wildland fire forestry. Clackamas Community College's Wildland Fire Forestry Career Pathway Certificate program equips you with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in this exciting and rewarding field. 

More than just a job, wildland fire forestry offers: 

  • The thrill of working outdoors: Immerse yourself in the beauty of diverse forest ecosystems, from towering evergreens to vibrant meadows. 
  • The challenge of protecting our natural heritage: Be part of the solution, mitigating the threats of wildfires and ensuring the sustainability of our forests. 
  • The camaraderie of teamwork: Collaborate with dedicated professionals, forging strong bonds while working toward a common goal. 
  • The satisfaction of making a real difference: Your expertise plays a crucial role in safeguarding communities and preserving the balance of our environment.
For detailed description and outcomes for this program, view the course catalog.
Classes

Required classes for the Wildland Fire Forestry Career Pathway

Job Outlook

High demand, fulfilling careers: Start your wildland fire journey at CCC

Clackamas Community College's Wildland Fire Forestry Certificate equips you for a career in a field with high demand and rewarding opportunities. Here's why you should consider this program:

  • Booming wildfire activity: Increased wildfire activity creates a constant need for trained professionals.
  • Diverse Career Paths: The certificate opens doors to a variety of fire forestry positions, including wildland firefighter, forest technician, fire inspector and more.
  • Seasonal and full-time options: Pursue seasonal firefighting work or climb the career ladder toward permanent positions in federal, state or private agencies.

Fuel your passion for the outdoors. Contact us to learn more about the Wildland Fire Forestry Certificate program.

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

Unleash your potential: Essential skills you will learn 

Clackamas Community College's Wildland Fire Forestry Certificate program equips you with a comprehensive skill set to thrive in this dynamic field. More than just firefighting, this program prepares you for a variety of roles within wildland fire forestry. 

Here's what you should gain:

  • Forest ecology: Develop a foundation in silviculture (forest management) and regeneration practices, crucial for understanding fire's role in forest health.
  • Plant identification: Learn to identify trees and shrubs commonly found in Oregon's diverse forests. This skill is essential for navigating fire zones and understanding vegetation's impact on fire behavior.
  • Forest infrastructure development: Gain knowledge of forest road development, a key component in fire access and management strategies.
  • Forest measurement tools: Become proficient in using forest measurement tools to assess timber volume and fire impacts on forest resources.
  • Timber marketing: Understand the principles of marketing timber and Oregon's specific forest harvest laws. This knowledge can be valuable in understanding the economic considerations of forest management and fire prevention.
  • Logging systems: Explore different logging systems used in forestry, providing a broader perspective on forest management practices.

Clackamas Community College's Wildland Fire Forestry Certificate program equips you for success — from forest ecology to fire management.

For more information on expected 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.

Ready to get started?

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Get Started Schedule of Classes

When does the next term start?

Find your start date! View our academic calendar.

Academic Calendar 

How can I pay for college?

Invest in your future. Learn about financial aid options and manage costs.

Financial Aid + Scholarships

Tuition and Fees

Not sure what to study?

Discover your path! Explore our wide range of degrees and certificates.

Browse Degrees + Certificates
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