Forestry Conservation and Firefighting
Training Programs > Renewable Resources and Energy

Forestry Conservation and Firefighting

Potential earnings range:
$33,050-$54,190*
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 Fire instructor at Oconaluftee Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center. He plays a key role in preparing students for careers with the U.S. Forest Service and other natural resource and land management organizations. Austin combines technical instruction with real-world field experience, helping students develop skills in forestry, conservation, wildland fire, teamwork, leadership, and professional readiness. His dedication to high standards and hands-on training has helped strengthen Oconaluftee’s Forestry Conservation and Wildland Fire programs.
Josh Welter
Josh Welter
Josh Welter is a Forestry Conservation instructor at Oconaluftee Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center, where he prepares students for careers in natural resource management, conservation, and wildland fire. Through hands-on instruction and field-based learning, Josh helps students build the technical skills, work ethic, and confidence needed to succeed in demanding careers on public lands. His commitment to student development supports Oconaluftee’s mission of creating skilled, career-ready professionals prepared to serve the nation’s forests and communities.
John Dunzweiler
John Dunzweiler
John Dunzweiler came to the Oconaluftee JCC from the Georgia Interagency Coordination Center where he served as the Center Manager for several years. Before that John worked in Kentucky with the Kentucky Interagency Coordination Center and spent several years on the Red Bird Ranger District in Engineering and Recreation. John's background is varied in Fire, Rescue, and EMS having spent his career in these fields. He is a graduate of Northern Arizona University with a BS in Parks and Recreation Management with emphasis in Outdoor Leadership. John is excited to be onboard and pass along his knowledge to Forestry/Fire Trade Students