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Wildland Fire Management is any work associated with wildland fires in rural and urban outdoor areas. Large fires are major incidents that often cross jurisdictional boundaries. Local, state and federal fire agencies have adopted uniform standards, training and operational procedures to better facilitate interagency functionality during fires. The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) is an organization responsible for standardization. All CMU Tech Wildland Fire Management training courses meet NWCG standards.

Professionals in this field need working competencies in a wide variety of subject areas including:   

  • Meteorology, climatology
  • Applied physics and biology
  • Ecology and geology
  • Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
  • Heat stress and human physiology
  • Emergency Incident Command Systems
  • Organizational management and leadership
  • Aviation management
  • Communications and public affairs
  • Backcountry emergency medical procedures

Why choose the Wildland Fire Management program at CMU Tech?

  • The only wildland fire management program in western Colorado
  • Students who complete the Wildland Fire Management course will receive a NWCG Training Certificate of Completion.
  • Current and retired career firefighters and incident meteorologists teach the courses
  • Training components include classroom, site visits, field training exercises and internships

The Associate of Applied Science Wildland Fire Management degree is designed for students who want the credentials of an associate degree combined with the technical training that meets National Wildfire Coordination Group (NWCG) standards. The courses offered align with the NWCG Curriculum.

Academic Requirements for Associate of Applied Science in Wildland Fire Management

Career Opportunities

  • Bureau of Indian Affairs
  • Bureau of Land Management
  • County sheriffs and fire marshals
  • Municipal fire departments
  • National Park Service
  • Private fire contractors
  • State forestry and fire organizations
  • US Fish and Wildlife Service
  • US Forest Service

Seasonal Temporary Employment

US Forest Service Jobs-Rocky Mountain Region

Program Faculty