Wildland fuel and fire technology
Associate of Science
Changing wildland fuels to change wildland fire
Fire has always been a natural part of our wildlands, and it will continue to be a vital element in shaping ecosystems. As we face increasing challenges and negative impacts from wildfires, it’s essential to prepare more skilled professionals capable of managing fuels and influencing fire behavior for better outcomes.
In this program, you will work as a wildland firefighter while earning credit for taking your experience to the next level. This program enables you to directly impact wildland fire events by advancing your experience and skills. More than just learning how to work with tools in the field, you will build a solid understanding of how fuels, fire and environmental factors interact. Through a combination of coursework and required field experience, you will gain practical knowledge in wildfire operations, fuels management, monitoring techniques and communication. Classes are structured to work within and around your seasonal fire and fuels work and can be completed anywhere you have internet access.
Graduates of this program are prepared to step into roles such as wildland firefighter, prescribed fire crew member, or fuels technician. It also provides a strong foundation if you wish to pursue a Bachelor of Fire Ecology and Management degree, further expanding your opportunities in wildfire science and land management.
Overview
Related Topics
Become a fire expert
Degree fit
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Enjoy working hard outdoors
- Are a wildland firefighter or fuels technician, and ready to advance your career
- Want to earn a degree while you continue working
- Want to develop your leadership and decision-making skills
- Like to see the impact you can have over time
- Are good at making informed decisions in complex environments
Career outcomes
Current job openings
1,132 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Forest and Conservation Technicians
$54,665 - Forest and Conservation Workers
$40,796
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.
To maximize aid and scholarship possibilities, be sure to complete your FAFSA. For information on FAFSA deadlines and answers to common questions, visit the University of Idaho FAFSA website.
Plan ahead — estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Scholarships
Unlock scholarship opportunities at University of Idaho! When you apply to U of I, you're automatically considered for scholarships. We also offer a variety of scholarships based on experience, background and academic programs that student can apply for to help pay for college.
Explore available scholarships on our Scholarships website.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Hands-on learning
- Required field components in class
- Continuing to work as a seasonal job
Clubs
- Student Association for Fire Ecology (SAFE) club – on campus club with opportunities to join activities
Application information
Undergraduate applications open each September and admissions are processed on a rolling basis. Qualified students are admitted and considered for scholarships and financial aid as applications are received.
Explore admission requirements and apply on our Admissions website.