Also called: Burn Boss, Fuels Technician
Plans and lights carefully controlled fires to clear brush and prevent future megafires.
Fuels specialists measure dry vegetation, write burn plans, wait for perfect weather, then use drip torches to set controlled fires that clean up forests. Some Native American tribes have practiced 'good fire' for centuries, and the field is growing.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in forestry or fire ecology helpful; burn boss qualifications.
Ways in: 4-year college, On-the-job training, Certification. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Forestry, Fire Ecology, Natural Resources, Environmental Science.
Growing faster than average. Approximate; prescribed fire programs expanding.
Low risk for 10 years. Weather and fuel models help pick burn days; lighting and holding a controlled fire stays human.
Classes: Biology, AP Environmental Science, Earth science, Chemistry.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-4071.
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