Fuel Management
Fuel management jobs involve reducing hazardous vegetation to lower wildfire risk, protect infrastructure, and restore ecological balance. Workers in this field use a combination of mechanical, manual, and chemical methods to remove brush, ladder fuels, and small trees across forests, wildlands, and the wildland-urban interface (WUI). The work may involve chainsaws, masticators, herbicide sprayers, chippers, or burn piles, often in remote and rugged terrain. Fuel treatment is foundational to wildfire mitigation and ecosystem health and includes career opportunities in both public agencies and private contractors.
Industry Insights
A high-level pulse check on talent demand, projected growth, compensation, and how work typically happens across this pathway.
Estimated employment nationwide in 2024
BLS job outlook (2024–2034)
Mid-career annual salary (nationwide median)
How the work is typically performed
Year-round planning and contracting
Active openings across the FireUp network
Career Pathways & Progression
Position Responsibilities
Learn field basics, tool handling, and follow safety protocols under supervision.
Job Types & Titles
- Conservation Crew Member
- Vegetation Technician
- Chainsaw Trainee
- Fuel Crew Laborer
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
HS Diploma / None required
Certifications
S-130/S-190, Chainsaw Cert (S-212), CPR
Experience
0 years
Position Responsibilities
Conduct vegetation removal using hand tools or light equipment. Follow treatment prescriptions.
Job Types & Titles
- Fuels Reduction Technician
- Chainsaw Operator (S212)
- Masticator Operator
- Crew Lead
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
AS/BS in Forestry, Fire Science, or NR
Certifications
S-130/S-190, S-212, OSHA
Experience
1-3 years
Position Responsibilities
Develop treatment plans, manage crews, conduct ecological assessments, coordinate permits.
Job Types & Titles
- Fuels Specialist
- Environmental Planner (Fuel Projects)
- Forest Technician
- RX Burn Planner
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
AS/BS in Forestry, Fire Science, or NR
Certifications
RXB2, NEPA training, Fuels specialist certifications
Experience
3-5 years
Position Responsibilities
Lead regional operations, administer large-scale contracts, and oversee safety, compliance, and reporting.
Job Types & Titles
- Fuels Program Manager
- Fire Mitigation Director
- Vegetation Management Superintendent
- Forestry Contractor CEO
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
BS/MS, State License (if required)
Certifications
Advanced NWCG certifications, PMP, contracting
Experience
5-10+ years
Who Hires Fuel Management Professionals?
Explore leading organizations in this field and discover career opportunities.
U.S. Forest Service
Bureau of Land Management – Fire Program
National Park Service – Fire & Aviation Management
Bureau of Indian Affairs – Forestry & Wildland Fire
CAL FIRE – Department of Forestry & Fire Protection
Oregon Department of Forestry
Washington Department of Natural Resources
BurnBot
Davey Tree Expert Company
BurnBot
California Conservation Corps
American Conservation Experience (ACE)
Yakama Nation Forestry & Wildland Fire Management
Education & Certification
Lay the foundation for your career with the right education and stand out with professional certifications.
Academic Programs
Professional Certifications
Words from the Field
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