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Printed on 6/10/2023

Wildland Firefighter

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10-058-1 Associate Degree (AAS) Part Time, Full Time 62 Credits Financial Aid Eligible Time of Day: Day Location*: Appleton

*If general education courses are required, they may be available at multiple locations.

Your interest in the outdoors and intense physical activity could lead to a rewarding career protecting life, property and natural resources from wildfires. Gain the skills you need to use planned, controlled fire as a tool in wildlife management, forestry or endangered species management. You’ll learn about the ignition and suppression of wildland and prescribed fire, along with the safe operation of equipment. You’ll also get plenty of hands-on experience in live fire situations. Your training will cover ecosystem-based management, emergency response, hazardous materials, structural and wildland fire practices. You’ll be part of an elite and uniquely qualified group of wildland firefighters.

COURSE LIST

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Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

    Technical Studies (43 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Plant Identification
    10-057-140
    1Credit
    36
    18
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 18
    • Course Number: 10057140
    • Credits: 1.00

    Provides a basic study of the trees, grasses, herbs and aquatics of Wisconsin. The class focuses on the principal species of seven major plant communities: forest, bog, agriculture, prairie, marsh, shrub and beach.

  • Exploring Natural Resources
    10-057-183
    3Credit
    90
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 90
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10057183
    • Credits: 3.00

    Provides basic study of natural resources, focusing on their abundance, importance, and conservation. The physical biological variables of the environment will be studied in field and classroom settings. Career development will be incorporated to expose students to job-related activities for the following core areas: wildlife and fisheries, forestry, surveying, outdoor recreation, soils, and water quality and wastewater management.

  • Wildfire Intro S130/S190/L180
    10-058-160
    2Credit
    45
    63
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 45
    • Outside Effort Hours: 63
    • Course Number: 10058160
    • Credits: 2.00

    Prepares new firefighters in basic firefighting skills and behavior factors that will aid them in the safe and effective control of wildland fires.

  • S-219 Firing Operations
    10-058-164
    1Credit
    27
    27
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10058164
    • Credits: 1.00

    Planning, execution, safety, coordination and evaluation of an ignition operation on a wildland or prescribed fire.

    Prereq: Wildland Fire Intro S-130/190/180 (10058160) OR not pursuing a degree
  • Fitness Qualification Prep 1
    10-058-173
    1Credit
    36
    18
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 18
    • Course Number: 10058173
    • Credits: 1.00

    Introduces the student to the requirements for the 1.5 mile run, 3 mile pack test and step test which are required by wildland fire hiring agencies.

  • S211/S131 Pumps/FF1
    10-058-186
    2Credit
    36
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10058186
    • Credits: 2.00

    Combines two NWCG classes. S-131 is Firefighter Type 1 training. Sometimes called Squad Boss, these are the entry-level supervisors in wildland firefighting. Topics include operational leadership, communications, LCES, and tactical decision making. S-211 consists of three skill areas including supply, delivery and application of water.

    Prereq: 10058160 Wildfire Intro S130/S190/L180 OR not pursing a degree
  • Wildfire Equipment Operation
    10-058-188
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10058188
    • Credits: 2.00

    Operation of heavy equipment of hand tools used in wildland fire.

  • Hazmat Awareness & Operations
    10-503-103
    2Credit
    36
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10503103
    • Credits: 2.00

    Identify the classification hazardous materials, determine the nature and extent of the problem, and protect first responders, nearby persons, and the environment from the effects of the release.

  • Emergency Medical Responder with Healthcare Provider CPR
    10-531-105
    2Credit
    76
    32
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 76
    • Outside Effort Hours: 32
    • Course Number: 10531105
    • Credits: 2.00

    Teaches and evaluates the knowledge/skills needed to respond to medical or trauma situations. It includes AED, Combitube, EpiPen, Spinal Immobilization, CPR and skills needed to assist the ambulance crew. This course meets Wisconsin and National licensure guidelines. Students receive an AHA Healthcare CPR card and FVTC Emergency Medical Responder certificate.

  • Ecology
    10-057-109
    2Credit
    36
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10057109
    • Credits: 2.00

    Examines the relationships and interrelationships of living organisms in their environment. Students study natural selection and speciation, environmental conditions, populations and competition, succession, energy flow and biogeochemical cycles, and the diversity of ecosystems.

    Coreq: Written Communication (10801195) or English Composition 1 (10801136)
  • Natural Resources Common Topics
    10-057-143
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10057143
    • Credits: 2.00

    Introduces U.S. public land surveys, topographic maps, orienteering principles and mapping. Other topics include the polar planimeter, dot grid, abney levels and clinometers, basic aerial photo uses, and chainsaw use and maintenance.

    Coreq: College Mathematics 10804107
  • S212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws
    10-058-162
    1Credit
    36
    18
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 18
    • Course Number: 10058162
    • Credits: 1.00

    Provides introduction to the function, maintenance and use of internal combustion engine-powered chainsaws and their tactical wildland fire application.

    Prereq: Wildfire Intro S130/S190/L180 (10058160 or 10057160) and Emergency Medical Responder (10531104) or First Responder (10531105) or current certification in basic First Aid and CPR or not pursuing a degree
  • Fire Experience
    10-058-179
    3Credit
    108
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 108
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10058179
    • Credits: 3.00

    Allows students to gain valuable fire experience for the resume. While not guaranteed, students may be paid for some forest fire suppression duty.

    Prereq: Wildfire Intro S130/S190/L180 (10058160); Coreq: Wildfire Gear (94058000)
  • Fire Prep
    10-058-182
    1Credit
    36
    18
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 18
    • Course Number: 10058182
    • Credits: 1.00

    Prepares the student for fire season. Topics include writing burn plans, burn site checks, equipment inventory, organization and maintenance.

  • Wildlife Mgmt - Nongame and Hunted Species
    10-057-128
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10057128
    • Credits: 3.00

    Introduces wildlife ecology and management. The course focuses on habitat restoration and maintenance, deer management, wildlife damage control, ecological concepts and population dynamics.

    Prereq: Exploring Natural Resources 10057104 or 10057183, Ecology 10057109, NR Common Topics 10057143, Written Communication 10801195, College Mathematics 10804107
  • Forestry 1
    10-057-132
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10057132
    • Credits: 3.00

    Covers tree and shrub identification (dendrology), forest mapping, stand inventory, basic forest ecology, silvicultural practices and timber types. This course prepares students to perform more specific job-related tasks in Forestry 2.

    Prereq: Exploring Natural Resources 10057104 or 10057183, Ecology 10057109, NR Common Topics 10057143, Written Communication 10801195, College Mathematics 10804107
  • History of Wildfire
    10-058-171
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10058171
    • Credits: 3.00

    Examines the role of wildland fire and firefighting throughout history to the present.

  • Forestry 2
    10-057-133
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10057133
    • Credits: 3.00

    A continuation of Forestry 1 with studies of aerial photography applications, logging operations, lumber scaling and grading, fire weather and fire suppression, tree planting and seeding operations, forest diseases and insects of the lake states. It culminates with field trips to natural resource agencies to view the practices and principles learned during class.

    Prereq: Forestry 1 (10057132)
  • S290 Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior
    10-058-163
    1Credit
    36
    18
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 18
    • Course Number: 10058163
    • Credits: 1.00

    Designed to prepare the prospective supervisor to undertake safe and effective fire management operations.

    Prereq: Wildfire Intro S130/S190/L180 (10058160) OR not pursuing a degree
  • Prescribed Fire
    10-058-181
    1Credit
    72
    0
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 10058181
    • Credits: 1.00

    Consists of student participation in prescribed fire application for management and fuel reduction objectives. Emphasis will be on safety, ignition patterns and holding crews.

    Prereq: Wildfire Intro S130/S190/L180 (10058160) OR not pursuing a degree
  • S134 & RT130 Annual Refresher
    10-058-185
    1Credit
    18
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 18
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10058185
    • Credits: 1.00

    Compiles two NWCG classes. S-134 is a safety course focusing on personal firefighter safety. RT-130 is the annual fire line safety refresher training required for all firefighters. Topics differ by year based on industry recommendations and identified training needs. Includes annual shelter deployment practice for all participants.

    Prereq: Wildland Fire Intro S-310/190/180 (10058160) OR not pursuing a degree
  • Forest Recreation Environmental Education
    10-057-131
    3Credit
    81
    81
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 81
    • Outside Effort Hours: 81
    • Course Number: 10057131
    • Credits: 3.00

    Emphasis will be creating and presenting environmental education activities to various audiences. The design and delivery of environmental curriculum is the focus and will be augmented with additional public presentations and volunteering at area environmental centers. Individual and group laboratory projects and presentations are required.

    Prereq: Exploring Natural Resources (10057104 or 10057183); Ecology (10057109); Written Communication (10801195)

    General Studies (19 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Written Communication
    10-801-195
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10801195
    • Credits: 3.00

    Teaches the writing process which includes prewriting, drafting and revising. Through writing assignments, students analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on subject matter and content. Class sessions and assignments involve giving oral presentations and using computers.

    Prereq: HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL Read 54+/Sent 83+, Next Gen Read 250+/Sent 250+, ACT Read 18+/Engl 18+ OR Read Prep 10838105/Sent Prep 10831103 OR Not pursuing a degree
  • College Mathematics
    10-804-107
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10804107
    • Credits: 3.00

    Designed to review and develop fundamental concepts of mathematics in the areas of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, measurement and data. Special emphasis is placed on problem solving, critical thinking and logical reasoning, making connections, and using calculators.

    Prereq: Arith – HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL 65+, Next Gen 263+, ACT Math 18+ OR Arith Prep 10834109 OR Not pursuing a degree
  • Oral/Interpersonal Comm
    10-801-196
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10801196
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.

    Prereq: HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL Read 54+/Sent 83+, Next Gen Read 250+/Sent 237+, ACT Read 18+/Engl 15+ OR Read Prep 10838105/Sent Prep 74851745 OR not pursuing a degree
  • Intro to Psychology
    10-809-198
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10809198
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on the theoretical foundation of human functioning and looks at learning, motivation, emotions, personality, deviance and pathology, physiological factors and social influences. Students consider the complexities of human relationships in personal, social and vocational settings.

    Prereq: HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL Read 54+/Sent 83+, Next Gen Read 250+/Sent 237+, ACT Read 18+/Engl 15+ OR Read Prep 10838105/Sent Prep 74851745 OR not pursuing a degree
  • Economics
    10-809-195
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10809195
    • Credits: 3.00

    This course is designed to give an overview of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and international economics. Concepts include scarcity, resources, alternative economic systems, growth, supply and demand, monetary and fiscal policy, inflation, unemployment and global economic issues.

    Prereq: HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL Read 54+/Sent 83+, Next Gen Read 250+/Sent 237+, ACT Read 18+/Engl 15+ OR Read Prep 10838105/Sent Prep 74851745 OR not pursuing a degree
  • General Biology
    10-806-114
    4Credit
    90
    126

    • Instructional Hours: 90
    • Outside Effort Hours: 126
    • Course Number: 10806114
    • Credits: 4.00

    Introduces general biological concepts and principles. Emphasis is on cell structure and function, genetics, evolution and taxonomical relationships. Consideration is also given to diversity among the various kingdoms. This course emphasizes an environmental perspective and is suitable for students in Natural Resources, Early Childhood Education, Laboratory Science, Forensic Science and others interested in environmental biology.

    Prereq: HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL Read 54+/Sent 83+, Next Gen Read 250+/Sent 237+, ACT Read 18+/Engl 15+ OR Read Prep 10838105/Sent Prep 74851745 OR not pursuing a degree
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Expected Competencies

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