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

*Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.

Technical Studies (43 Credits)

Course Title

Course Number

Credits

Prior Learning Credit
Eligibility Options

Plant Identification

10-057-140

1

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

3

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

2

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

1

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

1

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.

S133/S211/S131 Safety/Pumps/FF1

10-058-186

2

Combines three NWCG classes. S-133 is a fire safety course. S-131 is Firefighter Type 1 training. Sometimes called Squad Boss, these are the entry-level supervisors in wildland firefighting. 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

2

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

Hazmat Awareness & Operations

10-503-103

2

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

2

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

2

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

2

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.

Prereq: Exploring Natural Resources (10057104). Coreq: Math for Common Topics (10804117)

S212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws

10-058-162

1

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 (10057160 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

3

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) OR not pursuing a degree

Fire Prep

10-058-182

1

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

3

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); Math for Common Topics (10804117)

Forestry 1

10-057-132

3

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); Math for Common Topics (10804117)

History of Wildfire

10-058-171

3

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

Firefighting Principles

10-503-141

3

Describes basic fire behavior, techniques used to control structural and related fire emergencies, and life safety practices. Students perform all practical evolutions necessary to control and extinguish fires and otherwise meet all requirements for Firefighter I certification with the State of Wisconsin.

Forestry 2

10-057-133

3

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

1

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

1

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

1

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

General Studies (19 Credits)

Course Title

Course Number

Credits

Prior Learning Credit
Eligibility Options

Written Communication

10-801-195

3

[Experience](https://www.fvtc.edu/programs/Credit-For-Prior-Learning/Prior-Learning-Credit-Options)

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: ACCPL Reading >= 54 & Sentence >= 83 OR ACT (Read/Engl) >= 18 OR Program Prep OR Not pursuing a degree.

College Mathematics

10-804-107

3

[Test](https://www.fvtc.edu/programs/Credit-For-Prior-Learning/Prior-Learning-Credit-Options)

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: ACCPL Arithmetic >= 65 OR ACT Math >= 18 OR Program Prep OR Not enrolled in a program.

Oral/Interpersonal Comm

10-801-196

3

[Experience](https://www.fvtc.edu/programs/Credit-For-Prior-Learning/Prior-Learning-Credit-Options)

Focuses on developing various communication skills including speaking and listening. Students practice intrapersonal/interpersonal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentations, group activities and written projects.

Prereq: ACCPL Reading >= 54 & Sentence >= 83 OR ACT (Read/Engl) >= 18 OR Program Prep OR Not pursuing a degree.

Economics

10-809-195

3

[Test](https://www.fvtc.edu/programs/Credit-For-Prior-Learning/Prior-Learning-Credit-Options)

Provides a foundation of economic concepts and institutions so that students can apply economic thinking to their own decisions as consumers, employees and citizens in a market-oriented economic system. Topics include supply and demand, employment, prices and production, fiscal policy, monetary policy, market structures, and international trade and finance.

Prereq: ACCPL Reading >= 54 & Sentence >= 83 OR ACT (Read/Engl) >= 18 OR Program Prep OR Not pursuing a degree.

General Biology

10-806-114

4

[Test](https://www.fvtc.edu/programs/Credit-For-Prior-Learning/Prior-Learning-Credit-Options)

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: ACCPL Reading >= 54 & Sentence >= 83 OR ACT (Read/Engl) >= 18 OR Program Prep OR Not pursuing a degree.

Intro to Psychology

10-809-198

3

[Test](https://www.fvtc.edu/programs/Credit-For-Prior-Learning/Prior-Learning-Credit-Options)

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: ACCPL Reading >= 54 & Sentence >= 83 OR ACT (Read/Engl) >= 18 OR Program Prep OR Not pursuing a degree.