How to Be Fire/Forestry Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 23, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Wildfires have become an increasingly common and dangerous event in recent years. The effects of these fires can be devastating for communities, ecosystems, and economies, with the cause of these fires often attributed to human negligence or climate change. To combat the increasing threat of wildfires, Fire/Forestry Managers play an essential role in developing strategies that reduce the risk of these events and limit the damage they cause.

By managing forests with prescribed burning techniques and creating defensible space around homes and other structures, Fire/Forestry Managers are able to reduce the spread of wildfires by limiting their intensity and duration. Furthermore, Fire/Forestry Managers work with local governments to create action plans in the event of a wildfire, and they often partner with local fire departments to coordinate wildfire response and containment efforts. Fire/Forestry Managers are essential in mitigating the risks posed by wildfires and protecting communities from the devastating effects of these events.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. In order to become a fire/forestry manager, you must have at least a bachelor's degree in forestry, natural resources management, or a related field.
Gain Experience. Most fire/forestry managers have at least 5 years of experience in the field. This experience can include working as a forest technician, park ranger, or other jobs related to forest management.
Obtain Certification. Most states require fire/forestry managers to become certified by the Society of American Foresters (SAF). Certification can be obtained through completing a series of tests and attending training courses.
Obtain Licensure. In some states, fire/forestry managers are required to obtain a license from the state. Licensure requirements typically include passing an exam and having a certain amount of experience.
Pursue Continued Education. Fire/forestry managers should stay current on new developments in their field. This can include attending conferences, taking classes, and reading professional publications.

A successful Fire/Forestry Manager must possess a variety of skills and qualifications. To begin with, they must have a strong understanding of fire safety and prevention measures, in order to protect the public and property from the risks of fire. They must also have a knowledge of forestry management, in order to plan and execute maintenance and development projects.

In addition, they should be experienced in budgeting, so that they can manage the funds available to them and allocate resources effectively. Furthermore, they should have excellent organizational skills in order to coordinate the various aspects of their job. Finally, they should have strong communication skills in order to effectively relay information and collaborate with other stakeholders.

All of these skills and qualifications are essential for a Fire/Forestry Manager to be successful in their role.

You may want to check Forestry Educator, Fire/Forestry Educator, and Fire/Forestry Biologist for alternative.

Job Description

Firefighter: Responsible for responding to and extinguishing fires, providing emergency medical services, and performing hazardous materials operations.
Forestry Technician: Responsible for monitoring and managing forest lands, conducting forest surveys and inventories, and implementing forest management plans.
Fire Prevention Officer: Responsible for conducting fire safety inspections, developing fire prevention programs, and administering emergency response plans.
Fire Investigator: Responsible for determining the cause of fires, documenting and collecting evidence, and preparing reports on fire incidents.
Wildland Firefighter: Responsible for responding to and suppressing wildland fires, using specialized equipment and techniques.
Training Officer: Responsible for developing training programs and providing instruction on firefighting techniques, safety procedures, and emergency response operations.
Fire Suppression Engineer: Responsible for designing and maintaining fire suppression systems, performing risk assessments, and analyzing fire data.
Forest Fire Management Officer: Responsible for managing forest fire suppression operations, implementing fire prevention strategies, and monitoring forest health conditions.
Emergency Medical Technician: Responsible for providing medical care at fire scenes, responding to medical emergencies, and transporting patients to hospitals.
Fire/Forestry Manager: Responsible for overseeing the organizations firefighting and forestry operations, developing budgets and policies, and managing personnel.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of fire behavior, weather patterns and forest ecology
Ability to develop and implement policies and procedures related to fire prevention, suppression and control
Skill in developing and managing budgets, grants and contracts
Proven experience in managing personnel, equipment and resources related to fire protection and forestry
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Knowledge of fire suppression techniques, including prescribed burning
Experience with GIS systems and other computer mapping programs
Ability to analyze data and generate reports
Understanding of local, state and federal laws related to fire and forestry
Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Having the right skills as a Fire/Forestry Manager is essential to be successful in this role. Effective communication, decision-making and problem-solving skills are some of the most important skills to possess in order to ensure that all aspects of the job are done properly. Without these skills, it can be difficult to efficiently manage resources, handle conflicts and develop strategies to reduce wildfire risks.

having a thorough understanding of fire behavior, seasonal weather patterns and the environment can help a Fire/Forestry Manager to identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to minimize risks. All of these skills are vital for successful Fire/Forestry Management, as they all work together to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.

Forestry Planner, Forestry Technician Lead, and Forestry Program Analyst are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in fire/forestry management?
How do you plan to manage fire and forest resources in an environmentally friendly manner?
What strategies do you have for preventing and mitigating the risks associated with wildfires?
Describe the techniques you use to evaluate the impact of fires on local ecosystems.
How do you collaborate with other agencies and organizations to address fire and forestry issues?
What is your experience with developing and implementing fire/forestry management programs?
How do you ensure that you are up-to-date with current practices and regulations related to fire and forestry management?
What methods do you use to prioritize and allocate resources for fire and forestry management?
How do you lead teams in responding to fires, conducting research, and managing forests?
What challenges have you faced while managing wildfires or forests, and how did you address them?

Common Tools in Industry

Geographic Information Systems (GIS). A computer system used to create, store, analyze and display geographic information. (eg: ArcGIS, Google Earth Pro)
Fire Risk Assessment Software. Software used to analyze the chances of a fire occurring in a given location. (eg: Fire Risk Analysis Suite)
Fire Detection Systems. A combination of sensors, detectors and alarms designed to detect and alert people to a potential fire. (eg: Smoke Detectors, Heat Detectors)
Fire Modeling Software. Software used to simulate and predict the spread of fire based on environmental factors. (eg: Fire Dynamics Simulator)
Fire Suppression Equipment. Equipment used to extinguish or control a fire, such as fire extinguishers, fire hoses, sprinkler systems and foam systems. (eg: Fire Extinguisher, Fire Hose)
Firefighting Equipment. Equipment used by firefighters to protect themselves while fighting fires, such as helmets, protective clothing and breathing apparatus. (eg: Firefighter Helmet, Breathing Apparatus)
Forestry Management Software. Software used to manage forests and their resources, including timber harvesting, habitat conservation and fire prevention. (eg: Timber Harvesting Software, Forest Management System)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of Wildland Fire
National Fire Protection Association
International Fire Chiefs Association
Society of Fire Protection Engineers
National Association of State Foresters
Wildland Fire Canada
International Association of Fire Chiefs
National Firefighters Association
National Volunteer Fire Council
Forest Fire Management Association

We also have Fire/Forestry Supervisor, Fire/Forestry Planner, and Fire/Forestry Ranger jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Fire Ecology. The study of the relationship between fire, plants, and animals in an ecosystem.
Fire Suppression. The process of preventing the spread of wildland fires.
Fire Management. The practice of using fire to achieve specific objectives.
Wildland Fire. A fire that occurs in a natural area, such as a forest, grassland, or shrub land.
Fire Prevention. Actions taken to reduce the risk of wildfire and its impacts.
Fuels Management. The practice of managing vegetation to reduce the likelihood and intensity of wildland fires.
Fire Planning. The process of developing a plan for the management of an area in the event of a fire.
Fire Aviation. The use of aircraft to observe, monitor, and respond to wildland fires.
Fire Weather. The atmospheric conditions that influence fire behavior and spread.
Fire Line. A barrier created to contain and control a wildland fire.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary duties of a Fire/Forestry Manager?

The primary duties of a Fire/Forestry Manager include managing and protecting forest resources, developing and implementing fire prevention and suppression plans, conducting risk assessments, and overseeing forest firefighting operations.

What qualifications are needed to become a Fire/Forestry Manager?

To become a Fire/Forestry Manager, one must typically have a bachelor's degree in forestry, environmental science, or a related field, as well as at least five years of experience in forestry management or firefighting. Additional certifications such as the Wildland Fire Qualification System or California Fire Fighter I certification may also be required.

What safety protocols must Fire/Forestry Managers follow?

Fire/Forestry Managers must adhere to all relevant safety protocols, including those outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This includes following proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) regulations, ensuring safe work practices and proper use of tools and equipment, and monitoring hazardous conditions.

What does a Fire/Forestry Manager's job involve in terms of communication?

Fire/Forestry Managers must have excellent communication skills in order to effectively communicate with coworkers, other forest personnel, contractors, and the public. They must also be able to interpret and analyze data from aerial reconnaissance flights, satellite imagery, and other sources.