Oxnard College Wildland Firefighter Academy

OXNARD, Calif. (January 31, 2020) –
Students interested in the challenging and rewarding work of fighting fires in nature are encouraged to apply for the Summer 2020 Oxnard College Wildland Firefighter Academy. The application period is Feb. 3-28 for classes beginning June 15.

"Wildland firefighters were critical in saving lives and structures in the devastating wild fires we’ve had in California in the past few years," said Matthew Jewett, Assistant Dean, Public Safety, Oxnard College. "It’s hard work, but one of the most gratifying jobs you can do. We encourage anyone who likes being outdoors doing physical work and helping people to apply for the Academy."

The eight-week program covers wildland fire behavior, firefighting skills, portable water delivery systems, wildland fire chainsaws, basic land navigation, human factors on the fire line, and leadership values and principles. Students will use shovels or other hand tools to construct fire lines, use personal protective equipment, engage in arduous exertion, carry heavy loads, and evacuate rapidly to safety zones under conditions that may include challenging terrain and wild animals.

After attending the Academy, students can apply for positions with the U.S. Forest Service, which employs approximately 10,000 wildland firefighters. Positions range from entry-level firefighters to senior fire management positions.

Oxnard College Wildland Firefighter Academy information and application are available on the Wildland Fire Academy webpage. The program fills quickly, so students are encouraged to apply early.

About Oxnard College
Oxnard College is one of three colleges in the Ventura County Community College District and annually serves more than 7,000 students. Founded in 1975, Oxnard College is fully accredited and has been ranked the 4th Best Community College in California. It is also a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution. Oxnard College’s signature programs include marine biology; culinary arts, restaurant management and hospitality management; auto technology and fire technology, among many other undergraduate study and career technical education programs. The Dream Resource Center is a valuable student and community resource. Oxnard Colleges’ dental hygiene program has a 99.99% pass rate on national and board exams.

College Easy Ride Program
Thanks to a partnership with the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC), students enrolled at Moorpark College, Oxnard College, Ventura College, Ventura College East Campus in Santa Paula, CSU Channel Islands, and Cal Lutheran University can participate in the College Easy Ride program. The program enables students to get around Ventura County on public transportation for free. Students simply show the driver their current school ID. For the transit schedule and routes, click here.

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