Structural Mitigation and Defensible Space
Structural mitigation and defensible space careers focus on preparing homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure to survive wildfire exposure. Workers in this field assess properties for vulnerability, clear vegetation and flammable materials, harden structures, and educate communities on wildfire resilience strategies. This sector blends hands-on field work (e.g., fuel clearing, retrofitting vents, installing ember-resistant materials) with education, planning, and code enforcement. It offers vital job opportunities in fire-prone communities and is essential to protecting lives and property in the wildland-urban interface (WUI). Structural mitigation is also an onramp for local employment and entrepreneurship—especially for youth, contractors, and reentry populations.
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
Peak demand and work cadence
Active openings across the FireUp network
Career Pathways & Progression
Position Responsibilities
Support field crews in clearing vegetation, moving debris, and learning defensible space zones.
Job Types & Titles
- Wildfire Prep Crew Member
- Brush Removal Assistant
- Ember-Safe Installation Trainee
- Defensible Space Intern
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
HS diploma / Wildfire Basics
Certifications
Basic wildfire safety training
Experience
0 years
Position Responsibilities
Conduct defensible space assessments, perform retrofits, maintain tools, and educate residents.
Job Types & Titles
- Defensible Space Technician
- Wildfire Home Hardening Technician
- Vegetation Management Specialist
- Retrofit Installer
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
Cal FIRE and NFPA Defensible Space Certification, S-130/S-190
Certifications
NFPA Defensible Space, S-130/S-190, CWMS
Experience
1-3 years
Position Responsibilities
Lead assessments, manage mitigation programs, apply codes and regulations, supervise crews.
Job Types & Titles
- Wildfire Mitigation Specialist
- Fire Inspector (WUI)
- Hazard Mitigation Analyst
- Community Risk Reduction Officer
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
AS/BS in Fire Science, Forestry, or Construction
Certifications
Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist (CWMS), Fire Inspector
Experience
3-5 years
Position Responsibilities
Oversee regional programs, integrate policy, lead community-wide wildfire resilience planning.
Job Types & Titles
- Fire Marshal (WUI Programs)
- Director of Community Wildfire Resilience
- Wildfire Mitigation Program Manager
- Insurance Liaison / Risk Specialist
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
BS/MS in Public Administration, Emergency Mgmt, or Urban Planning
Certifications
Fire Marshal, CWMS, CEM
Experience
5-10+ years
Who Hires Structural Mitigation and Defensible Space Professionals?
Explore leading organizations in this field and discover career opportunities.
CAL FIRE
Colorado State Forest Service
California Fire Safe Council
Wildfire Adapted Partnership
U.S. Forest Service
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
National Park Service
Marin County Fire Department
Wildfire Defense Systems
Ember Defense
Jensen Hughes
SWCA Environmental Consultants
Education & Certification
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Academic Programs
Professional Certifications
Microcredentials & Specialized Training
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