The wildland fire workforce faces numerous recruitment and retention challenges that are often amplified for groups historically underrepresented in the field. These barriers have not only contributed to insufficient workforce capacity, but have helped maintain a mostly homogenous workforce that has been reluctant to adapt its approach to managing wildfire despite the ever increasing need to forge a new relationship with fire. Building a workforce that can meet the needs of modern wildfire management will require comprehensive support for all fire personnel. 

Building a Robust and Representative Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Workforce provides a roadmap to address the persistent cultural and structural challenges that have impeded the development of a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable fire management workforce. Recommendations include investing in inclusive opportunities for career development, addressing mental and physical health inequities, and strengthening workplace culture.

Speakers:
Abigail Varney | Research Fellow, Climate and Energy Policy Program
Kelly Martin | President, International Association of Wildland Fire; President, Lasair Fire Consulting Group LLC
Lenya Quinn-Davidson | Fire Advisor and Director, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
Matthew Carroll | Program Lead, USDA Forest Service, Washington Office's Office of Innovation and Organizational Learning

Moderated by:
Michael Mastrandrea | Research Director, Climate and Energy Policy Program
Michael Wara | Senior Research Scholar, Climate and Energy Policy Program

Watch the recording