Paid Internship

The Fire Intern Inspector Program, an initiative of the Berkeley Fire Department’s Wildland Division, develops a trained, mobile, and mission-specific workforce focused on reducing wildfire risk in Berkeley’s most vulnerable areas. Fire Intern Inspectors conduct defensible space inspections, monitor hazardous vegetative fuels on or near structures, collect data, and help identify risk-reduction activities. They also educate the community on current wildfire-mitigation strategies, policies, and available assistance programs through events, department initiatives, and person-to-person outreach.

Applications: March 2026

Interviews: April 2026

Onboarding: May 2026

Academy: June 8 - 25, 2026

  • Qualifications:

    • 18 - 25 years old and high school graduate by June 2026.

    • Work effectively in small teams or independently for extended periods.

    • Read and interpret complex technical documents such as maps, diagrams, and textbooks.

    • Perform basic mathematical calculations.

    • Have sound judgment and communicate effectively with others.

    • Follow both verbal and written instructions.

    • Engage effectively with the public, and harmoniously with our team.Item description

    Pay: $19.18 per hour

    • Participates in pre-suppression activities including hazardous reduction/weed abatement inspections and fire hazard reduction defensible space work on public and private property.

    • Provide home hardening, defensible space fire prevention, and fire hazard reduction information to the public, department personnel, and other agencies.

    • Recommends when an abatement notice on a property should be served and notifies property owner(s) or occupant(s).

    • Explains Berkeley’s abatement program regulations, costs and procedures to property owners. 

    • Support citywide response as disaster service worker.

    • Collects, enters, maintains, and disseminates data pertaining to wildfire prevention; reconciles reports, files, and records. 

    • Composes letters and reports based on field notes, along with utilizing electronic devices to input and collect data.

  • Home Ignition - Defensible Space

    • Home Ignition Zone/Defensible Space Inspections

    • Defensible Space Continuing Education

    • Home Hardening and Building Construction

    • Fire Prone Plant Identification

    Fuels Mitigation

    • Working on Public Parks, City of Berkeley land, and with other agencies

    Wildland Firefighting Activities

    • Bay Area Fire History

    • Wildland Fire Behavior

    • Fire Weather Observation

    • Wildland Hose Evolutions

    • Light Duty Vegetation Management

    • Wildland Fire Saw Training

    Fire Suppression Activities

    • State Fire training and certification

    • Truck Fireground Operations

    • Engine Company Operations

    • Wildland Mobile Attack

    • Handcrew Methodology

    Land Navigation & Fire Mapping

    • Mapping Software Use

    • Map and Compass Use

    • GPS and Field Survey

    Medical Training

    • First Responder Continuing Education

    • CPR

    • Wilderness First Aid

    • Stop the Bleed

    • Trauma and Wound Care

    Radio & Communications Training

    • Radio Operations

    • Command and Tactical Use

    • Berkeley HAM Radio Orientation

    Technical Rescue

    • Disaster Service Worker

    • Disaster Response and Mitigation

    • Rope Rescue

    • Confined Space

    • Truck Operations

    • CERT Light Duty Rescue

    Team Activities

    • Urban Cycling Rider Workshop

    • Berkeley Camps Seasonal Site Visits

    • Monthly Regional and Local Training Opportunities

  • Download the Fire Intern Inspector flyer for full program details.