Fire Intern Inspector Program
The Berkeley Fire Department's Wildland Urban Interface Division hosts an annual internship program where interns conduct defensible space inspections in Fire Zones 2 & 3.
Since the programs inception in 2023, the Fire Intern Inspectors completed +23,000 defensible space inspections.
The application period has closed: Applications Accepted March 1 - 31, 2025
The internship runs annually June - November 2025.
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What are the qualifications?
18 - 25 years old and high school graduate by June 2025
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.
What work tasks are included?
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.
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Download our internship one-pager