Students from Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources took their classroom knowledge to the field for
summer internships and paid positions across the country, gaining valuable experience, hands-on training and career guidance. The FNR Field Reports series offers updates from those individuals as their positions draw to a close.
Zane Smoldt, a senior forestry major with a concentration in forest management, spent the summer working as a forest technician with the USDA Forest Service. In this role as a wildland firefighter on a type 3 engine crew for the south zone of the Manti-La Sal National Forest, Zane was responsible for initial attack on wildfires, extended attack (when ordered) and patrolling the forest, as well as completing fuel reduction thinnings and project work on prescribed burn units in the forest.
“I learned many things relating to the world of wildland firefighting including how the chain of command operates, different strategies for putting out wildfires, and how to manage burn units and the preparations needed for when wildfires occur,” Smoldt said of the position he found in the USA Jobs database. “My favorite part of the job was the exciting work environment that I experienced. Every day was unique and you never knew what to expect. The most challenging part was having to always be prepared for anything. We were always expected to be prepared to get sent out for days on end in remote locations at a moment’s notice.”
While Smoldt learned a lot in the position, much of what he experienced also had a direct connection to his classwork at Purdue.
“I was able to apply much of my curriculum from Applied Fire Ecology to my summer job,” Smoldt shared.
“That class also allowed me to get my qualifications as a Type II wildland firefighter, which enabled me to get this job. I am super grateful I had the opportunity to experience what we learned in class.”
Smoldt said getting hands on field experience has only strengthened his desire to continue working as a wildland firefighter after graduation.
“What really stood out to me was the amazing people that I got to work with,” he said. “They were with me through it all, and they taught me so many amazing things. I was able to work with incredible people and see beautiful country.”
The West Lafayette, Ind., native, who also has a minor in wood products manufacturing technology, is involved with the Purdue Student Society of Arboriculture (PSSA) and the student chapter of the Society of American Foresters, of which he currently acts as vice president.
Previously, Smoldt gained experience as a forestry intern on the Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources properties in 2023.
A collage of images of Zane Smoldt in his position as forestry technician and wildland firefighter for the USDA Forest Service in Utah. 
