The IAWF is committed to maintaining a positive, empowering, inclusive, and innovative culture where all members of the wildland fire community feel safe, valued, heard, and included. We recognize that diversity encompasses differences between people and include recognition of ethnicity, culture (including indigenous peoples), personality, age, sexual preference, disability, religious beliefs, social and economic standing, as well as profession, education, work experiences, and professional identity. And inclusivity creates feelings among groups of diverse peoples of equal value and respect, equal access to opportunities and resources, and open and accepted contribution of perspectives and talents.
Applications are now open for new members of the Board of Directors of the International Association of Wildland Fire (IAWF).
We welcome and encourage applications from all individuals meeting the requirements listed below, as well as having a strong commitment to the purpose and strategic directions of the IAWF.
Submit your application here
Overview of the IAWF
The IAWF is a non-profit corporation built on the belief that an understanding of fire is vital for natural and cultural resource management, for firefighter safety and community preparedness and protection, and for harmonious interaction between people and their environment.
The IAWF has been formed to:
- create networks across sectors, fields and disciplines to connect the global wildland fire community and to facilitate sharing of latest knowledge and lessons learnt;
- create a sense of belonging and inclusiveness among our diverse and geographically dispersed wildland fire community through membership and multiple platforms;
- provide regional and international leadership and impact through partnerships that leverage the considerable expertise throughout IAWF’s networks and membership.
The IAWF Strategic Plan 2026-2030 is founded on four strategic priorities:
- Global Positioning and Influence
- Member Value, Attraction and Retention
- Financial Health and Sustainability
- Good Governance including ESG Factors
Requirements and Information
- The deadline for applications will be September 25, 2026.
- Successful candidates for the two available positions will begin their 3-year term on January 1, 2027, and may be invited to the November 2026 Board meeting.
- Applicants must be an individual, volunteer/seasonal, or student member of the IAWF in good standing. Library, Agency and Organizational members are not eligible.
- The IAWF Board of Directors is a working Board. We expect that individuals serving our global membership in these leadership and governance positions will commit the time, energy and expertise to participate in eleven conference calls per year, contribute to out-of-session Board business, serve on and chair committees, and generally assist in furthering the mission of the IAWF.
- Board calls generally last about 90 minutes and are scheduled for the last Tuesday of every month around 2-4 pm Mountain Time, except December.
- Annual face-to-face Board meetings may be held at one of our conferences. In-person attendance is valuable but not mandatory. Currently, the IAWF is unable to pay travel expenses.
- Applicants with skills/expertise in Business Strategy, Financial Management, Board Governance, Risk Management, and Communication /Journalism/Media are highly encouraged to apply.
- Applicants need to be competent in using email and Microsoft Word as well as maintaining records.
- The IAWF values include integrity, responsibility and reputation, and our Principles of Conduct (Principles of Conduct) define our acceptable ethics and behaviors. Board members are expected to lead by example, including a commitment to diversity in all its forms.
