What You Need to Know About Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist

Example of Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist Job Enforce fire regulations, inspect forest for fire hazards and recommend forest fire prevention or control measures. May report forest fires and weather conditions.

Daily Life Of a Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist

• Extinguish smaller fires with portable extinguishers, shovels, and axes.
• Estimate sizes and characteristics of fires, and report findings to base camps by radio or telephone.
• Restrict public access and recreational use of forest lands during critical fire seasons.
• Examine and inventory firefighting equipment, such as axes, fire hoses, shovels, pumps, buckets, and fire extinguishers, to determine amount and condition.
• Administer regulations regarding sanitation, fire prevention, violation corrections, and related forest regulations.
• Patrol assigned areas, looking for forest fires, hazardous conditions, and weather phenomena.

Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist Skills

These are the skills Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists say are the most useful in their careers:

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Related Job Titles for this Occupation:

• Forest Fire Control Officer
• Ranger
• Forest Fire Lookout
• Fire Ranger
• Environmental Protection Fire Control Officer

Are There Job Opportunities for Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists?

In the United States, there were 1,700 jobs for Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 29.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 500 new jobs for Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 200 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist are Texas, Idaho, and Arkansas. Watch out if you plan on working in Oregon, Colorado, or New Jersey. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist Average Salary

Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists make between $26,660 and $83,810 a year.

Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists who work in California, Oregon, or Texas, make the highest salaries.

How much do Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists make in each U.S. state?

Tools & Technologies Used by Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists:

• Microsoft Word
• Mapping software
• Fire incident reporting systems

Becoming a Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist

What education is needed to be a Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist?

What work experience do I need to become a Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist?

References:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Factual
• O*NET Online

Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Sergio A. Gamboa via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.