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Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist

All About Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists

Occupation Description 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

  • Administer regulations regarding sanitation, fire prevention, violation corrections, and related forest regulations.
  • Direct maintenance and repair of firefighting equipment, or requisition new equipment.
  • Maintain records and logbooks.
  • Restrict public access and recreational use of forest lands during critical fire seasons.
  • Inspect camp sites to ensure that campers are in compliance with forest use regulations.
  • Examine and inventory firefighting equipment, such as axes, fire hoses, shovels, pumps, buckets, and fire extinguishers, to determine amount and condition.

Qualities of a Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist

Below is a list of the skills most Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists say are important on the job.

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.

Other Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist Job Titles

  • Fire Inspector
  • Ranger
  • Forestry Patrolman
  • Range Examiner
  • Fire Control Officer

Job Demand for Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists

There were about 1,700 jobs for Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist in 2016 (in the United States). 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. The BLS estimates 200 yearly job openings in this field.

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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.

Average Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists Salary

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

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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 different U.S. states?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $34,990
Arkansas $35,620
California $82,000
Colorado $43,650
Mississippi $28,300
Oregon $62,630
Texas $63,470

What Tools & Technology do Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Word
  • Mapping software
  • Fire incident reporting systems

How to Become a Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist

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

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist?

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Where Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists Are Employed

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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References:

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

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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