All About Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists
Job Description: Enforce fire regulations, inspect forest for fire hazards and recommend forest fire prevention or control measures. May report forest fires and weather conditions.
Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist Responsibilities
- Inspect forest tracts and logging areas for fire hazards such as accumulated wastes or mishandling of combustibles, and recommend appropriate fire prevention measures.
- Relay messages about emergencies, accidents, locations of crew and personnel, and fire hazard conditions.
- Estimate sizes and characteristics of fires, and report findings to base camps by radio or telephone.
- Inspect camp sites to ensure that campers are in compliance with forest use regulations.
- Compile and report meteorological data, such as temperature, relative humidity, wind direction and velocity, and types of cloud formations.
- Direct maintenance and repair of firefighting equipment, or requisition new equipment.
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Qualities of a Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist
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.
Types of Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist
- Fire Operations Forester
- Towerman
- Tower Watchman
- Forestry Technician
- Fire Behavior Analyst
Job Demand for Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 1,700 jobs in the United States for Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist. 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. There will be an estimated 200 positions for Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist per 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.
Salary for a Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist
The average yearly salary of a Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist ranges between $26,660 and $83,810.

Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists who work in California, Oregon, or Texas, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists 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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists
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?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where do Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists Work?

Below are examples of industries where Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists work:

References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Sergio A. Gamboa via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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