What Do Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist Do?
Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist Definition Enforce fire regulations, inspect forest for fire hazards and recommend forest fire prevention or control measures. May report forest fires and weather conditions.
A Day in the Life of a Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist
- Maintain records and logbooks.
- Estimate sizes and characteristics of fires, and report findings to base camps by radio or telephone.
- Patrol assigned areas, looking for forest fires, hazardous conditions, and weather phenomena.
- Locate forest fires on area maps, using azimuth sighters and known landmarks.
- Relay messages about emergencies, accidents, locations of crew and personnel, and fire hazard conditions.
- Compile and report meteorological data, such as temperature, relative humidity, wind direction and velocity, and types of cloud formations.
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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 Inspector
- Forest Fire Lookout
- Towerman
- Observer
- Fire Patrol
What Kind of Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist Job Opportunities Are There?
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. 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 Salary
The typical yearly salary for Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists is somewhere 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
Becoming a Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist
What education is needed to be a Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist?

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

Who Employs Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists?

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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