Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists
SOC Code: 33-2022Also known as:
District Ranger, Environmental Protection Fire Control Officer, Fire Management Officer, Fire Management Technician, Fire Observer
Median Annual Salary
$52,380
+14.6% growth (2024-2034)
300
Openings/Year
3K
Current Jobs
What Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists Do
Enforce fire regulations, inspect forest for fire hazards, and recommend forest fire prevention or control measures. May report forest fires and weather conditions.
💰 Salary
$52,380
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+14.6%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
300
Projected average per year
👔 Work Experience
Less than 5 years
Required before entry
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
2,900
Projected Employment (2034)
3,300
Related Careers
Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors
$109,660 •
+4.4% growth
Forest and conservation technicians
$54,310 •
-3.2% growth
First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers
$92,430 •
+3.4% growth
Firefighters
$59,530 •
+3.4% growth
Fire inspectors and investigators
$78,060 •
+3.8% growth
Top Skills Required
Critical Thinking
Speaking
Coordination
Active Listening
Judgment and Decision Making
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Relay messages about emergencies, accidents, locations of crew and personnel, and fire hazard conditions.
- Conduct wildland firefighting training.
- Estimate sizes and characteristics of fires, and report findings to base camps by radio or telephone.
- Direct crews working on firelines during forest fires.
- Locate forest fires on area maps, using azimuth sighters and known landmarks.
- Extinguish smaller fires with portable extinguishers, shovels, and axes.
- Patrol assigned areas, looking for forest fires, hazardous conditions, and weather phenomena.
- Compile and report meteorological data, such as temperature, relative humidity, wind direction and velocity, and types of cloud formations.
- Examine and inventory firefighting equipment, such as axes, fire hoses, shovels, pumps, buckets, and fire extinguishers, to determine amount and condition.
- Educate the public about fire safety and prevention.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists:
Fire Science/Fire-fighting
9,863 degrees awarded •
274 colleges offer this program
Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services
224 degrees awarded •
21 colleges offer this program
Wildland/Forest Firefighting and Investigation
88 degrees awarded •
13 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists make?
The median annual salary for forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists is $52,380.
What education do forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists need?
Most forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Fire Science/Fire-fighting, Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services, Wildland/Forest Firefighting and Investigation.
Is becoming forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists a good career choice?
Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists is projected to see +14.6% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is much faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 300 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists?
Top colleges for aspiring forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists include
University of Florida, Knox County Career Center, Eastern Florida State College, Manatee Technical College, Shasta College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists?
Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists may also be known as: District Ranger, Environmental Protection Fire Control Officer, Fire Management Officer, Fire Management Technician, Fire Observer, Fire Operations Forester, Fire Prevention Officer, Fire Prevention Technician, Fire Range Technician, Fire Ranger, Fire Technician, Fire Tower Keeper, Fire Warden, Fire Watcher, Forest Fire Control Officer, Forest Fire Officer, Forest Officer, Forest Patrolman, Forestry Patrolman, Look Out Tower Fire Watcher.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.