Careers · Protective service

Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists

Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists enforce fire regulations and identify fire hazards in forests. They inspect trees, vegetation, and structures for conditions that increase fire risk, recommend prevention measures, and report fires and weather conditions to management. Work takes place primarily in national forests, state forests, and wildland areas.

$56,870median pay, U.S., per year

$43,760–$81,500middle half earn

2,780employed in the U.S.

Certificate or training programtypical education · 24% hold a bachelor’s or higher

ModerateAI exposure · AI tools can speed up some tasks; the core of the job stays human.

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Four short assessments and your background, scored against forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.

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A day in the work

A typical week involves walking or driving through forest areas to inspect for dead trees, accumulated brush, and other fire hazards. Inspectors document findings, measure vegetation density, check equipment like fire breaks, and verify compliance with fire codes. They may attend training sessions on prevention techniques, prepare reports, coordinate with fire management teams, and sometimes respond to reported fires by gathering initial information about location and conditions.

Who this work suits

Realistic

89Conventional

60Investigative

43Enterprising

40Social

36Artistic

Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.

You work well in this role if you prefer hands-on, outdoor work with clear rules and measurable outcomes. You're organized and detail-oriented, comfortable with systematic inspection procedures, and satisfied by following established protocols to prevent problems rather than respond to crises.

What it takes

Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.

Skills that matter most

Critical ThinkingSpeakingCoordinationActive ListeningJudgment and Decision MakingComplex Problem SolvingMonitoringInstructing

Knowledge areas

Administration and ManagementCustomer and Personal ServiceEducation and TrainingPersonnel and Human ResourcesPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and Government

Who is hiring

30open roles like this on employer career sites

3employers hiring

28posted in the last 7 days

OH · MA · TNwhere most openings are

Openings right now

SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION AND RESPONSE SPECIALIST · Air Education and Training Command · Holloman AFB, New Mexico · $74678–$97087
SUPERVISORY SECURITY & LOSS PREVENTION SPECIALIST NF4 · U.S. Marine Corps · Beaufort, South Carolina · $28.14–$40.48
INTEGRATED PREVENTION CAPABILITY SPECIALIST (PREV WF) · U.S. Marine Corps · Camp Lejeune, North Carolina · $89508–$116362
PREVENTION SPECIALIST · Headquarters, Air Force Reserve Command · Minneapolis, Minnesota · $81415–$105845
PREVENTION COORDINATION SPECIALIST · Air Combat Command · Creech AFB, Nevada · $91427–$118857
PRIMARY PREVENTION SPECIALIST (PREV WF)-Title 5 · Air National Guard Units · Madison, Wisconsin · $89508–$116362
PRIMARY PREVENTION SPECIALIST (PREV WF) -T5 · Army National Guard Units · Appleton, Wisconsin · $74678–$97087
PRIMARY PREVENTION SPECIALIST (PREV WF) (Title 5) · Army National Guard Units · Camp Dodge Military Reservation, Iowa · $75284–$97875

Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.

Pay by state

State	25th pct	Median	75th pct	Employed
California	$71,880	$97,370	$124,060	480
Utah	$78,640	$90,020	$102,130	50
Louisiana	$49,400	$75,480	$102,480	90
Oregon	$62,520	$73,530	$88,690	140
Maine	$56,180	$68,310	$71,030	60
Oklahoma	$43,760	$61,700	$99,270	310
Arizona	$58,570	$58,570	$75,900	40
New Jersey	$48,530	$57,380	$80,330	140
Florida	$48,670	$51,690	$72,850	100
Colorado	$48,240	$50,170	$62,290	210
Georgia	$44,770	$48,010	$55,710	350
Idaho	$44,640	$47,050	$51,250	50

All 15 states

California · $97,370 Utah · $90,020 Louisiana · $75,480 Oregon · $73,530 Maine · $68,310 Oklahoma · $61,700 Arizona · $58,570 New Jersey · $57,380 Florida · $51,690 Colorado · $50,170 Georgia · $48,010 Idaho · $47,050 Arkansas · $43,310 Alabama · $37,430 Mississippi · $31,720

Certifications people in this field hold

Fire Inspector I — International Code Council
Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) — National Fire Protection Association
Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) — International Association of Arson Investigators
Council-certified Fire and Smoke Damage Consultant (CFSC) — American Council for Accredited Certification

Training

Local training programs Certifications Licenses in your state Apprenticeships

Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.

Related occupations

Fire Inspectors and Investigators Firefighters First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other Bailiffs

Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.

Find out in 15 minutes See openings

O*NET-SOC 33-2022.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.