Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists
What is a Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists?
Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists are professionals dedicated to the protection of forests and natural resources from the threats of wildfires. Their primary role involves examining areas prone to wildfires, assessing fire risks, and implementing strategies to prevent fire outbreaks. These specialists work closely with local, state, and federal agencies to develop fire prevention programs, educate the public about fire hazards, and ensure compliance with fire safety regulations. They conduct inspections of forest lands, monitor weather conditions, and evaluate vegetation moisture levels to predict fire behavior. Additionally, they may engage in controlled burns to manage forest health and reduce the risk of larger, uncontrolled wildfires. By promoting fire awareness and preparedness, Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists play a crucial role in safeguarding communities, wildlife, and natural ecosystems from the devastating effects of wildfires.
Tasks
- 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.
Technology Skills
-
Application server software
- Docker
- Kubernetes
- Microsoft Windows Server
-
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
-
Data base user interface and query software
- Amazon Web Services AWS software
- Fire incident reporting systems
- Relational database software
-
Development environment software
- Microsoft Azure software
- Microsoft PowerShell
-
Operating system software
- Linux
- Microsoft Windows
Tools Used
- Two way radios
- Direction finding compasses
- Remote reading thermometers
- Weather stations
- All terrain vehicles tracked or wheeled
Knowledge
-
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
-
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
-
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
-
Personnel and Human Resources
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
-
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Skills
-
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
-
Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
-
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
-
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.
Abilities
-
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
-
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
-
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
-
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
-
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
-
High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
-
Bachelor's degree
-
Some college, no degree
Work Activities
-
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
-
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
-
Performing General Physical Activities
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
-
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
-
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Detailed Work Activities
- Relay information about incidents or emergencies to personnel using phones or two-way radios.
- Assess characteristics of fires.
- Train employees in proper work procedures.
- Train personnel on proper operational procedures.
- Train personnel to enhance job skills.
Work Interests
-
Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
-
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$35000.0 - $92170.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.