Forest Fire Prevention Specialists

Forest fire prevention specialists typically need experience in firefighting before being hired. Some departments require applicants to also have experience working as a volunteer or paid staff member in a fire prevention/public awareness program. Others require experience performing fire code inspections in a fire protection agency.

Forest fire prevention specialists must be attentive to detail because they must identify issues (e.g., accumulated wastes, mishandling of combustibles, damaged electrical lines) that increase the risk of fire. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are important because specialists need to educate the public about fire safety and prevention and explain violations to campers and landowners, as well as interact effectively with their coworkers. They need to be patient, but tenacious, with homeowners and business owners, who may not fully understand the severity of issues that they’ve identified. Other important traits include good physical health, strong organizational and leadership skills, the ability to read maps and construction plans, and a willingness to continue to learn throughout their careers.