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Defensible Space Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Nevada (NV)

FORESTER 3

Carson City, NV · On-site

$64K - $95K/yr

Provide natural resource educational information to the public regarding best management practices for forest health, forest stewardship, defensible space, fuel reduction, and fire-safe landscapes ...

Dudek

As-Needed Fire Protection Planner IV

Encinitas, CA · On-site +1

$60 - $65/hr

Familiarity with federal, state and local building, development, and defensible space codes and standards is also highly desirable Duties and Responsibilities * Analyzing project maps, plans, and ...

AACI Group

GM, Loss Prevention Solutions

Boston, MA · On-site

$56K - $77K/yr

Defensible Space Score: property-level wildfire defensibility rating tool * WiserBuild: building plan and materials assessment for insurance readiness Each product is recognized as a standalone ...

City of Poway, CA

Senior Code Compliance Officer

Poway, CA · On-site

$84K - $102K/yr

Coordinates and enforces the City's weed abatement program and Wildfire Defensible Space program, including identification of properties in violation, notification to property owners, and follow-up ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsDefensible Space Jobs

Defensible Space information

See salary details

$36K

$74.9K

$121.5K

How much do defensible space jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for defensible space in the United States is $74,860.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,500.00 and $87,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is defensible space?

Defensible space refers to the area around a building where vegetation, debris, and other combustible materials are managed or removed to reduce the risk of fire damage. Creating defensible space helps slow the spread of wildfire and provides firefighters with a safer area to protect structures. This typically involves clearing flammable plants, maintaining lawns, and using fire-resistant landscaping within a specific distance from buildings. Homeowners are often required by local regulations to maintain defensible space to improve community safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defensible space inspector?

To thrive as a Defensible Space Inspector, you need knowledge of fire prevention standards, vegetation management, and local regulations, typically supported by experience in fire safety or related environmental fields. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, mobile inspection software, and sometimes specific state certifications is important for accurate assessments. Strong observation, communication, and problem-solving skills help inspectors effectively educate property owners and document compliance. These abilities ensure properties are safer from wildfire risks and regulations are properly enforced.

What are some common challenges faced by defensible space inspectors, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Defensible Space Inspectors often encounter challenges such as communicating fire safety requirements to property owners who may be unfamiliar with local regulations or resistant to making changes. Additionally, inspectors may need to navigate varied terrain and weather conditions while conducting site assessments. Building strong communication skills, staying up-to-date on fire codes, and using digital tools for reporting can help address these challenges. Collaboration with local fire departments and continuous public education are also key to ensuring compliance and maintaining safety.

What is the difference between Defensible Space vs Fire Inspector?

AspectDefensible SpaceFire Inspector
Required CredentialsKnowledge of fire safety, landscaping, and property managementFire science certification, state or local fire inspector license
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, residential and commercial propertiesIndoor inspections, community education, report writing
Employer & IndustryProperty owners, fire departments, municipalitiesFire departments, government agencies, consulting firms

Defensible Space involves creating and maintaining a safe zone around properties to reduce fire risk, focusing on landscaping and property management. Fire Inspectors evaluate buildings and properties for fire safety compliance. While both roles aim to prevent fires, Defensible Space is proactive property management, whereas Fire Inspectors conduct assessments and enforce safety codes.

More about Defensible Space jobs

What states have the most Defensible Space jobs?

States with the most job openings for Defensible Space jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Defensible Space jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Defensible Space jobs are:

Defensible Space jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defensible Space job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,860 per year, or $36 per hour.

Forestry Sawyer

Markit! Forestry Management LLC

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 hours ago

Key responsibilities

  • Operate chainsaws for felling, limbing, bucking, and hazard removal activities.

  • Manage slash and debris through lop-and-scatter, chipping, and hauling operations, and assist with erosion control measures.

  • Assist with project layout, marking, and direct sub-contractors in fuels mitigation practices and cutting prescriptions.

Job description

Markit! Forestry is looking to gather qualified applicants to fill future Forestry Sawyer positions.

Summary: As a member of Markit! Forestry’s sawyer team you will be working on forest health, forest fuels reduction, post-fire rehabilitation, and defensible space projects on private, state and federal lands. Markit! is positively changing the way forests are managed and the Sawyer plays an impactful role in the success of our projects and progress. We are looking for career minded individuals who are dedicated to reliably making a difference in the Forestry industry.
Location: Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado; projects may be located in Colorado, and surrounding states Including Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and California.

Travel: 75-90%

What You'll Be Doing:

  • Chainsaw Operation – felling operations, directional felling, hazard felling, limbing and bucking.
  • Slash management – lop-and-scatter, chipping operations, and hauling material.
  • Climbing, rigging and roping.
  • Erosion Control – contour felling, LEB creation and installation.
  • Assisting with project layout and marking.
  • Chainsaw and tool maintenance.
  • General forestry labor.
  • Understand and implement different cutting prescriptions.
  • Direct sub-contractors to perform fuels mitigation practices and cutting prescriptions.

Requirements:

  • At least 21 years of age.
  • A valid driver’s license or ability to acquire one upon employment.
  • 1 to 2 years of outdoor work experience in forest management and restoration activities .
  • Ability to travel is a must for this position and will include extended periods on the road, dependent on current ongoing projects.
  • A National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) S-212, or equivalent certificate. Non-certified professionals with over two years of experience in forestry and logging operations will still be considered. If lacking S-212, Markit! will support in gaining that certification within your first year.
  • Physically fit, able to bend, squat and lift up to 50 pounds and able to handle back country hikes with heavy gear loads in elevations ranging from 6,000 to +10,000 feet. Frequently away from vehicles or amenities for the entire course of the day.
  • Ability and desire to perform strenuous outdoor work in a variety of weather conditions, away from amenities for entire day.

Preferred Background & Experience:

  • NWCG S 130/190 Wildfire Training.
  • ISA certification.
  • Electrical hazard tree trimming certification.
  • Saw mechanic experience.
  • An associates or bachelor’s degree in forestry or related natural resources field, current enrollment in a forestry degree program or similar is acceptable.
  • Ability to accurately identify tree species .
  • Ability to calculate basal area.
  • Experience working with helicopter logging.
  • Experience operating Heavy Equipment such as logging machinery and/or willingness to learn.
  • First aid, CPR, Wilderness First Aid, or other medical certifications.
  • Background in Sawyer certification.

Language:

  • English required.
  • Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.

Benefits:

  • Competitive wages based on experience and qualifications:
    • Entry-level $22-25 per hour
    • Mid-level $25-28 per hour
    • High-level $28-31 per hour
  • Annual reviews.
  • Health insurance including medical, dental and vision.
  • Supplementary insurance including life, short and long term insurance.
  • Paid holidays, vacation and personal time.
  • Retirement with company match.
  • Company provided training for career advancement.

Markit! Forestry is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

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