1

Forest Fire Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fire Protection Planner

Auburn, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

Urban Forestry Work Environment: Hybrid Compensation: $85,000 - $140,000 Dudek's journey began in ... ICC or CASFM Fire Inspector, Plans Examiner, Fire Investigator, Fire Marshal Certification * NFPA ...

FORESTER

De Queen, AR ยท On-site

$58K - $86K/yr

Ensure compliance with Arkansas forestry laws, environmental regulations, and fire codes.Maintain accurate forestry records, reports, and GIS mapping data.Assist with timber sale inspections, harvest ...

Forester

Martinsville, IN ยท On-site

$42K/yr

... and practices of forest resources management. * Working knowledge of tree and herbaceous plant identification, fire behavior and suppression. * Ability to inspect and develop management ...

Forester

Martinsville, IN ยท On-site

$42K/yr

... and practices of forest resources management. * Working knowledge of tree and herbaceous plant identification, fire behavior and suppression. * Ability to inspect and develop management ...

Job Page

Flagstaff, AZ ยท On-site

$24.70 - $27.36/hr

... forest restoration projects; and ensuring fire and life safety through permitting, plan reviews and building inspections. Fire Crew Captain Job Location: Address: 3650 Lake Mary Road Flagstaff, AZ ...

Part-Time Firefighter/EMT

Forest Park, OH ยท On-site

$16.74 - $20.75/hr

Kemper Rd., Forest Park, OH 45240, OH Job Type: Part Time Fire Job Number: 21-00001 Department ... Performs fire prevention inspections, pre-fire plans on commercial/public facilities; fire ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Forest Fire Inspector information

See salary details

$24.5K

$54.9K

$99K

How much do forest fire inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for forest fire inspector in the United States is $54,939.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $63,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Forest Fire Inspector vs Wildfire Prevention Technician?

AspectForest Fire InspectorWildfire Prevention Technician
CertificationsFire safety certifications, possibly forestry or environmental certificationsFire safety certifications, environmental or forestry training
Work EnvironmentForests, parks, and rural areas during fire seasonPublic outreach, educational sites, and field inspections
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, forestry departments, parksEnvironmental agencies, fire prevention organizations

Both roles focus on fire prevention and safety, often requiring similar certifications and working in outdoor environments. The Forest Fire Inspector typically conducts inspections and enforces fire regulations in forested areas, while the Wildfire Prevention Technician emphasizes community outreach and education to prevent wildfires. Both positions are vital in wildfire management and often overlap in responsibilities and skills.

What are Forest Fire Inspectors?

Forest Fire Inspectors are professionals responsible for preventing, detecting, and investigating forest fires. They patrol forested areas, enforce fire safety regulations, inspect fire-prone sites, and educate the public about fire prevention. Their work helps to minimize the risk of wildfires, protect natural resources, and ensure public safety. In addition to inspections, they may assist in firefighting efforts and coordinate with other emergency response teams during fire incidents.

Are fire inspector jobs in demand?

Fire inspector jobs are expected to grow faster than average due to increased emphasis on fire safety and building inspections. Demand is driven by new construction, code enforcement, and the need for fire prevention education, often requiring certification and knowledge of fire codes.

Can you become a fire inspector without being a firefighter?

Forest fire inspectors typically do not need to be firefighters, but they often have backgrounds in forestry, environmental science, or related fields. Certification or training in fire safety and inspection procedures is usually required, and experience with fire prevention tools and regulations can be beneficial.

What are some typical challenges Forest Fire Inspectors face in the field?

Forest Fire Inspectors often encounter challenges such as working in remote and rugged terrain, unpredictable weather conditions, and the need for rapid decision-making during high-risk situations. They must balance thorough inspections with the urgency of preventing potential fire hazards, often collaborating closely with local fire departments, landowners, and government agencies. Staying updated on the latest fire prevention technologies and regulations is also crucial, making adaptability and continuous learning essential for success in this role.

How to become a forest fire inspector?

To become a forest fire inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience in forestry, firefighting, or environmental science. Relevant certifications, such as wildfire safety training or fire inspection licenses, may be required, and strong observation and communication skills are essential for the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Forest Fire Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forest Fire Inspector, you need knowledge of fire behavior, forestry management, and fire prevention techniques, often supported by a degree in forestry or a related field and relevant fire service experience. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, fire weather monitoring tools, and certification in firefighting or fire inspection protocols is typical. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and clear communication are essential soft skills for effective reporting and coordination with emergency teams. These abilities are crucial for accurately assessing fire risks, ensuring public safety, and efficiently responding to wildfire threats.

How hard is it to become a fire inspector?

Becoming a fire inspector typically requires a combination of experience as a firefighter, relevant education such as fire science or safety training, and certification from a recognized agency. The process involves passing written exams, practical assessments, and sometimes background checks, making it a career that demands specific skills and qualifications but is achievable with proper training and experience.
More about Forest Fire Inspector jobs
What cities are hiring for Forest Fire Inspector jobs? Cities with the most Forest Fire Inspector job openings:
What states have the most Forest Fire Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Forest Fire Inspector jobs include:
Infographic showing various Forest Fire Inspector job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,939 per year, or $26.4 per hour.
Fire Protection Planner

Fire Protection Planner

Dudek

Auburn, CA โ€ข On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Overview

Location(s):ย  Oakland, CA / Auburn, CAPractice/Department:ย  Urban ForestryWork Environment:ย  HybridCompensation: $85,000 - $140,000

Dudek's journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California's water and wastewater agencies.ย 

Today, we are a 100% employee-owned firm supporting clients nationwide and delivering projects that improve and protect the built and natural environments of communities throughout the United States. Our work has beenย recognized by leading industry organizations, andย we'veย been honored with multiple national Top Workplace Awards.ย 

Ourย employee-ownersย are unified by a singular commitment to supporting projects that address key societal issues, such as the transition to renewable energy, infrastructure hardening and repair, environmental protection, and community resilience.ย 

Learn more about ourย award-winning culture, theย benefits and perksย of being aย Dudekian, and theย projectsย you will have the opportunity to shape.ย ย 

Position Overview

Who You Areย 

As anย employee-owner, you embrace accountability, working safely, andย collaborationย while thinking resourcefully and independently.ย 

Like allย Dudekians, you are curious andย solution-oriented, with the ability to adapt quickly to changes and approach challenges with a spirit ofย innovation.ย ย 

Howย You'llย Make an Impactย 

We are seeking a mid-level professional to join our fire protection planning team. Dudek's team has been working in the wildfire assessment and fire protection planning field for nearly 25 years. We work with landowners and land management agencies to evaluate wildfire hazards and develop plans to mitigate wildfire risk. This position will be based in our Oakland office and will support projects throughout Northern California. Travel to project sites and client or fire agency offices across the Northern California region will be necessary. Familiarity with state and local building, development, and defensible space codes and standards is also highly desirable.

Duties and Responsibilitiesย ย 

  • Analyzing project maps, plans, and data sets and summarizing wildfire conditions for inclusion in reports and management plans.
  • Conducting field assessments to evaluate wildfire hazard conditions.
  • Analyzing field data, GIS data, and conducting project-related research.
  • Preparing or supporting preparation of fire protection plans, technical reports and development of fire hazard reduction recommendations.
  • Attending meetings to discuss the results of project-related assessments and analyses.
  • Representing clients and Dudek to local agencies

Minimum Qualificationsย 

  • Bachelor's degree in fire science, fire administration, forestry, natural resources, fire ecology, environmental science, or other related field.
  • 5 Years experience in any of the following: consulting, fire service, construction, development, project management
  • Ability to conduct research and evaluate data sets and planning documents and summarize pertinent information into reports.
  • Ability to understand and interpret site development plan drawings.
  • Ability to work independently

Preferred Qualificationsย 

  • Proficiency with fire behavior and wildfire hazard mapping and analysis software packages (e.g., BehavePlus, FlamMap, IFTDSS, etc.) is highly desirable.
  • Additional desired qualifications include excellent writing skills and GIS/CAD mapping skills.
  • Previous experience working for a fire department as a firefighter, inspector, investigator, deputy fire marshal, fire marshal
  • ICC or CASFM Fire Inspector, Plans Examiner, Fire Investigator, Fire Marshal Certification
  • NFPA Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist (CWMS)

Compensation: $85,000 - $140,000/annuallyย 

*Finalย agreed-upon compensation will be based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, an individual's related experience, education, certifications, skills, and work location. Successful candidates must pass a pre-employment drug test and background check prior to beginning employment.ย 

Working Conditionsย ย 

  • This jobย operatesย in a remote or office-basedย environmentย and this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, etc.ย 
  • Thisย job requires occasional project site visits, based outdoors which can include excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, and moving vehicles and equipment.ย 

Physical Requirementsย 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This job requires the following:ย ย 

  • Working on a computer, sitting, or standing forย long periodsย of time in an office or remote office setting.ย 
  • Attending meetings, both in person and virtually, and speaking on the phone with peers, clients, etc.ย ย 
  • Specific vision abilities, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.ย 

Connect with us!ย 

LinkedInย 

Instagramย 

YouTubeย 

Dudek Talent Communityย 

Dudek is committed to creating a workplace where all employees, regardless of their background, feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunities to succeed. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our business success, and we are dedicated to fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We are committed to fair andย equitableย processes, based on merit, free from any discrimination.ย 

Dudek is genuinely committed to equal employment opportunities within our company and on our project teams. Dudek is also committed to compliance with all applicable lawsย providingย equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to allย personsย involved in Dudek's operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of Dudek, including supervisors and coworkers. Equal employment opportunities will be extended to all persons (including those with disability and veteran status) in all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination. Any employee who violates this policy and Dudek's commitment to equal employment opportunities will be subject to disciplinary action.ย 

Dudek is a U.S.-based employer. All positions are based in the United States and require U.S. work authorization.ย ย 

Employment Type: FULL_TIME