Smokey Bear may be the most recognized fire prevention figure in the country, but there are a variety of workers involved in preventing and investigating fires in the forest and elsewhere. Fire inspectors search buildings for fire hazards and ensure that government fire codes are met. They inspect buildings— from apartment and office complexes to stadiums and schools. They also test fire alarms and extinguishers, review evacuation plans, and conduct fire safety education programs. Fire investigators attempt to reconstruct how fires occur… they collect evidence and interview witnesses to determine the origin and cause of building fires. They may be exposed to poor ventilation, smoke, fumes, and other hazardous agents. Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists look out for conditions that pose a wildfire risk, recommend ways to reduce fire hazards, and conduct patrols to enforce regulations and report on conditions. They spend much of their time outdoors in forests and fields. Most fire inspectors, investigators, and forest fire specialists have work experience as firefighters along with specialized classroom and on-the-job training. While some employers prefer candidates with a degree in fire science, engineering, or chemistry for fire inspector and investigator positions, forest fire specialists typically need a high school education. Additional requirements vary by state.
What they do:
Inspect buildings to detect fire hazards and enforce local ordinances and state laws, or investigate and gather facts to determine cause of fires and explosions.
On the job, you would:
Prepare and maintain reports of investigation results, and records of convicted arsonists and arson suspects.
Testify in court cases involving fires, suspected arson, and false alarms.
Package collected pieces of evidence in securely closed containers, such as bags, crates, or boxes, to protect them.
Safety and Government
public safety and security
law and government
Business
customer service
management
Engineering and Technology
building and construction
Education and Training
teaching and course design
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
talking to others
Social
understanding people's reactions
looking for ways to help people
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Verbal
communicate by writing
listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
use rules to solve problems
Attention
pay attention to something without being distracted
Visual Understanding
see hidden patterns
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Integrity
Cooperation
Attention to Detail
Dependability
Initiative
Concern for Others
You might use software like this on the job:
Data base user interface and query software
Code database software
Microsoft Access
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Electronic mail software
Email software
Microsoft Outlook
certificate after high school or some college usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.