Shigoto Zukan
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Will AI replace forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists?AI replacement risk 18% and how the work is changing

United States Protective Services Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$56,870
25th–75th pct. $43,760–$81,500
Top pay (est.)
$137,100
Top 10% $105,460
Pay in 5 years
$67,500est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$80,200est.
$69,000–$93,100
Outlook score
79/100
★★★★☆ Good
AI replacement risk
18%
Very low
Job growth (10 yr)
+13.1%
400 openings / yr

Will AI replace Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists? AI replacement risk

18%
Very low
Ranked #111 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists

Key skills

Critical Thinking
3.9
Coordination
3.8
Reading Comprehension
3.4
Time Management
3.4
Monitoring
3.4
Management of Personnel Resources
3.4
Speaking
3.4
Complex Problem Solving
3.2

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service
5.2
Public Safety and Security
4.9
Education and Training
4.9
Administrative
4.4
Administration and Management
4.2
Computers and Electronics
4.2
Personnel and Human Resources
4.2
Mechanical
4.0

What the work involves

Performing General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsPerforming for or Working Directly with the Public

Important abilities

Problem SensitivityOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionFlexibility of ClosureFar VisionNear Vision

Education of workers

High school diploma
32%
Bachelor's degree
24%
Associate's degree
18%
Some college
18%
Post-secondary certificate
9%

Training before entry

1–2 years
28%
2–4 years
21%
6–12 months
14%
3–6 months
13%
Up to 1 month
8%
None / short demo
7%
4–10 years
5%
Over 10 years
3%
1–3 months
1%

Related work experience

2–4 years
46%
8–10 years
17%
4–6 years
16%
1–2 years
15%
6–8 years
7%

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.