Chapter 2 Careers in Fire Protection

Introduction CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Many different jobs are available in the fire protection field Both public and private sectors Some avenues of promotion require advanced training in the fire science field

Learning Objective 1 Jobs in the Public and Private Fire Service OPPORTUNITIES IN PRIVATE SECTOR (FIREFIGHTER) Large corporations  Hire own firefighters for plant protection  In-house fire brigades Private wildland firefighting companies  Contract with public agencies  Provide engines, apparatus, and crews

OPPORTUNITIES IN PRIVATE SECTOR (FIRE SCIENCE) Insurance companies Industry Fire protection systems engineer Fire protection system maintenance specialist Invention and innovation Learning Objective 1 Jobs in the Public and Private Fire Service

Learning Objective 2 Duties of Firefighter Trainee and Firefighter FIREFIGHTER TRAINEE─FIRE DEPARTMENT General information  Typically receives less pay and fewer benefits  Will be promoted to Firefighter–Probationary Definition  Assists in fire suppression, learns functions of the department, related work as required Cont.

FIREFIGHTER TRAINEE─FIRE DEPARTMENT Typical tasks  Responds to alarms and emergency incidents  Performs duties of significant learning value  May drive fire engines and similar equipment  Participates in training Learning Objective 2 Duties of Firefighter Trainee and Firefighter

FIREFIGHTER─FIRE DEPARTMENT General information  Standard entry-level position for fire department  May or may not require Firefighter I certification Definition  Responds to fire alarms and emergency incidents, protects life and property, related work as required Cont. Learning Objective 2 Duties of Firefighter Trainee and Firefighter

FIREFIGHTER─FIRE DEPARTMENT Typical tasks  Performs salvage operations after fires  Maintains and cares for fire apparatus  Makes residential and business inspections  Participates in continuing training  May train auxiliary firefighters Learning Objective 2 Duties of Firefighter Trainee and Firefighter

FIREFIGHTER─FIRE DEPARTMENT FEDERAL Federal government has numerous positions for firefighters at federal installations  Mostly located at military bases  Job descriptions, requirements, and promotional opportunities similar to those of municipal firefighters Learning Objective 2 Duties of Firefighter Trainee and Firefighter

Learning Objective 3 Duties of Firefighter/Paramedic FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC RESPONSIBILITIES Definition  Delivers advanced life support in addition to firefighter duties Typical tasks  Provides medical aid  May respond as part of engine crew or ambulance

INCREASED RESPONSIBILITIES Employment standards  Must meet the standards of a firefighter  Must be able to acquire paramedic certification Advantage  Firefighter/paramedics are in great demand  Increased responsibility has a pay incentive Learning Objective 3 Duties of Firefighter/Paramedic

Learning Objective 4 Duties of Heavy Equipment Operator LIMITED TO WILDLAND AREA PROTECTION Definition  Operates heavy motorized equipment in fire control work; constructs and maintains fire breaks and roads Typical tasks  Operates bulldozer, grader, and other equipment  Maintains record of work accomplished  Assists in roadside burning and clearing fire breaks Cont.

LIMITED TO WILDLAND AREA PROTECTION  Assists in making mechanical repairs  Works with or supervises on fire line Employment standards  High school diploma or GED  Experience in operating heavy motorized equipment Learning Objective 4 Duties of Heavy Equipment Operator

Learning Objective 5 Duties of Firefighter Forestry Aid FORESTRY AID─WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER General information  Performed in forest environment  Temperatures are frequently extreme  Smoke and dust conditions are severe  Considered entry level; training may be provided Cont.

FORESTRY AID─WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER Typical tasks  Performs fire suppression techniques and practices  Uses various tools and power saws  Chops, carries, and piles logging slash  Patrols fire line to extinguish flare ups  Fire line construction Cont. Learning Objective 5 Duties of Firefighter Forestry Aid

FORESTRY AID─WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER Employment standards  Knowledge of forest practices and techniques  Working knowledge of fire behavior  Skills in the use of hand tools  Knowledge of safety practices  Meets physical requirements Learning Objective 5 Duties of Firefighter Forestry Aid

Learning Objective 6 Fire Service Jobs Other Than Firefighter FIRE PREVENTION SPECIALIST Definition  Performs a variety of routine fire prevention, training, and hazardous materials disclosure functions Typical tasks  Conducts routine checks of fire prevention systems  Participates in training and education programs  Gathers and correlates hydrant information Cont.

FIRE PREVENTION SPECIALIST  Assists in hazardous material disclosure program  Correlates statistical information  Assists with office coverage Employment standards  Determined by the employing jurisdiction Learning Objective 6 Fire Service Jobs Other Than Firefighter

FIRE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS PROGRAM SPECIALIST Definition  Evaluates potential hazards of chemicals, serves as technical advisor, related work as required Typical tasks  Maintains and updates list of hazardous materials  Assists in development of area emergency plan  Reviews completed disclosure forms Cont. Learning Objective 6 Fire Service Jobs Other Than Firefighter

FIRE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS PROGRAM SPECIALIST  Provides information and assistance to industries  Conducts on-site inspections  Writes reports based on notes Employment standards  Knowledge of effects of hazardous materials  Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations Learning Objective 6 Fire Service Jobs Other Than Firefighter

FIRE DEPARTMENT TRAINING SPECIALIST Definition  Plans, develops, and produces training materials; participates in presentation of multimedia materials Typical tasks  Assesses training through testing and evaluation  Evaluates training programs  Maintains record-keeping system Cont. Learning Objective 6 Fire Service Jobs Other Than Firefighter

FIRE PREVENTION SPECIALIST  Reviews standard operating procedures  Prepares training budget  Researches and recommends new procedures Employment standards  College-level study in instruction and evaluation  Ability to organize and schedule training Learning Objective 6 Fire Service Jobs Other Than Firefighter

PUBLIC FIRE SAFETY/EDUCATION SPECIALIST Definition  Provides public education in community, coordinates awareness programs, fosters community relations Typical tasks  Investigates and evaluates community needs  Presents programs to segments of the community  Provides instruction regarding escape planning Cont. Learning Objective 6 Fire Service Jobs Other Than Firefighter

PUBLIC FIRE SAFETY/EDUCATION SPECIALIST  Prepares press releases  Compiles and prepares reports  Assists in budget preparation Employment standards  College-level study in fire science, public relations, communication, or education  Ability to communicate effectively Learning Objective 6 Fire Service Jobs Other Than Firefighter

DISPATCHER/TELECOMMUNICATOR Definition  Receives telephone and radio calls, dispatches equipment, operates computer dispatch system Typical tasks  On shift, receives calls and acts upon incidents  Operates communication equipment  Keeps fire officers advised of situations Cont. Learning Objective 6 Fire Service Jobs Other Than Firefighter

DISPATCHER/TELECOMMUNICATOR  Continually monitors the status of fire units  Logs all departmental emergency activity  Prepares and types reports Employment standards  High school diploma or GED  Basic knowledge of communication equipment Learning Objective 6 Fire Service Jobs Other Than Firefighter

EMERGENCY SERVICES PLANNER/MANAGER Definition  Responsible for operational concepts and orders, coordinating heads of departments and agencies Typical tasks  Formulates plans for the organization  Plans for mobilization of personnel  Completes studies and inventories of resources Cont. Learning Objective 6 Fire Service Jobs Other Than Firefighter

EMERGENCY SERVICES PLANNER/MANAGER  Supervises public informational broadcasts  Conducts tests to determine preparedness  Supervises county-wide shelter program Employment standards  College degree in business administration, public administration, or closely related field Learning Objective 6 Fire Service Jobs Other Than Firefighter

Summary There are opportunities for motivated and qualified individuals in both public and private sectors Many provide good pay and benefits as well as a satisfying career Pursuing a fire science degree shows employers your ability to learn and complete a course of study