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
Learning Objective 1
Jobs in the Public and Private Fire
Service
OPPORTUNITIES IN PRIVATE SECTOR (FIRE
SCIENCE)
• Insurance companies
• Industry
• Fire protection systems engineer
• Fire protection system maintenance specialist
• Invention and innovation
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.
Learning Objective 2
Duties of Firefighter Trainee and
Firefighter
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 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
Learning Objective 3
Duties of Firefighter/Paramedic
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 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.
Learning Objective 4
Duties of Heavy Equipment Operator
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 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.
Learning Objective 5
Duties of Firefighter Forestry Aid
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 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.
Learning Objective 6
Fire Service Jobs Other Than Firefighter
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
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