Monday, 08 September 2008

• Being a Firefighter for a living.

  Overview of the Job

  As the name implies, firefighting career is a dangerous and demanding job. It is not an occupation for the average person. Most firefighters are also emergency medical technicians (EMT). This occupation requires the use of a wide range of equipment and the familiarity with the different types of gases, poisons, and fire accelerants. This job requires not only fighting fires in buildings and in forests, but also extracting trapped people and giving basic emergency medical treatment. Some specialized forest firefighters, called Smoke Jumpers, must be able to parachute into the wilderness and survive on their own while fighting fires.

  Other levels of this occupation include: fire inspectors, marshals, and investigators. As the titles imply, these individuals assure that fire codes are adhered to and that fires are investigated to determine their causes.

  When not on a fire call, these individuals keep the fire house clean and all equipment in ready condition. They work long hours, often more than 50 hours a week in varying shifts of 24 hours on and 48 hours off. They live in the fire house during their shifts on.

  Education and Experience Requirements

  • Written tests must be passed

  • Excellent physical health required and regular physicals to prove it

  • Tests of strength, stamina, and agility must be passed

  • Post high school education such as technical school or college very helpful

  • Specialized training for all recruits

  Future of the Occupation

  There will always be a demand for trained firefighters, not only because of the need but due to the rigorous, dangerous demands of the job. Many areas use volunteer personnel. It is not unusual for this to turn into a full time paid job.

  The median firefighter pay is between about 14 dollars to 24 dollars an hour. Supervisors, managers, inspectors, and marshals are paid more.

  For job listings and Resume help to become a Firefighter visit Employment911.com.
  

  
  

  
  

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