Firefighter Career | Fire Fighter Jobs | Firefighting Jobs
Firefighter Jobs - What is the Job of a Fire Fighter? What do Fire Fighting Jobs Involve?
Firefighters are responsible for protecting the public from property destruction resulting from fires. The fire fighter saves thousands of lives annually, and they are usually the first responders on the scene of a traffic accident or medical emergency.
Firefighters must be on call constantly when their shifts start due to the immediate response needed in order to treat emergency medical cases or fire related problems. It is important to remember that fighting a fire is dangerous, and to do successfully requires teamwork, with each fire fighter having specific responsibilities.
The senior fire fighter job involves issuing responsibilities to the firemen underneath them, and the work of the fire fighter involves a operating pumps which send water towards the fire, using systematic procedures in order to put out the flames. Fire fighting professionals may also have the responsibility of hacking their way into a burning building in order to rescue the inhabitants inside.
Other responsibilities of the fire fighter can include treating individuals in an emergency medical capacity such as conducting CPR, and attempting to salvage what is left of the building. Fire fighting is an exciting job involves a great deal of different work sites per shift.
Volunteer firefighters and those who are paid will work in a variety of different settings, whether it be industrial, rural, or emergency medical services at an individual’s house. Some firefighters may have special responsibilities such as cleaning up hazardous waste sites, like oil spills, or ensuring the safe transport of dangerous chemicals.
Forest fire inspectors, as well as fire prevention specialists, are responsible for detecting the early warning signs of fire in a forest. Forest firefighters will occupy watchtowers and report back to headquarters so that firefighting professionals have the best chance of putting out the fires early. Fighting a forest fire usually involves creating fire lines, by removing vegetation from the oncoming path of the fire in order to starve it.
In their off time, fire fighters will maintain their equipment, study new the firefighting techniques, participate in community activities, and conduct fire inspections. Another role that fire fighter jobs may have involve taking steps and educated the community on how fires can be prevented in the first place.
Another type of fire fighter is call the fire investigator, wish responsible for determining whether arson was responsible for the damage. Fire investigators are sometimes asked to testify in court as to whether they believe that a fire was arson.
Working Conditions for Fire Fighters Jobs - How is the Working Environment for Firefighter Employment?
The working environment of a firefighter job mostly involves working in fire stations, where firefighters sit around and recreation into one alarm sounds, at which point they will respond to emergency calls.
Working as a firefighter is one of the most dangerous jobs in America, due to the exposure of poisonous and flammable gases, in addition to heat and asphyxia.
Firefighting shifts can be erratic, and most fire fighters work over 50 hours a week, usually spending extra time volunteering, in addition to working on holidays.
Firefighter Training Education - How to Become a Firefighter - How to Receive Your Firefighter Certification
Fire fighter training is often receive on the job, however, some firefighters may choose to pursue a two or four year degree in firefighter schools learning fire science. Firefighter training involves learning first aid and cardiopulmonary recitation, in addition to building codes, fire prevention, and firefighting techniques. After completing their training, the firefighters are then assigned to an experienced fire fighter who will then teach them and mentor them.
Becoming an emergency medical technician is an essential certification in order to become a fire fighter. Certification of an EMT may be independent, or the fire department may offer the program on their own.
The United States National Fire Academy also offers firefighter training courses on such topics as disaster preparedness, detecting arson, handling toxic materials, and public fire education.
Firefighting Careers - How to Become Certified from Firefighter Training
Some requirements in order to become a fire fighter include physical stamina and coordination, in addition to physical endurance and strength. Firefighters must be able to make quick calls of judgment in emergency situations, often in life and death situations.
Losing people to fire, especially a member of one’s crew can be emotionally damaging experience, and aspiring fire fighters must be able to handle their emotions effectively.
With enough experience, some firefighters can become fire chiefs, supervising their own fire station. The ranks are as follows: firefighter, engineer, lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, assistant chief, deputy chief, and lastly, chief.
Outlook for Firefighter Jobs - What is the Future of Fire Fighter Jobs?
Over the next decade, firefighter job growth should be about 12%. Most of this growth will come from volunteer fire departments who wish to hire certified professionals as it is difficult to retain qualified firefighter volunteers. Since most people in America enjoy living in cities, there is a higher incidence of fire, and therefore a greater need for the services of professional firefighters.
Even with strong job growth, becoming a fire fighter is very challenging and most firefighters start out as volunteer fire fighters. Individuals with a degree in fire science should obtain the best positions, usually skipping the starting roles of a fire fighter and going directly into management.
Firefighter Salary Pay Scale - How Much Does a Firefighter Career Earn?
In 2006, firefighter jobs had median earnings of $41,190. Fire supervisors had a median salary of $62,900 over the same time period, and fire investigators earned a median salary of $40,050.
The International City County Management Association found, in 2006, that fire chiefs had an annual average salary of $73,435, and fire engineers had a salary of $43,230.
Since firefighters usually work for state, local, or Federal governments, they receive lucrative benefits and pension plans, usually being able to retire after 25 years of service, or if they have been injured while working.