chapter 2 careers in fire protection. introduction career opportunities many different jobs are...

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


Jobs in the Public and Private Fire Service


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 requiredCont.

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



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.



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



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




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


Duties of Firefighter/Paramedic


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


Duties of Heavy Equipment Operator


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.


• 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.




• 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




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.


Assists in hazardous material disclosure program

Correlates statistical information Assists with office coverage

• Employment standards Determined by the

employing jurisdiction



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.



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



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.




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



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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

chapter 2 careers in fire protection. introduction career opportunities many different jobs are...

Documents

firefighter slide

duties of firefighter

training learning objective

innovation learning

service slide

ambulance slide

science field slide

protection field