Fire 715 - Ch. 2 - Lecture Notes
Introduction
The modern fire service offers numerous career paths in both the public and private sectors.
As the fire service becomes more specialized, personnel tend to focus their training on specific areas.
Examples of specialization in the firefighting ranks include:
Urban search and rescue (USAR)
Swiftwater rescue
Emergency medicine
High‑rise firefighting
Wildland firefighting
Fire prevention
Public education
Incident management
The process of pursuing a career in the fire service typically begins with training to become a firefighter, completing probation, and joining a firefighting force.
A diverse organization will look to its own firefighting personnel to fill many specialized roles and to perform a variety of functions.
Public Fire Protection Careers
A. Fire Fighter Recruit – Fire Department
A fire fighter recruit or trainee is a new firefighter employed under a specific trainee program.
Usually receives less pay and fewer benefits.
Under close supervision and in a learning capacity, the fire fighter recruit assists in various phases of fire suppression and prevention.
Typical tasks include:
Responding to fire alarms and other emergency incidents to protect life and property
Assisting fire personnel by performing selected duties of significant learning value
Participating in continuing training and instruction programs by individual study of technical material and attendance at scheduled drills and classes
Driving and operating fire engines and similar equipment
B. Fire Fighter – Fire Department
Standard entry‑level position for the fire department.
May or may not require completion of a Fire Fighter I academy or certification to apply.
Under supervision, this person responds to fire alarms and other emergency incidents.
Tasks include:
Responding to alarms and assisting in suppression of fires (Figure 2‑1)
Cleaning up and performing salvage operations after fires
Assisting in maintaining and caring for fire apparatus, equipment, fire station, and grounds
Responding to emergency incidents
Operating oxygen administration equipment and automated external defibrillator and administering first aid
Conducting residential and business inspections to discover and eliminate potential fire hazards and educate the public in fire prevention
Participating in continuing training and instruction programs by study and drills
Driving and operating fire engines and similar equipment
Training or assisting in training auxiliary firefighters
Acting as relief for a driver/operator or company officer
Employment standards are the same as for fire fighter recruit–fire department.
Individuals may become eligible to test for the position of driver/operator or company officer after a specified period of time in rank and completion of department prerequisites (time in rank varies by department).
The driver/operator position may be a higher rank than firefighter in some departments and promotions come with a pay increase.
C. Fire Fighter – Fire Department Federal
The federal government has numerous firefighter positions at federal institutions, mostly at military bases.
Job description, requirements, and promotional opportunities are similar to municipal firefighters.
D. Fire Fighter Paramedic
Has increased responsibility over that of a firefighter and requires completion of advanced medical training.
May respond as part of an engine crew and provide medical aid as needed as an adjunct to firefighting duties.
Depending on the department, may respond in a special squad vehicle or ambulance.
If responding in a squad vehicle, others handle transporting the patient.
If responding in an ambulance, the firefighter paramedic treats victims at the scene and transports to a hospital.
Must possess or be capable of acquiring paramedic certification valid for the jurisdiction served.
Advantages:
Highly in demand
Lateral transfer to another department may be available
Increased responsibility and the ability to assist the public in medical emergencies
Usually a pay incentive
E. Fire Heavy Equipment Specialist
Mostly limited to departments that provide fire protection for wildland areas.
Operates heavy motorized equipment in fire control work.
Constructs and maintains fire breaks and roads (Figure 2‑3).
Additional tasks include:
Operating a bulldozer in wildland areas to establish fire control lines or for fire hazard reduction and conservation work
Operating motor graders, heavy transports, fire trucks, and other equipment used in fire suppression and maintenance
Servicing and assisting in mechanical repairs to equipment
Working with or supervising others on fire lines, road construction, conservation, and camp/work projects or fire incidents
Maintaining records of work accomplished and equipment serviced; making reports
Responding to alarms and assisting in suppression of fires
Cleaning up and performing salvage operations after fires
Assisting in maintaining and caring for fire apparatus, equipment, fire station, and grounds
Responding to emergency incidents, operating oxygen administration equipment, and administering first aid
Participating in continuing training and instruction programs by study and drills
Assisting in roadside burning and in building or clearing fire breaks or fire roads
Employment standards:
Graduation from high school or equivalency
Experience operating heavy motorized equipment (e.g., bulldozers and heavy transport trucks)
F. Safety Section Retirement
In some states, firefighting positions are classified as safety section positions.
Members may receive a higher level of retirement compensation than general (nonsafety) members due to the dangerous and stressful nature of the occupation.
Safety section members are eligible for service retirement after years, versus years for general members.
G. Fire Fighter (Forestry Aid) Wildland General Schedule 3
The fire fighter wildland GS 3 position is an advanced trainee on a wildland fire suppression engine or hand crew and/or a fuels management crew.
Work is performed in a forest environment with steep, uneven, rocky terrain and thick vegetation (Figure 2‑4).
Extreme temperatures and frequently severe smoke and dust conditions.
Entry level; training can be on the job or through local community college or high school programs prior to firefighting operations.
Tasks may include:
Developing knowledge of fuels management and fire suppression techniques
Searching out and extinguishing burning materials by moving dirt, applying water by hose or backpack pump, and other methods
Chopping brush or felling small trees to build a fire line; preparing lines prior to prescribed burning
Chopping, carrying, and piling logging slash
Patrolling the fire line to locate and extinguish sparks, flare-ups, and hot spots
Cleaning, reconditioning, and storing tools and equipment
Performing other resource management activities when not on fire suppression or fuels management duties
Purpose: to carry out tasks reducing ground fuels and suppressing wildland fires.
Employment standards:
Knowledge of forestry practices and fire suppression and prescribed burning methods for various fuels/weather/terrain
Working knowledge of fire behavior and fire control techniques
Skills in use of hand tools
Knowledge of safety practices to prevent injury and loss of life
Work requires strenuous physical exertion for extended periods, including: walking, climbing, shoveling, chopping, throwing, lifting, often carrying objects weighing pounds or more.
Must meet physical requirements as measured by the Work Capacity Test for Wildland Firefighters.
With satisfactory performance and available positions, the wildland GS 3 may be promoted to higher pay positions, to firefighter, or may transfer to roles such as helitack crew member, smoke jumper, fire prevention technician, or fire engine operator trainee.
Many college students fill these positions due to seasonality; training in wildland fire suppression is valuable for departments with wildland responsibilities and adds to your resume when seeking firefighting jobs.
Civilian Positions in the Fire Service
A. Fire Prevention Specialist
Under direct supervision, performs routine fire prevention, training, and hazardous materials disclosure work (Figure 2‑5).
Typical tasks include:
Routine field checks of fire prevention systems (e.g., hydrant flow tests, fire sprinkler system checks)
Hazard reduction/weed abatement inspections to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local standards
Participation in fire safety, EMS, and hazmat disclosure and education programs
Researching federal, state, and local policies, procedures, codes, and ordinances
Gathering and correlating hydrant information and updating water maps
Providing fire prevention and hazmat disclosure information to the public, department personnel, and other agencies
Assisting in developing procedures and coordination of hazmat disclosure programs
Evaluating information on disclosure forms and assigning fees
Assisting in developing, producing, coordinating, and maintaining hazmat data on facilities within a jurisdiction
Gathering and correlating statistical information; writing reports; assisting with filing and record keeping
Assisting fire prevention officers and inspectors with office duties
Employment standards are determined by the employing jurisdiction.
With experience and proficiency, may be promoted to Fire Prevention Specialist II; this position can serve as an entry point into the fire department.
B. Fire Hazardous Materials Program Specialist
Under direction, evaluates potential hazards of unusual chemicals and materials and determines which chemicals are subject to hazmat disclosure requirements under health and safety codes (Figure 2‑6).
Serves as the technical advisor to the hazmat control unit of the fire department.
Typical tasks include:
Evaluating hazards of unusual chemicals and materials
Determining which chemicals are subject to hazmat disclosure provisions
Developing, maintaining, and updating lists of hazardous materials
Analyzing industrial processes to identify chemical usages requiring regulations
Providing technical support to fire department staff regarding regulations
Reviewing requirements for chemical storage facilities, hazmat inventories, and business emergency plans
Developing area plans and coordinating hazmat disclosure with fire codes
Reviewing complex disclosure forms and emergency plans; interpreting relevant laws
Coordinating hazmat disclosure with local agencies; developing preparedness programs
Assisting in technical evaluation of materials at emergency scenes
Providing information to industries and the public on compliance; working with local/state/federal agencies
Conducting on-site inspections and preparing technical documents and reports
Employment standards: jurisdiction-specific; examples include a bachelor’s degree in physical/biological/environmental sciences or related fields and relevant experience.
Additional requirements typically include knowledge of chemistry and lab techniques; ability to research, analyze processes, interpret laws, and present technical information (including possibility of court presentation).
C. Fire Department Training Specialist
Under supervision, plans, develops, and produces training, informational, and educational materials; may supervise multimedia materials production.
Typical tasks include:
Planning and developing training materials for department use
Presenting training programs to department personnel and the public
Assessing training needs via testing and evaluations
Evaluating effectiveness of training programs
Researching training needs related to department needs and laws
Implementing training programs and maintaining records to verify compliance with legal requirements
Scheduling in‑service training and reviewing SOPs for accuracy and consistency
Ensuring members’ ability to use new equipment
Evaluating outside training programs and materials; budget preparation
Recommending new procedures
Employment standards include college‑level study in instruction and evaluations; effective communication skills are essential.
D. Public Fire Safety/Education Specialist
Provides public education in fire and burn safety; coordinates community awareness and improvement programs; assists public educators.
Typical tasks include:
Planning, conducting, and developing safety and burn prevention programs
Evaluating community needs and implementing relevant programs
Presenting to homeowners’ groups, schools, civic organizations, industry, and businesses
Identifying and correcting home fire hazards; reviewing data to identify areas needing emphasis
Coordinating engine company activities in fire safety programs
Providing escape planning instruction and explaining detectors’ benefits
Instructing on extinguishing minor fires pending response
Coordinating juvenile fire setters program; press releases and public service announcements
Administrative and research tasks; grant proposals
Organizing fund‑raising activities and budget preparation; continuing education
Attending continuing education; performing other duties as required
Employment standards: college degree with studies in fire science, public relations, communications, or education; work experience or equivalent
Required skills: effective communication; relationship building; data analysis; report preparation; brochures and information materials; project organization and scheduling
E. Dispatcher/Telecommunicator
In some departments, the dispatcher position is held by firefighters.
Under supervision of the shift supervisor, receives emergency and nonemergency calls and dispatches resources; must operate a computer‑aided dispatch system.
Typical tasks:
Receiving and acting on emergencies and nonemergencies per procedures (Figure 2‑9)
Operating communications equipment; instructing public on medical techniques
Securing and recording incident information; referring inquiries to appropriate agencies
Keeping officers informed and dispatching additional responders as directed
Monitoring unit status and logging emergency activity
Operating radios and CAD systems; handling telephone equipment; preparing and typing reports
Keeping necessary records and performing related work
Employment standards:
High school diploma or GED
Typing proficiency
Knowledge of communications equipment and CAD
Additional requirements:
Knowledge of local geography; ability to stay calm and act quickly in emergencies
Clear and concise speech; basic math; ability to follow instructions; report writing; record keeping
F. Emergency Services Planner/Manager
Increasingly established and professionalized; civilian (nonsafety) positions with homeland security funding and disaster management focus.
Responsibilities include developing emergency plans, leading operational concepts, and coordinating with department heads and agencies.
Requires initiative, resourcefulness, diplomacy, and organizational ability.
Typical tasks:
Formulating organizational plans and implementation for emergency services
Planning mobilization of personnel and resources
Acting as assistant to the director during declared emergencies
Integrating activities with emergency officials and local/area offices
Completing resource inventories and developing public announcements and media reports
Supervising public information broadcasts during emergencies; testing preparedness
Conducting studies of jurisdiction resources; performing other tasks
Employment standards:
Degree in business/public administration or related field from an accredited four‑year college
Two years of administrative experience in emergency service or civil defense activities
Additional requirements:
Knowledge of the Federal Disaster Relief and Emergency Act and state emergency acts
Knowledge of fiscal disaster programs and emergency action policies
Ability to analyze emergencies, manage interagency programs, speak publicly, and work with others respectfully
Ability to organize training programs and prepare communications; supervise others
Private Fire Protection Careers
A. Fire Fighter (Private Sector)
Opportunities exist in private companies for plant protection fire fighters.
Examples: Northrop Grumman Corporation, Red Adair Wild Well Control, Boots and Coots Fire Fighting, Wackenhut Services.
Some companies have employees form internal fire brigades for plant protection; not employed primarily as firefighters but trained in SCBA and basic firefighting and perform duties when required.
Private wildland firefighting companies contract with public agencies on large wildland fires; provide engines and crews; some expand into structure protection, disaster response, and hazmat.
B. Insurance Companies
Hire people with fire science backgrounds in loss prevention, inspection, emergency plan development, claims adjustment, and arson investigation.
C. Industry
Fire science graduates serve as loss prevention specialists and safety consultants.
Inspect properties for fire hazards; develop and deliver employee training programs
D. Fire Protection Systems Engineer
Designers of installed fire protection systems; engineer design specifications and plan installations.
As manufacturing processes become more exotic and valuable, specialized systems are developed to prevent damage from operation and fire.
Requires an advanced degree (usually bachelor’s or master’s).
E. Fire Protection System Maintenance Specialist
Contractors provide sales, installation, and maintenance of fire protection systems.
They service fire extinguishers annually where required by law and inspect/maintain fixed fire protection systems and equipment.
F. Invention and Innovation
Many firefighters have contributed inventions to the fire service as they performed their jobs.
Examples:
George Smith (invented the fire hydrant around 1800)
Edward Pulaski (1913) (invented the grub hoe and axe combination tool that bears his name)
As firefighting becomes more complex, there is ongoing need for new equipment and techniques; a background in fire science can aid in developing innovations.
Summary
The modern fire service offers numerous career paths in both public and private sectors.
Fire fighter recruit–fire department roles are used when new personnel are trained under specific trainee programs; duties include responding to alarms and supporting suppression and prevention efforts.
Federal firefighter opportunities exist, especially at military installations, with similar responsibilities and growth potential as municipal firefighters.
Fire fighter paramedics have increased medical responsibilities and require advanced medical training; demand and pay incentives are common.
Wildland fire roles (e.g., Fire Fighter GS 3) emphasize fuels management, wildland suppression, and physical endurance; promotions and seasonal work are common, with transferable skills for broader career paths.
Civilian positions expand opportunities in prevention, hazmat, training, public education, dispatch, and emergency planning; advancement often requires jurisdiction-specific standards and specialized knowledge.
Private sector roles include plant protection firefighting, insurance and industry loss prevention, system design and maintenance, and ongoing innovation in firefighting tools and methods.
Throughout, opportunities for advancement, specialization, and cross‑sector mobility are emphasized, supported by training, certification, and continuous education.