Firefighting jobs have always been very competitive with thousands of applicants for each job available. One area which is constantly recruiting firefighters is private industry. Firefighters protect refineries, airports, hospitals, and other complexes worldwide. Seeking a position in the fire service? Why not a job as an industrial firefighter?

PREPARATION

To become an industrial firefighter, your first step is to obtain training. The current industry trend is for certifications issued by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (NPQS) Pro Board http://www.theproboard.org/ and/or International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) http://www.ifsac.org . These certifications are not only critical for entry level firefighters, but for those wishing to transition into the next logical step, Department of Defense firefighting. The basic training required for an industrial firefighter consists of certification as a Firefighter I; Emergency Medical Technician 1 (EMT-1); and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operational. Individuals that certify as EMT’s should obtain certification through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians at http://www.nremt.org/Content/NREMT_Home.nremt. For those that are interested in Firefighter and Hazardous Materials certifications, visit Open Fire Academy at http://openfireacademy.com/, and Training Division at http://www.trainingdivision.com/ for more information.

Once these basic certifications are achieved, your next logical progression for training certifications include Firefighter II, Fire Inspector I & II, Airport Firefighter, Driver Operator, and Fire Officer. Each of these certifications is available through the previous training programs, and at local community colleges and universities. The Pro Board and IFSAC websites list accredited training institutions for your convenience. Training in the Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS) is also required. This training is available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) which has Independent Study courses online that provide certificates of completion for this training, go to http://training.fema.gov/IS/crslist.asp .

Firefighters are required to successful complete a variety of tests, including physical agility tests. During your preparation, it is recommended that you participate in a variety of physical conditioning activities regularly to prepare yourself both physically and mentally for these tests.

JOB SEARCH

Industrial firefighters are hired by governments, corporations, and security companies. Check the internet, with three of the largest security companies including Wackenhut http://www.wsihq.com/ , Pinkerton http://www.wsihq.com/ , and Allied Barton http://www.alliedbarton.com/ . Defense contractors, petro chemical companies, and other corporations may also direct hire firefighters. A little known web site for industrial or Department of Defense firefighter jobs is located at http://www.dodfire.com/jobs.htm . This site offers many jobs not listed elsewhere and is worth a visit.

ADVANCEMENT

Once hired, it is time to start working your way up. Firefighters promote to Driver Operator and Lieutenant positions rapidly in the industrial fire world with the proper training. A Captain position requires a little more training and experience, and once you are at this level it is time to jump over to another specialty area, Fire Prevention. Advancement brings pay increases, and the opportunity to pursue better positions with the Department of Defense or Airport Fire Departments, which typically offer better pay and benefits. Interested in travel? Contract jobs overseas are always available, provided your certifications and experience meet their requirements. Contracts vary in length depending upon the duty assignment with one to two years being typical. Some assignments for officers include bringing your family, check with potential employers for more information. Some of the advantages include, paid training, bringing up the certification level you have, paid living expenses, and no United States Income Tax. A search of Google should bring up a list of open overseas jobs.

Chief Officer positions offer the highest pay and benefits. If this is your objective, complete Fire Officer II, III, and IV certifications, and pursue both an Associate’s Degree and Bachelors Degree in Fire Protection or Administration. Online degrees are available from the FEMA National Fire Academy at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/nfa/higher_ed/feshe/feshe_ddp.shtm . Additional required training includes Fire Instructor I, II, and III, Hazardous Materials Incident Commander and Technician, Fire Inspector II, and other advanced training.

 Individuals at all levels can expect competition from military firefighters ending their assignments and seeking to transition into the civilian world. In fact, you may want to pursue a military firefighter career full time or part time with Reserve or National Guard units. Either way you gain valuable experience while serving your country. One other note on training involves obtaining as much training as you can in terrorism response or Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) response. Private industry is always looking for personnel in these areas, and this training will help in your advancement.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

The United States is home to the best industrial training programs in the United States, including the University of Nevada Reno at http://fireacademy.unr.edu/archive.html and Texas A & M Fire School http://teexweb.tamu.edu/esti/ . Attendance at these and other schools, coupled with online training through FEMA is going to insure your skills are ready for any emergency.

MOVING ON

Industrial firefighting is a great career in itself, but one of the best jobs is serving with the United States Department of Defense as a Firefighter. Your hours may be longer, but your pay and benefits do make up for it. In addition, you can travel world-wide, serving at military bases worldwide. Large airports world-wide also offer great pay and benefits to experienced firefighters.

FINAL THOUGHTS

If this sounds great to you, well good luck on your new career. Are there any drawbacks? Sure as with any job. Your emergency response activity may be low, with little or no fires to respond to, and you may not be appreciated until you are needed, but you will be joining a family of thousands of professionals that keep our industries safe every day of the year.