In today’s tough economic times, many of us are seeking a career with good pay and benefits. The job of firefighter has traditionally been a good paying job, with great benefits and lots of time off. How can you make the jump into the firefighting profession?

VOLUNTEER

Approximately 80% of all firefighters in the United States are volunteers. This is the easiest way to get valuable training and experience for someone wanting to pursue a career in the fire service. Contact your local fire department to ask about volunteer opportunities. Some communities have Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) that prepares citizens for assisting their neighbors during a disaster. This is an ideal way to start, as you will learn valuable skills such as First Aid and CPR, fire extinguishment, rescue techniques, and most importantly the use of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident Command System (ICS). The last two areas are how fire and emergency responders manage fires, disasters, and other emergencies. Joining a volunteer fire department as a firefighter provides more training than a CERT member and gives you more actual hands on experience. Some communities also have Reserve Firefighters on their staff, which is similar to a volunteer, but works closely with the communities paid firefighters to learn job skills.

TRAINING

Many paid fire departments require you to be trained and certified as a firefighter before being hired. Attendance at a Fire Academy is typically mandatory to certify an individual as a Firefighter I or entry level firefighter. On-line academies will allow you to complete some of your training at home, however you will be required to attend a fire academy for skills and manipulative training and final testing. A typical fire academy requires 10 weeks or more of full time attendance (Monday-Friday 7am-6pm) while an on line academy typically requires only two weeks attendance after your on-line training is complete. Certification as an Emergency Medical Technician 1 is typically an additional mandatory requirement, with this course offered at many Community Colleges nationwide. Do not overlook free on-line training that will enhance your marketability as a firefighter candidate available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or United States Fire Administration (USFA). Visit their websites for distance learning or independent study opportunities.

EDUCATION

Due to changes in technology, and the need for improved communication and documentation, many fire departments have started requiring a candidate to have an Associates Degree in Fire Technology or Fire Science. Again, search the web for on-line programs which enable you to obtain a degree without attending a formal classroom setting.

Once you have obtained training, experience and education, it is time to look for a job. The competition is stiff, but there are many opportunities for paid firefighting positions available if you know where to look. Private industry and security companies often hire firefighters to protect industrial complexes. Airports have their own fire departments, as well as some colleges and universities. The largest employer of firefighters is the United States government with jobs available at military bases, national parks, or protecting Federal lands as a wildland firefighter. State governments often hires firefighters to protect state facilities and as wildland firefighters. Jobs overseas are typically also regularly available in areas ranging from tropical islands to the North Pole. Positions are also available in the Middle East and other countries worldwide. Use the inter-net to find a job.

Being a paid/career firefighter brings not only great pay and benefits, but has other rewards. You get the opportunity to help others, serve your community, and save lives. What could be more rewarding?