Chapter 02

Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning

Introduction to Fire Protection 3rd EditionRobert Klinoff

Introduction to Fire Protection3rd Edition



Chapter 2

Fire Protection Career Opportunities



Objectives

• Identify fire protection jobs in the public and private fire service

• List duties and requirements of firefighter trainee and firefighter

• List duties and requirements of firefighter/paramedic



Objectives (con’t.)

• List duties and requirements of the position of fire heavy equipment operator

• List duties and requirements of the position of firefighter forestry aid

• Give examples of fire service jobs other than firefighter



Introduction

• Fire protection jobs – Firefighter and non-firefighter positions

– Public and private sectors

• Promotions available with advanced training



Public Fire Protection Careers

• Firefighter jobs– Firefighter trainee - fire department

– Firefighter - fire department

– Firefighter - fire department federal

– Firefighter paramedic

– Fire heavy equipment operator

– Forestry aid



Firefighter Trainee - Fire Department

• Less pay and fewer benefits than regular firefighter

• Works under close supervision in a learning capacity

• Attends drills and classes• May operate equipment• Promoted to probationary status after specified

time and completion of training



Firefighter - Fire Department

• Standard entry level position• Responds to fire alarms and other emergency

calls• Assists in equipment maintenance• Administers first aid• May act as relief for driver/operator or

company officer– Can test for these positions after meeting

prerequisites



Firefighter - Fire Department Federal

• Works at federal installations– Mostly at military bases

• Job description, requirements, and promotional opportunities much like firefighter fire department municipal



Firefighter Paramedic

• Requires advanced medical training• Has increased medical responsibility• Responds in ambulance or special squad

vehicle• May include pay incentives• Provides opportunity for lateral transfer to

another department



Figure 2-2

Firefighter paramedic checking infant for injuries



Fire Heavy Equipment Operator

• Works primarily in departments that provide fire protection in wildland areas– Mostly in southwestern United States

• Operates bulldozers and other heavy equipment

• Constructs and maintains fire breaks and roads

• Usually a one-class position



Safety Section Retirement

• Provided for extremely dangerous and stressful occupations

• Primarily includes fire and police• Includes

– Higher levels of benefits

– Higher percentage at retirement



Firefighter (Forestry Aid) Wildland GS3

• Seasonal jobs for entry level personnel – Summer job for many college students

• Works in forest environment, often in extreme conditions

• Learns fuel management and fire suppression techniques

• Performs resource management tasks• Can lead to more specialized positions



More Public Fire Protection Careers

• Non-firefighting jobs– Fire prevention specialist

– Fire hazardous materials program specialist

– Fire department training specialist

– Public fire safety/Education specialist

– Dispatcher/Telecommunicator



Fire Prevention Specialist

• Requires knowledge of codes and ordinances• Performs routine field checks of fire prevention

systems• Assists in inspections and gathering statistical

data• Writes reports and assists in record keeping• Provides hazardous materials disclosure

information



Fire Hazardous Materials Program Specialist

• Requires chemistry or related degree• Evaluates potential hazards of unused hazards

and related materials• Analyzes and maintains inventory of hazardous

materials• Serves as technical advisor to fire department • Interprets laws and provides information to

emergency personnel and the public



Fire Department Training Specialist

• Requires education in instruction and evaluation• Plans, develops, and produces training,

information, and educational materials• Presents training programs to fire department

and general public • Reviews training programs, standard operating

procedures, and member ability• Researches and recommends new programs



Public Fire Safety/Education Specialist

• Ability to teach all age groups (see Figure 2-8)• Provides public education within the community

for all aspects of fire safety• Coordinates community programs• Organizes fund-raising activities



Dispatcher / Telecommunicator

• Requires computer knowledge, typing proficiency, and communication skills

• Firefighter position in some departments• Receives calls and dispatches equipment• Deals with emergency and non-emergency calls• May be trained in Emergency Medical Dispatch



Private Fire Protection Careers

• Firefighter• Insurance companies representative• Industry• Fire protection systems engineer• Fire protection system maintenance specialist• Inventors



Firefighter

• Plant protection for industrial facilities– Example: Northrop Grumman

• Wildland firefighting companies– Provide apparatus and crews

– May also deal with structural protection and hazardous materials



Insurance Companies

• Require fire technology personnel in loss prevention– Inspectors

– Emergency plan developers

– Claims adjusters

– Investigators



Industry

• Employs firefighters, loss prevention specialists, and safety consultants– Inspect properties for fire and other hazards

– Develop and present employee training programs



Fire Protection Systems Engineer

• Requires advanced degree• Designs fire protection systems• Plans the installation of systems• Designs specialized systems for system

operations



Fire Protection System Maintenance Specialist

• Sells, installs, and maintains fire protection equipment

• Services fire extinguishers annually• Inspects and maintains fixed protection

systems and equipment– Sprinklers; systems to protect computer rooms,

etc.



Invention and Innovation

• Firefighters respond to need for new tools and techniques– George Smith (FDNY) invented fire hydrant

– Edward Pulaski (USFS) invented Pulaski tool

– Firefighters developed FIRESCOPE Incident Command System (see Chapter 13)

– Captain Scott Park aided in development of Searchcam tool



Summary

• Fire technology degrees provide opportunities in public and private sectors

• There is stiff competition for firefighter positions• Education and experience are assets• Firefighting requires a wide range of specialties

to perform duties• Can work in a related field if medical

requirements are not met

Health & Medicine

Chapter 02