Firefighters

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  Career Profile

Firefighters

What they do

Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk. Duties may include fire prevention, emergency medical service, hazardous material response, search and rescue, and disaster assistance.

Also Called: Fire Engineer, Fire Equipment Operator, Fire Fighter, Fire Management Specialist, Fire Technician (Fire Tech), Firefighter, Forest Fire Suppression Specialist, Forestry Fire Technician (Forestry Fire Tech), Hot Shot, Wildland Firefighter, Fire Engineer, Fire Equipment Operator, Fire Fighter, Fire Management Specialist, Fire Technician (Fire Tech), Firefighter, Forest Fire Suppression Specialist, Forestry Fire Technician (Forestry Fire Tech), Hot Shot, Wildland Firefighter

$31,600
Starting Salary (2023)
$57,120
Median Salary (2023)
3.6%
Projected Job Growth
315,460
Employment (2022)

Typical Tasks

Clean and maintain fire stations and fire fighting equipment and apparatus.
Extinguish flames and embers to suppress fires, using shovels or engine- or hand-driven water or chemical pumps.
Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents.
Participate in fire drills and demonstrations of fire fighting techniques.
Assess fires and situations and report conditions to superiors to receive instructions, using two-way radios.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Social
Working with people

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Stress Tolerance
Dependability
Self-Control
Integrity
Attention to Detail
Concern for Others

What key skills are needed for this job?

Critical Thinking
Coordination
Service Orientation
Judgment and Decision Making
Active Learning
Monitoring

Expected Knowledge

Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Common Activities

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

More Info

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