Fire Service Careers
This section has been
prepared to give prospective applicants a general overview of firefighter
jobs requirements in the fire services. It also provides information concerning
which efforts may be helpful to those seeking a firefighter career. Although
some of the information contained here has been drawn from the Anaheim
Fire Department, it is also generic and applies to pursuing a career in
the fire services in any jurisdiction.
The
hiring process for entry-level Firefighter is extremely competitive and
requires much effort. It is not uncommon for a department to have upwards
of 5000 applicants for as little as three or four openings. In 1994, the
city of Anaheim distributed approximately 4000 applications for Firefighter
Trainee; Of the 400 successful candidates from the overall test process,
approximately 17 candidates were hired over a two year period.
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS
In the past, the minimum requirements for the average firefighter testing process have included: a minimum age of 18, possession of a valid California drivers license, a clean driving record, and an educational equivalent to a high school graduation. Physical requirements have included visual acuity of 20/70 uncorrected in each eye and correctible to 20/25 in both eyes, with normal range depth perception and the ability to identify primary colors. Hearing has been expected to be within normal range and weight proportioned to height.
A firefighter must
have good judgment, good communication skills, demonstrated mechanical
aptitude, basic math skills, and ability to understand and learn fire
fighting material. In addition, a firefighter must be able to face hazardous
, life threatening situations, and have coping skills for managing unpleasant
and difficult situations. Firefighters must have excellent interpersonal
skills and be able to work well under stressful situations. At the same
time, they must be team players able to get along with a variety of people
in close quarters. The ability to follow orders and work in a paramilitary
organization is also important. Fire fighting is physically demanding
and personnel in the fire service must be in excellent physical condition.
SELECTION PROCESS
Most jurisdictions
will distribute an examination announcement. To get specific information
about a particular agency, contact their personnel office. The application
and selection process will be described in the announcement which will
be published when a firefighter position opens. Most selection processes
for entry-level firefighter consist of an application screening, a written
exam, a physical ability test, and one or more oral interviews. A qualifying
background investigation and a medical evaluation are usually required.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PREPARE NOW
Becoming a firefighter often takes a great deal or long-term preparation, self motivation, and commitment. While there is no guarantee that any of the following activities will result in your selection as an entry-level firefighter, experience has shown that participation in these types of activities has tended to distinguish outstanding candidates, and documents an applicants interest in the position. Education and training: Some Community Colleges offer Fire Science degrees and/or certificates. This listing is only a sample and does not serve as an endorsement for any one program. Check the availability of classes at your local school.
- First Aid Courses Advanced First Aid Certificate (contact the local American Red Cross for a course schedule)
- Cardio-Pulminary Resusitation (CPR) Certificate (contact the Local Anaheim Firefighters Association for a course schedule) Fire Service Related Courses(offered at Community Colleges) Basic English Grammar & Reading comprehension
- Basic Math
- Emergency Medical Technician 1 Certification Fire Service Technology Courses Fire Science A.A. degree Mount San Antonio College
- Crafton Hills College
- Rancho Santiago College
- Rio Hondo College Physical Agility Training Rancho Santiago College
- Mount SAC
Physical Fitness: In order to prepare for firefighting work, it is important to have and maintain a physical fitness program. While no one course of physical fitness will suit every individual, a physical regimen that stresses endurance and total body strength can assist in developing a level of physical preparedness that is needed to succeed in physical agility performance testing. It is recommended that you consult your private physician before any fitness program.
Several institutions may assist you in deciding on a physical fitness program: The community colleges; YWCA/YMCA; a private health club; or a health maintenance organization (i.e., Kaiser Permanente). Community Involvement: Applicants are not required to participate in extracurricular activities. Nevertheless, participation in various types of community programs does not establish a record of interest and motivation.
1) Volunteer Fire Service Work Reserve Programs (check with your local fire department)
- Auxiliary Programs (check with your local fire department)
- Office of Emergency Services (OES)
- California Conservation Corp (CCC) Volunteer Community Services Church Programs
- Scout Troops (Explorer Programs)
- Community Organizations
- Hospitals
- Schools
Miscellaneous: There are several other ways to prepare for a career in the fire services. Occasionally, there are civilian jobs in dispatch, administration, or fire prevention. Most jurisdictions have a recorded job information hotline that lists vacancies. For Anaheim, that number is (714)254-5197. Other cities may have something similar.
It is important to: Visit Fire Stations - This is an excellent opportunity for interested individuals to talk to personnel and discuss the pros & cons of the profession and determine whether or not the day-to-day routine(s) match their own skills and interests.
Develop A Resume - Include all Fire Service related information so it is easily available when the application period opens.
A career in the fire service is both challenging and rewarding. Fire suppression is only one of a wide variety of duties performed by firefighters. In fact, approximately 85% of all fire departments responses are to emergency medical calls. Other typical assignments may include fire education, commercial residential fire inspections, community outreach and services, post-fire salvage and cleanup, and equipment maintenance.
When fighting fires, work apparel and equipment weighing approximately 45 pounds are worn. A significant amount of time is spent inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining this equipment and training in its use. A firefighter is usually a member of a four member team that lives and works together in close quarters throughout a shift. Living at the fire house entails rigorous house keeping, cooking, cleaning, and yard maintenance. Teams may be diverse by gender and ethnicity and each member is heavily dependent on fellow members to successfully perform the duties of the position.
Fire fighting is twenty-four hour work done in shifts that vary by jurisdiction. Calls for assistance can and do come at any hour. Many firefighters contend that the best way to ensure that a call comes in is to prepare a meal or begin a good nights sleep! A typical firefighter works a 24-hour shift with 24-hours off-duty in between shifts. On occasion there may be a mandatory overtime. A typical firefighter may earn between $2,500 and $3,800 per month. Other benefits include excellent medical, dental, and retirement plans.
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