What does a Firefighter do?
Firefighters typically work for fire stations or firehouses to provide timely responses to emergencies. They work with firefighters and other emergency personnel to bring emergencies under control and restore order. Their job is to respond to potential gas leaks, contain and extinguish building or brush fires, offer first aid services to members of the public and remove debris from the roadway. They may also need to repair their vehicles and equipment during quiet moments of the day.
Firefighter skills and qualifications
Firefighting can be a high-stress job, so applicants need to have extensive skills and qualifications in order to do the job correctly and handle hazardous situations safely. Here are the most important skills and qualifications relevant to being a Firefighter:
- The physical demands of firefighting are significant. The equipment is very heavy, and immense strength is necessary for getting through certain obstacles during firefighting and carrying individuals out of danger.
- It’s common for Firefighters to be on call for 24 hours then off for two or three days. With a 24-hour shift, Firefighters need to have extensive stamina that allows them to address dangerous situations effectively on a moment’s notice at any time.
- Firefighting is a team effort, so firefighters need to be able to communicate with each other and victims effectively. Applicants must excel at both conveying ideas and listening to instructions.
- Firefighters have to operate an extensive amount of equipment during the job, so any applicant must have technical expertise in all the tools at their disposal including hoses, breaching tools and the fire truck itself.
Firefighter salary expectations
A Firefighter makes an average of $45,454 per year. Salary may depend on level of experience, education and the geographical location.
Firefighter salary expectations
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Common salary:
57497.31 YEARLY -
Typical salaries range from
20000.00 -113000.00 YEARLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
Firefighter education and training requirements
At the minimum level, a high school diploma or GED is required to become a Firefighter. Some job descriptions also include an associate degree in fire science as a preferred qualification. There are also course programs at vocational colleges that are conducted in conjunction with local fire departments creating qualified candidates. EMT certification is also a requirement to ensure Firefighters have the proper medical training in addition to passing the fire academy training.
Firefighter experience requirements
Most Firefighter positions prefer some experience for their applicants, but extensive on-the-job training is offered with the fire academy. Of course, an applicant who is already a Career Firefighter can get through that much faster and potentially skip it altogether as long as they remain in compliance with local requirements.
Job Description samples for similar positions
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