Different Firefighting Jobs
Firefighters are renowned for acting quickly in order to save lives. The career field of firefighting offers more than a job or a stable future, it also allows you to give back to your community in a valuable, tangible way. Firefighting is dangerous and requires education and preparation no matter what part of the field of firefighting you elect to work in.
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Volunteers
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), volunteer firefighters make up 70 percent of fire companies. Volunteers must be physically fit, at least 18 years old and able to pass several tests before being considered a firefighter. Training is required, and most fire brigades ask their volunteers to take classes yearly to increase knowledge in regard to emergency procedures. Typically, classes are taught though junior college or community colleges as well as through apprenticeship programs in direct relation with the firehouse.
Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics
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Emergency medical technicians (or EMTs) must be well-educated and trained properly for the role of emergency caregiving. EMTs and paramedics are both require to provide competent and dependable care in emergencies. According to the BLS, a high school diploma is required to apply for admittance to a formal medical training program. A license is also required, with each state having its own levels and titles of licensure.
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Fire Marshal
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One of the roles of a fire marshal is preventing fires. The fire marshal's job description includes inspecting buildings and making sure they are up to code. A fire marshal is in charge of investigating a fire scene after the fire in order to determine how it started. Fire marshals work with city planners and builders in making sure the municipality stays within the correct fire safety code.
Forest Firefighters
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According the United States Forest Service, forest firefighting is not for the faint of heart. This job requires one to be in peak physical condition due to its demanding nature. Firefighters in this career perform serve as hand crew -- teams who reach fires on ground -- or smoke jumpers, who parachute to fire locations, in order to suppress wildland fires. Before placement on the fire line, candidates must pass a "work capacity test." Specialized training is available through the Forest Service.
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