Firefighter

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.

Educational Requirements

for Firefighters
The typical entry level education for this occupation is a postsecondary training (non-degree). Those with a associate’s degree have a competitive advantage in the labor market.

Knowledge

Examples of the knowledge needed for success in this occupation is listed below, in order of importance.
  • 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.
  • Building and Construction: Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
  • English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Skills

Examples of the skills needed for success in this occupation are listed below, in order of importance.
  • Active Listening: Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
  • Critical Thinking: Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
  • Monitoring: Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements.
  • Operation and Control: Using equipment or systems.
  • Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working.

Abilities

Examples of the abilities needed for success in this occupation are listed below, in order of importance.
  • Static Strength: Lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying.
  • Problem Sensitivity: Noticing when problems happen.
  • Multilimb Coordination: Using your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down.
  • Oral Comprehension: Listening and understanding what people say.
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness: Keeping your arm or hand steady

Detailed Work Activities

Examples of the detailed work activities involved with this occupation are listed below, in order of importance.
  • Rescue people from hazardous situations.
  • Administer first aid.
  • Locate fires or fire danger areas.
  • Assess characteristics of fires.
  • Relay information about incidents or emergencies to personnel using phones or two-way radios.