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Career Details :: Forest Firefighters
Description
Control and suppress fires in forests or vacant public land.
Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a drywall installer might benefit from experience installing drywall, but an inexperienced person could still learn to be an installer with little difficulty.
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.
Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.
Tasks
- Fells trees, cuts and clears brush, and digs trenches to contain fire, using ax, chain saw, or shovel.
- Packs parachutes.
- Parachutes from aircraft and guides direction of fall toward clear landing area near scene of fire.
- Orients self in relation to fire, using compass and map, and collects supplies and equipment dropped by parachute.
- Works as member of fire-fighting crew.
- Patrols burned area after fire to watch for hot spots that may restart fire.
- Ascertains best method for attacking fire and communicates plan to airplane or base camp, using two-way radio.
- Extinguishes flames and embers to suppress fire, using shovel or engine- or hand-driven water or chemical pumps.
Related Careers
- Fallers
- Fire Inspectors
- Municipal Firefighters
- Ordinary Seamen and Marine Oilers
- Railroad Inspectors
- Riggers
- Security Guards
- Train Crew Members
- Transit and Railroad Police
Important Abilities
General Work Activities
- Performing General Physical Activities
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Monitor Processes, Material, Surroundings
- Communicating With Other Workers
- Getting Information Needed to Do the Job
Important Skills
Frequent Work Context
- Consequence of Error
- Frustrating Circumstances
- Job-Required Social Interaction
- Responsible for Others' Health & Safety
- Hazardous Situations
Related Majors
| Major | Add to XapPack |
|---|---|
| Environmental Protection Science |  [ add ] |
| Fire Science | [ add ] |
| Fire Science/Public Safety | [ add ] |
Institutions Offering Related Majors
No institutions found.