Contact

Welcome,
New User

Firefighters

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.

View All

    Work Activities

    Work Activities

    • Assess fires and situations and report conditions to superiors to receive instructions, using two-way radios.
    • Assess fires and situations and report conditions to superiors to receive instructions, using two-way radios.
    • Prepare written reports that detail specifics of fire incidents.
    • Extinguish flames and embers to suppress fires, using shovels or engine- or hand-driven water or chemical pumps.
    • Create openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance, using axes, chisels, crowbars, electric saws, or core cutters.
    • Inform and educate the public on fire prevention.
    • Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents.
    • Salvage property by removing broken glass, pumping out water, and ventilating buildings to remove smoke.
    • Maintain knowledge of current firefighting practices by participating in drills and by attending seminars, conventions, and conferences.
    • Drive and operate fire fighting vehicles and equipment.
    • Select and attach hose nozzles, depending on fire type, and direct streams of water or chemicals onto fires.
    • Move toward the source of a fire, using knowledge of types of fires, construction design, building materials, and physical layout of properties.
    • Inspect fire sites after flames have been extinguished to ensure that there is no further danger.
    • Take action to contain any hazardous chemicals that could catch fire, leak, or spill.
    • Clean and maintain fire stations and fire fighting equipment and apparatus.
    • Position and climb ladders to gain access to upper levels of buildings, or to rescue individuals from burning structures.
    • Orient self in relation to fire, using compass and map, and collect supplies and equipment dropped by parachute.
    • Collaborate with police to respond to accidents, disasters, and arson investigation calls.
    • Inspect buildings for fire hazards and compliance with fire prevention ordinances, testing and checking smoke alarms and fire suppression equipment as necessary.
    • Inspect buildings for fire hazards and compliance with fire prevention ordinances, testing and checking smoke alarms and fire suppression equipment as necessary.
    • Participate in physical training activities to maintain a high level of physical fitness.
    • Participate in fire drills and demonstrations of fire fighting techniques.
    • Maintain knowledge of current firefighting practices by participating in drills and by attending seminars, conventions, and conferences.
    • Protect property from water and smoke, using waterproof salvage covers, smoke ejectors, and deodorants.
    • Position and climb ladders to gain access to upper levels of buildings, or to rescue individuals from burning structures.
    • Rescue victims from burning buildings, accident sites, and water hazards.
    • Maintain contact with fire dispatchers at all times to notify them of the need for additional firefighters and supplies, or to detail any difficulties encountered.
    • Patrol burned areas after fires to locate and eliminate hot spots that may restart fires.
    • Patrol burned areas after fires to locate and eliminate hot spots that may restart fires.
    • Operate pumps connected to high-pressure hoses.
    • Collaborate with other firefighters as a member of a firefighting crew.
    • Dress with equipment such as fire-resistant clothing and breathing apparatus.

    Skills

    • Social Perceptiveness

      Understanding people's reactions.

    • Installation

      Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs.

    • Writing

      Writing things for co-workers or customers.

    • Management of Material Resources

      Managing equipment and materials.

    • Management of Financial Resources

      Making spending decisions and keeping track of what is spent.

    • Equipment Selection

      Deciding what kind of tools and equipment are needed to do a job.

    • Critical Thinking

      Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.

    • Active Learning

      Figuring out how to use new ideas or things.

    • Instructing

      Teaching people how to do something.

    • Active Listening

      Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.

    • Judgment and Decision Making

      Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one.

    • Equipment Maintenance

      Planning and doing the basic maintenance on equipment.

    • Time Management

      Managing your time and the time of other people.

    • Management of Personnel Resources

      Selecting and managing the best workers for a job.

    • Systems Evaluation

      Measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it.

    • Persuasion

      Talking people into changing their minds or their behavior.

    • Negotiation

      Bringing people together to solve differences.

    • Service Orientation

      Looking for ways to help people.

    • Programming

      Writing computer programs.

    • Monitoring

      Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements.

    • Mathematics

      Using math to solve problems.

    • Operations Analysis

      Figuring out what a product or service needs to be able to do.

    • Operation and Control

      Using equipment or systems.

    • Science

      Using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems.

    • Complex Problem Solving

      Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.

    • Speaking

      Talking to others.

    • Coordination

      Changing what is done based on other people's actions.

    • Technology Design

      Making equipment and technology useful for customers.

    • Repairing

      Repairing machines or systems using the right tools.

    • Reading Comprehension

      Reading work-related information.

    • Learning Strategies

      Using the best training or teaching strategies for learning new things.

    • Operations Monitoring

      Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working.

    • Systems Analysis

      Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it.

    • Quality Control Analysis

      Testing how well a product or service works.

    • Troubleshooting

      Figuring out what is causing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs to not work.

    WorkKeys®

    Applied Math
    4
    Workplace Documents
    4
    Graphic Literacy
    5

    Abilities

    • Glare Sensitivity

      Seeing something even if there is a glare or very bright light.

    • Near Vision

      Seeing details up close.

    • Multilimb Coordination

      Using your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down.

    • Reaction Time

      Quickly moving your hand, finger, or foot based on a sound, light, picture or other command.

    • Written Comprehension

      Reading and understanding what is written.

    • Problem Sensitivity

      Noticing when problems happen.

    • Inductive Reasoning

      Making general rules or coming up with answers from lots of detailed information.

    • Information Ordering

      Ordering or arranging things.

    • Category Flexibility

      Grouping things in different ways.

    • Number Facility

      Adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing.

    • Memorization

      Remembering words, numbers, pictures, or steps.

    • Spatial Orientation

      Knowing where things are around you.

    • Arm-Hand Steadiness

      Keeping your arm or hand steady.

    • Depth Perception

      Deciding which thing is closer or farther away from you, or deciding how far away it is from you.

    • Gross Body Equilibrium

      Keeping your balance or staying upright.

    • Static Strength

      Lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying.

    • Stamina

      Exercising for a long time without getting out of breath.

    • Dynamic Flexibility

      Quickly and repeatedly bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

    • Peripheral Vision

      Seeing something to your side when your are looking ahead.

    • Speech Clarity

      Speaking clearly.

    • Far Vision

      Seeing details that are far away.

    • Visual Color Discrimination

      Noticing the difference between colors, including shades and brightness.

    • Selective Attention

      Paying attention to something without being distracted.

    • Perceptual Speed

      Quickly comparing groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.

    • Flexibility of Closure

      Seeing hidden patterns.

    • Control Precision

      Quickly changing the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.

    • Response Orientation

      Quickly deciding if you should move your hand, foot, or other body part.

    • Wrist-Finger Speed

      Making fast, simple, repeated movements of your fingers, hands, and wrists.

    • Written Expression

      Communicating by writing.

    • Fluency of Ideas

      Coming up with lots of ideas.

    • Originality

      Creating new and original ideas.

    • Auditory Attention

      Paying attention to one sound while there are other distracting sounds.

    • Speech Recognition

      Recognizing spoken words.

    • Time Sharing

      Doing two or more things at the same time.

    • Manual Dexterity

      Holding or moving items with your hands.

    • Visualization

      Imagining how something will look after it is moved around or changed.

    • Hearing Sensitivity

      Telling the difference between sounds.

    • Sound Localization

      Noticing the direction that a sound came from.

    • Gross Body Coordination

      Moving your arms, legs, and mid-section together while your whole body is moving.

    • Explosive Strength

      Jumping, sprinting, or throwing something.

    • Extent Flexibility

      Bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching with your body, arms, and/or legs.

    • Dynamic Strength

      Exercising for a long time without your muscles getting tired.

    • Finger Dexterity

      Putting together small parts with your fingers.

    • Rate Control

      Changing when and how fast you move based on how something else is moving.

    • Oral Comprehension

      Listening and understanding what people say.

    • Oral Expression

      Communicating by speaking.

    • Deductive Reasoning

      Using rules to solve problems.

    • Mathematical Reasoning

      Choosing the right type of math to solve a problem.

    • Speed of Closure

      Quickly knowing what you are looking at.

    • Night Vision

      Seeing at night or under low light.

    • Trunk Strength

      Using your lower back and stomach.

    • Speed of Limb Movement

      Quickly moving your arms and legs.

    Knowledge

    • Philosophy and Theology

      Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.

    • Design

      Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

    • Biology

      Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

    • Therapy and Counseling

      Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

    • Physics

      Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

    • Economics and Accounting

      Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

    • Food Production

      Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

    • Psychology

      Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

    • Foreign Language

      Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.

    • Communications and Media

      Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

    • Sales and Marketing

      Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

    • Mathematics

      Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

    • Sociology and Anthropology

      Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.

    • Personnel and Human Resources

      Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

    • Production and Processing

      Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

    • 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.

    • Engineering and Technology

      Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

    • Mechanical

      Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

    • 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.

    • Telecommunications

      Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

    • 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.

    • English Language

      Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

    • Fine Arts

      Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

    • History and Archeology

      Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

    • Computers and Electronics

      Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

    • Chemistry

      Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

    • Medicine and Dentistry

      Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

    • 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.

    • Administration and Management

      Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

    • Administrative

      Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

    • Geography

      Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

    • Law and Government

      Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

    • Transportation

      Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

    Career Video

    Additional videos and more information available on CareerOneStop

    Pay

    • Ohio Annual Salary 49900/yr
    • Typical Salary
    • Ohio Hourly Wage 23.99/hr
    • Typical Hourly Wage

    Ohio Employment Trends

    • Currently Employed 18,340
    • Yearly Projected Openings 1400

    Typical Education

    Personality

    Realistic: People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.They do well at jobs that need:
    • Stress Tolerance
    • Dependability
    • Self Control
    • Attention to Detail
    • Integrity
    • Concern for Others

    Tools

    • Acoustic sensors
    • Adjustable wrenches
    • Agricultural tractors
    • Air bags for loading
    • Air exhausters
    • Air samplers or collectors
    • All terrain vehicles tracked or wheeled
    • Anemometers
    • Armored recovery vehicle
    • Binoculars
    • Blocks or pulleys
    • Bolt cutters
    • Calibrated resistance measuring equipment
    • Chemical test strips or papers
    • Claw hammer
    • Cold chisels
    • Diagonal cut pliers
    • Digital camcorders or video cameras
    • Ear plugs
    • Electrocardiography EKG units
    • Electronic blood pressure units
    • Extremity restraints
    • Facial shields
    • Fans
    • Fire blankets
    • Fire escape equipment
    • Fire extinguishers
    • Fire fighting chemical truck
    • Fire fighting ladder truck
    • Fire fighting pump truck
    • Fire fighting watercraft
    • Fire hoses or nozzles
    • Fire pump sets
    • Fire retardant apparel
    • Fire retardant footwear
    • Fire suppression hand tools
    • Flares
    • Flatbed trailers
    • Forestry saws
    • Gas detectors
    • Gas generators
    • Geological compasses
    • Glass cutters
    • Global positioning system GPS receiver
    • Glucose monitors or meters
    • Goggles
    • Grounding hardware
    • Hacksaw
    • Hammers
    • Hand pumps
    • Hand trucks or accessories
    • Hard hats
    • Hazardous material protective apparel
    • Hazardous material protective footwear
    • Heat tracing equipment
    • Hold down clamps
    • Hydraulic pumps
    • Intermittent positive pressure breathing IPPB machines
    • Jacks
    • Ladders
    • Life rings
    • Life vests or preservers
    • Lighters
    • Liquid leak detectors
    • Locking pliers
    • Machetes
    • Manlift or personnel lift
    • Medical acoustic stethoscopes
    • Medical gas cylinders or related devices
    • Mercury blood pressure units
    • Metal cutters
    • Metal detectors
    • Mobile medical service intravenous IV kits
    • Mobile medical services automated external defibrillators AED or hard paddles
    • Mobile medical services basket stretchers
    • Mobile medical services cervical or extrication collars
    • Mobile medical services first aid kits
    • Mobile medical services litter
    • Mobile medical services spine boards
    • Mobile medical services suction antichoke devices
    • Mowers
    • Multi gas monitors
    • Needlenose pliers
    • Notebook computers
    • Nylon rope
    • Open end wrenches
    • Orthopedic splint systems
    • Parachutes
    • Personal computers
    • Picks
    • Pipe wrenches
    • Pneumatic hammer
    • Portable data input terminals
    • Power saws
    • Protective gloves
    • Protective hood
    • Pry bars
    • Psychrometers
    • Pulse oximeter units
    • Radiation detectors
    • Radio frequency identification devices
    • Rescue truck
    • Respiration air supplying self contained breathing apparatus or accessories
    • Respirators
    • Resuscitation masks
    • Safety glasses
    • Safety harnesses or belts
    • Safety helmets
    • Saws
    • Screwdrivers
    • Scuba regulators
    • Shovels
    • Sledge hammer
    • Slip or groove joint pliers
    • Sockets
    • Spanner wrenches
    • Specialty wrenches
    • Spill kits
    • Surface thermometers
    • Telescopes
    • Torso and belt restraints
    • Track bulldozers
    • Two way radios
    • Underwater cameras
    • Utility knives
    • Water analyzers
    • Water pumps
    • Weapon or explosives detectors and supplies
    • Weather stations
    • Wedges
    • Wetsuits
    • Wheel chocks
    • Wheel nut or lug wrench
    • Winches
    • Wire cutters
    • pH test strips or papers

    Technology

    • Analytical or scientific software
    • Data base user interface and query software
    • Electronic mail software
    • Geographic information system
    • Internet browser software
    • Office suite software
    • Operating system software
    • Presentation software
    • Project management software
    • Spreadsheet software
    • Word processing software

    Tags

    • InDemand occupations are considered a priority by the state of Ohio.
    • Apprenticeships are available for this occupation. These programs can help you get hands-on experience and build your skills.
    Need help on researching occupations and careers? Download the Guide to Researching Occupations (PDF).

    Need help on how to research education and training programs? Download the Guide to Higher Education (PDF).

    Budget Calculator

    Answer a few questions to determine your target salary. Use this target salary to help choose the right occupation for you.

    Lifestyle Calculator

    Answer a few questions to determine your target salary. Use this target salary to help choose the right occupation for you.

    Workforce Supply Tool

    Workforce Supply Tool

    The Workforce Supply Tool provides statistics for the occupations in highest demand throughout Ohio.

    You can view statewide statistics as well as more region specific information.

    Visit Site
    Powered By: