4312- Firefighters

Canada NOC: 
4312
Job Title: 

Firefighters

Job Description: 

Firefighters carry out firefighting and fire prevention activities, and assist in other emergencies. They are employed by municipal, provincial and federal governments and by large industrial establishments that have internal firefighting services.

Main Duties: 

Firefighters perform some or all of the following duties:


Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents, bomb threats and other emergencies
Rescue victims from burning buildings and accident sites
Control and extinguish fires using manual and power equipment, such as axes, water hoses, aerial ladders and hydraulic equipment and various firefighting chemicals
Administer first aid and other assistance
Ensure proper operation and maintenance of firefighting equipment
Prepare written reports on fire incidents
Inform and educate the public on fire prevention
Train to maintain high level of physical fitness
Assist the public, the police and emergency organizations during times of major disasters
May participate as members of a trauma or emergency response team and provide paramedical aid to accident victims or ill persons
May supervise and co-ordinate the work of other firefighters
May conduct building inspections to ensure compliance with fire code.

Employment Requirements: 

Completion of secondary school is usually required.
Completion of a college program in fire protection technology, fire science or a related field
and
a period of supervised practical training is usually required.
Firefighting and emergency medical care training courses are provided and vary in length depending on the requirements of different fire departments or services.
Certification for firefighters is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
Experience as a volunteer firefighter may be an advantage.
Physical agility, strength, fitness and vision requirements must be met.
Several years of experience are required for senior firefighters, such as lieutenants and captains.

Additional Inormation: 

Progression to senior positions such as fire chief is possible with additional training and several years of experience.

Classified Elsewhere: 

Fire chiefs and senior firefighting officers (0432)
Forest firefighters (in 8422 Silviculture and forestry workers)
Paramedics (in 3234 Paramedical occupations)

Similar O*NET Careers (USA) : 
International Careers(ISCO): 
Source Of Info: 

National Occupation Classification, (2011)

Statistics Canada and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada,

February 2012,

Catalogue no. 12-583-X