By: Gabriel Roman

Duties (Tasks & Conditions)

Put out or control fires in forests.
Contact fire dispatchers for additional

fire fighters or supplies as needed.

Rescue fire victims and administer
emergency medical aid.
Check area where fire has been put out
for hot spots.
Cut down trees and brush to create
trenches and fire lines to keep fires from
spreading.
Operate water pumps and hoses.
Participate in high levels of physical
training to keep fit.

Work Environment (Working

Conditions)
Fire fighters spend most of their

time at fire stations waiting for

emergency calls. Most have eating
areas, entertainment areas,
dormitories, and office spaces that
are comfortable. Most work
irregular shifts at a maximum of 14
hours, usually working three to four
days at a time with three to four
days off. Hours include evening,
overnight, weekends, and holidays.
Fire fighters put their life and safety
on the line to save others; their work
can be strenuous and emotionally
exhausting.

Work Schedule (Working

Conditions)
Effective Dates: January 1, 2001January 1,

2002Lodging: Rooms occupied alone$29.40 per

week$31.75 per week Room shared$24.25 per
week$26.20 per week Apartment-two-thirds (2/3) of
the ordinary rental value, and in no event more
than$352.95 per month$381.20 per month Where a
couple are both employed by the employer, two-thirds
(2/3) of the ordinary rental value, and in no event
more than$522.10 per month$563.90 per month
Meals: Breakfast
$2.25$2.45Lunch$3.10$3.35Dinner$4.15$4.50

Education and Training Required

Though a high school diploma or equivalent,

vocational training, and job-related coursework are

the minimum formal education requirements for this
occupation, some may require an associate degree or a
bachelor's degree.

Interests, Skills, and Work Value

Needed
Though a high school diploma or equivalent,

vocational training, and job-related coursework are

the minimum formal education requirements for this
occupation, some may require an associate degree or a
bachelor's degree.

Alabama Salary for the Career

Expected Employment Outlook

Kuder systems provide descriptions of all occupations

contained in O*NET, developed by the U.S. Department of

Labor. Additional information is taken from two other U.S.
Department of Labor sources, the Occupational Outlook
Handbook and the Career Info Net web site . While text
taken directly from these sources is generally displayed, the
occupation summary provided on this page has been
abstracted by a kuder professional. The information in
Kuder systems is updated as soon as the U.S. Department
of Labor releases new information; this occurs at least once
annually. The last date on which all or portions of this
information were updated was the summer of 2013.

Opportunities for Advancement

Fire fighting involves hazardous conditions and long,

irregular hours. About 9 out of 10 fire fighting workers

were employed by municipal or county fire
departments. Applicants for municipal fire fighting
jobs generally must pass written, physical, and medical
examinations. Although employment is expected to
grow faster than the average, keen competition for jobs
is expected because this occupation attracts many
qualified candidates.

: Why I like this career

Because I think its good to save people .
Because I think its necessary to have people to care

about other people.

Because I like dangerous stuff.
Because I'm really sure that is the right thing to do
and I like to do the right thing.