Air Force Firefighter

I just thought I would throw this out there.

I am a 19 year old Air Force Firefighter, I am in good physical shape and about a semester or two away from my fire science degree. I am really looking to get onto a large department, what steps should I take?

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Permalink Reply by Gregory Borg on September 17, 2010 at 2:11pm

Start taking tests. Call the cities near you and ask when their FF test is and put your application in. Most big or near big cities do not require anything but a high school diploma and maybe an EMT certification. Take as many tests as you can. The more tests the beter your chances. Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by John Crabbe on September 17, 2010 at 2:16pm

You're pretty much there. The degree may not matter too much for a large dept, because most large depts have minimum qualifications to apply. However, the vet points will really help you with a larger dept....or mid size...or small. The degree will help more with a mid size to smaller dept.

To land a job, you wait for a job announcement, which for some depts could be every couple years. You apply, take a written test, pass, go back later for a physical agility, pass, then go back later for an interview, pass, perhaps a second interview, get placed on the hire list and wait. The process can take several months to a year before even getting to the hire list. The process can be similar for any size dept.

If you are interested more in getting a job, than what size dept, start looking all over. I would recommend a site like www.firerecruit.com to narrow a search. The site gave the latest info on depts hiring, what certs you need, education requirements, etc. Also, look to apply several places, the testing process alone will help you out vs waiting for that one "dream job" dept to hire you. Good Luck.

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Permalink Reply by Andy Christian Castillo on September 17, 2010 at 2:18pm

Awesome, thanks so much.

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Permalink Reply by Gregory Borg on September 17, 2010 at 4:07pm

Like John said.

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Permalink Reply by BillySFCVFD on September 17, 2010 at 4:20pm

Andy

First off thank you for your service to our country. Like John said you'll have those blessed veterans' preference points.

If you are able to become certified as an EMT or better yet a Paramedic then apply to a large department your chances are greatly increased to be hired. My 25 year old son did just that four years ago and has been working for CalFire ever since. He loves it and is greatly compensated for his additional skill as a Paramedic plus salary. TCSS

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Permalink Reply by Brian Dumser on September 17, 2010 at 11:39pm

You should be ok with your military points and the fact that you've got FF certification. My advice is to test everywhere! Get as many "irons in the fire" as you can to increase your chances of getting hired. Good luck & stay safe!