If you are still in high school, your school counselor, science teachers, and librarian should be able to provide you with introductory information about the various careers in fire protection, safety, and prevention. You can visit your local fire department, view the equipment, and talk with the firefighters and their commanding officers. In some departments, you may be able to gain experience by working as a volunteer firefighter.
Some fire departments have Fire Explorer Posts for those interested in the career. Local or community colleges also have fire science and prevention courses open to high school courses.
Courses in lifesaving and first aid also offer helpful experience. Summer jobs as aides with the government park and forest service are available as well. In these jobs, you may learn about fire prevention, control, and detection in forest and grassland conservation work.
It is usually possible to arrange a visit with an insurance company to learn about the huge economic losses caused by fire. Large insurance offices often have agents or officers who can describe fire technician jobs or services in inspection, fire insurance, rate setting or claim settlement, and fire-prevention services. You can also obtain part-time or summer jobs with fire-equipment manufacturing, supply, and service companies.
- Airport Security Personnel
- Bail Bondsmen
- Bodyguards
- Border Patrol Agents
- Bounty Hunters
- Construction Inspectors
- Corrections Officers
- Crime Analysts
- Customs Officials
- Deputy U.S. Marshals
- Detectives
- Directors of Security
- Emergency Management Directors
- Emergency Medical Technicians
- Emergency Services Dispatchers
- FBI Agents
- Fire Inspectors
- Fire Investigators
- Fire Protection Engineers
- Fire Safety Directors
- Firefighters
- Fish and Game Wardens
- Forensic Experts
- Forest Fire Prevention Specialists
- Fraud Examiners, Investigators, and Analysts
- Genetic Genealogists
- Intelligence Officers
- Park Rangers
- Parole Officers
- Police Officers
- Polygraph Examiners
- Secret Service Special Agents
- Security Consultants
- Security Guards
- Wildland Firefighters