Fire Careers

Let Fire Careers find your next fire fighter job

Finding your next fire fighter job can become a full-time role in itself. Career listings are easy to miss if you don’t know where to look, as are testing opportunities.

Fire Careers will aggregate all relevant information on your behalf so that you can focus on achieving your career aspirations. For a low monthly subscription fee we will flag the best opportunities in your region or nationwide, whether you’re hoping to enter the National Fire Department for the first time … Read the rest

How to be a fireman

Since first opening our doors in 1982, we’ve educated individuals at all stages of their career on how to be a fireman.

Are you eager to enter the National Fire Department? Perhaps you’d like to move up the ranks in your existing department? Fire Careers highlights the latest opportunities nationwide, fine tunes applications, and ensures you’re never the last to know about training days.

Learn how to be a fireman

Founded by husband and wife team, Craig and Pam Freeman, … Read the rest

Be first in line for fire department jobs

Want to be the first to know about fire department jobs in your area, or even nationwide? Fire Careers can help. For 30 years husband and wife team, Craig and Pam Freeman, has been helping people realize their dreams of both entering and advancing in the firefighting industry.

Subscribe to Fire Careers to receive information about fire department jobs as soon as it’s made available. We review each opportunity for you to highlight the essentials such as salary and required … Read the rest

Know the Steps to Finding the Perfect Fire Department Job

No Two Alike

When it comes to finding the perfect fire department job, it is important to remember that all departments are different, so being prepared is essential. First, research the exact requirements for the agency you are applying. Once you have determined these requirements, submit your application and start to pre-pair for the testing process.

A typical fire department test may include some of the following components: an application, orientation, written exam, physical test, oral interview, background check, … Read the rest

How to Become a Firefighter

Don’t Be a Statistic

To become a firefighter, you need to be strong. Not just physically, but also emotionally and mentally. Competition for jobs is fierce. The physical exam is strenuous and the written exam challenging. Many fail in the process – up to 70%. Those who stick with it go on to have a rewarding career. Before you make the decision to embark on the journey, it is important to know these five steps to becoming a firefighter.… Read the rest

Firefighter Jobs: Finding the Best Location for Your Talents

What Are Your Goals?

As you complete the necessary requirements to fulfill your goal of becoming a firefighter it’s time to find the best job for your specific skills. It is important in the job search process to establish realistic and meaningful goals for your future. If you dream of being chief one day, setting goals helps you take the first step in this journey.

Make sure to list on your resume specific talents that you bring to the table, … Read the rest

Fire Department Careers at Your Fingertips

Start Your Career as a Firefighter

Establishing Meaningful Goals , is the hardest step to becoming a firefighter. Now it’s time to take that dedication and apply it to your career as a firefighter. Do you want to work in a small town or does the excitement of a big city draw you? Either way, we offer services that can help you find your perfect job. Do you have experience and are looking for a change of pace or … Read the rest

Learning How to Be a Firefighter

It takes intense training and strong commitment, but the rewards of learning how to be a firefighter far outweigh the hard work required. Many of those who start out in firefighting quit/fail out before completing training, the ones who persevere will tell you that despite the hard work, the rewards are endless.

Steps to Learning How to Be a Firefighter

There are simple steps that will help you in your path to learning to be a firefighter. Most fire departments … Read the rest

The Firefighter Exam

It’s Test Time

School’s out and fire departments are testing – the only thing standing between you and a job as a Firefighter is applying and participating in the recruitment. A multi test process, usually a written test, physical agility or CPAT, Oral Interview, polygraph, background, medical, Chiefs oral and other steps to which the fire department will establish an eligibility list and hire firefighters usually by ranking..

What to Expect on the Written Portion of the Exam

The test … Read the rest

Firefighter Resumes & Applying to Jobs

One of the nice things about applying to firefighting jobs is that you generally fill out a government prepared application focused on the facts, and that information shoots straight into a content management system (CMS) that handles all the formatting and checking of basic requirements. Every application looks the same to the HR person responsible for sorting and organizing the hundreds (sometimes thousands) of applications that firefighter openings pull in. This makes their jobs not only easier, faster and more … Read the rest

Brotherhood

One of the greatest things about the fire service is the friendship and “family” that develops out of the time spent with people, who in all other professions would simply be ‘co-workers’. I’ve been working one full 24 hour day, every week, for almost two and a half years at the Cordelia Fire Protection District. I love it, and I love the people I work with. It would be untrue to say that I consider the entire department “family” or … Read the rest

Perspective

Spring Clean from the inside out

You can clutch the past so tightly to your chest that it leaves your arms too full to embrace the present.

-Jan Glidewell                        

Spring Cleaning

People like “stuff”. We tend to hold onto it year after year. We save and stock up on things that we don’t know what to do with anymore. Maybe we keep things because they hold precious memories of days gone by, or they remind us of our parents, grandparents, past loves or childhood. To part … Read the rest

Planning the 2012 Spring Firefighter 1 Academy Tour

Last year the FireCareersBus traveled across the United States visiting Firefighter 1 Academies and discussing important information about the hiring of firefighters in today economy.

We are now scheduling a local Spring Tour that will visit Firefighter 1 Academy programs here in California. We would like to schedule an hour of classroom time to present new information about the Work Styles Inventory written tests that are starting to be used across the Country for entry level testing.

Just recently I … Read the rest

Another successful workshop

I am up in Northern California at the Las Positas college workshop on how to become a firefighter. What a great event put on by BC’s Helmick and Atlas. The cost was $12 to the students and included lunch. I even got to hang out with my old pal Craig Freema. What a fun day. It reminds me of why I got into the fie biz to begin with……… Read the rest

Personal Qualities Needed to Become a Firefighter

Working as a fire fighter entails physical and mental strength and endurance. With great responsibilities and difficult challenges that fire fighters face in times of fire incidents, sometimes strength and endurance aren’t enough. No matter how much training a fire fighter take, if they aren’t determined enough, the performance and work evaluation will only fall through.

Whenever a fire fighter applicant tries to get the job, senior fire fighters and recruiters do not consider physical aspects alone as there is … Read the rest

What I did on my Winter Vacation

My visit to Colonia New Jersey FD 

            So as a kid I never got the writing assignment, “What did you do over summer vacation?” So I thought I would write about my experiences while visiting friends, made while teaching at an academy for fire cadets. Mike Sherron and I teach at the Ohio Youth Fire and EMS Academy (OYFETA) which is where we met explorers and instructors from the Colonia FD. We hit it off immediately and converse regularly even … Read the rest

You are what you eat

We all eat, all day every day, and we all know the saying, “we are what we eat.”  But for some reason no one knows what to eat.  Should we eat more grapes or drink more red wine?  Are eggs a good source of protein or a source of bad cholesterol?  Do dairy foods help us gain weight or lose weight?

Nutrition is a funny science.  It’s the only field where people can scientifically prove opposing theories and still be … Read the rest

How to Become A Firefighter Workshop

Have you ever wondered how to be successful in the entry level Firefighter hiring process?

Looking back 16 years ago we had no idea how to approach the task of becoming a career firefighter. However, it is now very clear that, if we had the information and experience that the Becoming a Firefighter Workshop provides we would have been significantly more prepared and definitely got hired sooner. The combination of the instructors, the material they present and the partnership with … Read the rest

Firefighter Code of Ethics – All Future / Current Firefighters Can Learn From This

In today’s daily Firehouse Magazine email (a great, free resource to keep you informed of fire service news stories), there was a great article that ALL current and future firefighters can learn from that is based on the actions of a small number of firefighters that are causing a black eye for the majority of firefighters who are trying to do the right thing.

It is a piece on the “Firefighter Code of Ethics,” and here are the opening comments:… Read the rest

Happy New Year, Happy You !

True life is lived when tiny changes occur.

-Leo Tolstoy

Cholesterol, Need to lower it?  Try Green Tea for starters…

Looking for a simple resolution to improve your overall health? Start drinking green tea. My beverage of choice, green tea is a potent source of catechins – healthy antioxidants that can inhibit cancer cell activity and help boost immunity. Here are a few more reasons to drink Green tea.

 It can also:

• Lower cholesterol levels and rates of heart

… Read the rest

Body heat and protein

Generate natural body heat on cold days by increasing your protein-rich dishes and warm beverages.

While adding on the layers is one way to keep the winter chill away, there are certain foods that  help warm us from the inside.  Warm soups and hot beverages are a natural, but some foods actually stimulate heat production more than others.

As temperatures drop, appetites perk up.  The cold, dark days of winter often bring on cravings for those good old fashioned comfort … Read the rest

Filling out firefighter applications

I recently
spent four days with several other chief officers pouring through over 1,000 entry
level firefighter applications with a team of chief officers. Overall the
applications were very disappointing. The standout ones were awesome, but in
general the quality was pretty lackluster. Here are some of the things that we
as a group would like to pass along to aspiring firefighters.

Let’s start
with the basics. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS. Often times a department will provide specific
instructions. This may … Read the rest

U.S. FOREST SERVICE – Region 5 (California)

This is somefollow up info taken from a pdf flier. All California Forest Service areas are in this text and how to make application, Good Luck

U.S. FOREST SERVICE – Region 5 (California)
Forestry Aid and Forestry
Technicians
Temporary Wildland Firefighter
2012 Fire Season
Apply Now – Contact Captains ASAP – Job Offers may be made in
January and February
Updated12/05/11
The Forest Service requires talented people working safely together to be successful. Wildland firefighters work in
a variety of … Read the rest

What Is in the Firefighter One Exam?

The firefighter I exam, taken after completion of several classroom courses and hands-on training, prepares you for the next level of firefighter training and the firefighter II exam.

Healthy Holiday Appetizers

recently,  we went over four appetizers to steer clear of this holiday season – today we serve up healthy options for your cocktail plates!

1. Crudités. The fiber in veggies will help fill you up, and they provide a nice, satisfying crunch. Choose a spectrum of colors (broccoli, cauliflower and carrots are good choices) and serve with low- or non-fat plain yogurt. Add some fresh herbs and seasonings for flavor.
2. Mixed nuts. When eaten sparingly, nuts are a terrific snack. Walnuts

… Read the rest

Holiday appetizers to avoid

4 Worst Holiday Appetizers

Holiday parties are notorious for finger foods filled with high-glycemic carbohydrates and unhealthy fats. See a few of the worst below and stay tuned for some of the better choices.  Knowledge is power, so being aware of what you are eating makes all the difference –

1. Dips. Skip the creamy, cheesy dips and opt for fresh salsa instead.
2. Cocktail franks and mini-meatballs. Neither is a good source of lean protein and both can pack a

… Read the rest

2012 Becoming A Firefighter Workshop

Now that the holiday season is officialy in full swing I wanted to take a moment to
wish you and your family a Happy and Safe Holiday Season. We all have much to be
thankful for at this time of year, the least of which is our family and friends. It
is with this thought that I say thank you to each of you for your friendship over
the years. For me it has been both an honor and a … Read the rest

Food Focus: Oils and Fats

Oils and Fats

Not all oils and fats are created equal. Heavily processed, hydrogenated, “trans” fats and oils that are used in prepared, packaged foods can be extremely damaging to the body. However, fats and oils from whole foods and other high-quality sources can steady our metabolism, keep hormone levels even, nourish our skin, hair and nails and provide lubrication to keep the body functioning fluidly. Our bodies also need fat for insulation and to protect and hold our organs … Read the rest

Increase Your Energy: Top Ten Ways

1)     Reduce or eliminate caffeine.

• The ups and downs of caffeine include dehydration and blood sugar ups and downs, making mood swings more frequent.

2)     Drink water.

• Most Americans are chronically dehydrated. Before you go to sugar or caffeine, have a glass of water and wait a few minutes to see what happens.
• Caution: Soft drinks are now America’s number one source of added sugar.

3)     Eat dark leafy green vegetables.

• Green is associated with spring, the

… Read the rest

6 ways to stall your firefighter job search

In today’s Sunday paper, I noticed a timely article titled “6 ways to stall your job search,” by Larry Buhl, and I wanted to share it since I think it really provides a lot of guidance for future firefighters. Now before we go any further, I’ve heard more and more people say they don’t read the daily newspaper because they don’t have time or they don’t think it’s relevant. I believe it’s critical for fire service professionals to be in-tune … Read the rest

Got The Love?

Its was 230 am…Again.  I couldn’t sleep, and my heart was racing.  I remember and staring out the window of my bedroom with the strangest mix of emotions.   My mind wouldn’t shut down.  I alternated between unbridled motivation and excitement to sheer panic.  This does not bode well for rest.

I’d figured out exactly what I wanted to do with my life.  Only a handful of people ever truly have the realization that there is a single thing that they … Read the rest

How to Become a Firefighter…

How to Become a Firefighter . Many theories exist on the right path to follow to be successful at becoming a career firefighter. Career firefighter jobs require an individual approach; the journey that works for one person may not be the same for another.
Generally speaking fire jobs require a unique set of pre-requisites and skills to be successful.
1) The candidate (you) must have a clean record free of chronic drug use, traffic issues, or felonies.
2) Usually an … Read the rest

The Building of a Vision Statement

The Building of a Vision Statement
By
Bob Atlas, Battalion Chief
Your personal vision statement will guide your life. It will assist you in following your goals and give you the direction needed to follow the course of your days and the choices you make about your career. Your personal vision statement is the lighthouse that shines in the darkness which guides you and directs you in which way to turn on the way to success. Your personal vision statement … Read the rest

The Building of a Personal Mission Statement

The Building of a Personal Mission Statement
By
Bob Atlas, Battalion Chief

You have a purpose in life. You know in your heart what’s most important to you. In fact, your mission and values are expressed every day, by how you live–you just may not realize it ! In this segment we are going to work on how to build a Personal Mission Statement. A Personal Mission Statement is critical to your success. With one you can continue to be … Read the rest

I didn’t get hired? But I thought I had the best resume!

This is a problem many candidates “don’t get” today, and was something I didn’t get when I was testing to become a firefighter. When I was testing to become a firefighter in the early 1990’s – (come on, that wasn’t too long ago – and things really haven’t changed that much, at least in my area) – I tried too hard to have the “best resume.”

It didn’t dawn on me until I was actually hired, that “best resume” is … Read the rest

It’s Cold and Flu Season… Some alternatives…

EMS personnel are constantly exposed to all sorts of germs and ill folks. With Cold and Flu season starting, people are apt to get the flu 2 and 3 times this season. There are several natural alternatives that are not widely known. Let’s take some time to discuss some of the ways patients in my practice strengthen their immune system to ward off all the bugs flying around this time of year. Try one or all of these suggestions, and … Read the rest

A mother’s wise words…

My mom used to say, “You better check yourself at the door…!”

Some rookie basics

Anyone that has survived their rookie year working at a firehouse will tell you that there are some important social & cultural expectations they had to meet every day on the job – and that many of them weren’t spelled out in a textbook or manual.  In fact, I’d venture to say that a large part of what makes someone fun to work with/around is when you feel like they not only take their job seriously, but also understand these … Read the rest

Ethical Questions or How Not To Sink Saving Your Buddy!

A candidate, questioning the oral board process, wondered what happened to the days when you would step up to help a brother who had gotten themselves into a less than desirable position? Also wondering why it seems to easy to “throw your buddy under the bus”.

We’re not in Kansas anymore, and your “buddy” doesn’t sign your paycheck!

Unity of Command Answers the Conflicting Order Dilemma

A typical Firefighter oral interview question: “Given a task by your company officer at a fire ground, you encounter another Captain who gives you a different task. What is this situation and how will you handle it?”

Unity of Command answers that question!

Begin To Dress To Your Success!

Make an excellent, long standing first impression; show that you are serious and set the bar higher for others to reach!

Oral Board Questions

As someone taking either an entry level or promotional level oral interview, there should be no “trick” or “surprise” questions if you have done your research/homework.

Meaning, there are many websites and books that have sample oral board questions that pretty much cover the majority of the types of questions you’ll be asked

You NEED this job!

I can hardly express how much you need this job. I worked for two years, taking every test I could until the day finally came when I earned my badge. After that, I became a card-carrying member of the American Fire Service. I was honored to be a part of a fraternal organization of unparalleled quality. I learned over the years that no matter where you worked or what your rank, any firefighter would bend over backwards to do whatever … Read the rest

The concept of “kaizen”

One of the most important things I believe a firefighter should both embrace and embody is the concept of “kaizen”, or “continuous improvement”.  Above all traits – physical, mental, emotional – the desire to improve yourself each day has the potential to make you a top notch firefighter candidate and a welcome addition to any fire department.  Once on the job, the concept of continuous improvement is what separates average firefighters from exceptional ones; mediocre commanding officers from those that … Read the rest

Small Thought about Customer Service

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak to 165 future firefighters at the California Fire Explorer Academy in Oxnard, CA. I chose to speak about a future in the fire service and advice on taking oral exams. One subject in the conversation was customer service and what it means to you as a firefighter.
Customer service is an added value, how you can add value to a trip to the store, a code 2 run to assist a person back … Read the rest

Welcome Josh.

Please Help me Welcome our new FCBlog team member Josh Sanders.  This is a re-print of Josh’s bio page for your review. 

Josh Sanders is a Firefighter/Paramedic with the Chula Vista Fire Department, where he was hired in 2004. He is currently assigned to an OES Type I Heavy Rescue and has been involved with the CVFD rescue program since it’s inception in the spring of 2006.

Josh is a California state registered rescue instructor in several disciplines and is … Read the rest

Future Firefighter Tip: Maintain a File System

When you first apply for a specific fire department, or more importantly, start doing research for a particular fire department (well before they are even accepting applications), it is a good idea to keep a file or binder for that specific department. It’s a good idea to do this because the average firefighter candidate has to take multiple firefighter examinations prior to getting hired, and it can get very challenging trying to keep track of all of the applications you … Read the rest

Invest in your Success…”you gotta’ pay the cost to be the Nozzleman!”

No one talks about the fact that to begin to compete for today’s firefighter jobs “you’ve got to pay to play”, meaning that to realize your goal of becoming a professional firefighter requires that you shell out some cash.

How To Answer Firefighter Oral Board Questions. (Or…You’re Not Dan Allred.)