Firefighters
(NOC 4312)
in All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community ServicesFirefighters carry out firefighting and fire prevention activities and help in other emergencies. They work for municipal, provincial and federal governments and large industrial organizations that have internal firefighting services.
Job Outlook
Limited
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Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
The city of Halifax has been recruiting additional career and volunteer firefighters. However, the process tends to generate significant public interest and competition is always high. Outside Halifax, some consolidation has occurred in firefighting services due to municipal budget constraints. Other than retirements, turnover among firefighters is generally fairly limited.
Hourly Pay
$28.05
Minimum$36.17
Median$44.87
MaximumAnnual Pay
$36,317
Minimum$75,487
Median$113,155
MaximumCompared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Hourly Pay
$16.30
Minimum$30.00
Median$51.30
MaximumAnnual Pay
$5,616
Minimum$44,335
Median$92,599
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Firefighters carry out firefighting and fire prevention activities and help in other emergencies. They work for municipal, provincial and federal governments and large industrial organizations that have internal firefighting services.
Job duties
Firefighters:
- Respond to fire alarms and other calls for help like car and industrial accidents, bomb threats and other emergencies.
- Rescue victims from burning buildings and accident sites.
- Control and put out fires using manual and power equipment like axes, water hoses, aerial ladders and hydraulic equipment and various firefighting chemicals.
- Provide first aid and other support.
- Make sure firefighting equipment is maintained and operational.
- Prepare written reports on fire incidents.
- Teach the public about fire prevention.
- Train to maintain high level of physical fitness.
- Help 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 coordinate the work of other firefighters.
- May conduct building inspections to make sure they meet fire code.
Sample job titles
- airport firefighter
- crash firefighter
- fire captain
- fire department platoon chief
- fire inspector
- fire lieutenant
- fire prevention officer
- firefighter
- firefighter apprentice
- industrial firefighter
- shipboard firefighter
- structural firefighter
- training firefighter
Skills
- You must be in excellent health and physical condition to work as a firefighter. Mental alertness, courage, and mechanical aptitude are necessary. You must be able to perform under stress, react quickly, and be willing to take risks. Leadership and problem-solving skills are needed, as well as the ability to cooperate in a team effort.
Job requirements
- High school is required.
- 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.
- 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 like lieutenants and captains.
Other considerations
- Firefighting is one of the most hazardous jobs, involving risk of injury and death. Most paid employment exists in the more heavily populated areas of the province, while smaller communities rely more upon volunteer firefighters. Experience as a volunteer firefighter may be an advantage for entry to paid positions. Movement to senior officer positions like fire chief is possible with additional training and several years of experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$88,088 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$63,685 median annual incomeCape Breton
$62,560 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$63,097 median annual incomeSouthern
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Public administration
Transportation and warehousing
Retail trade
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
Educational services
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$72,528 median annual incomeHigh school
$77,561 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$73,949 median annual incomeBachelor
$87,607 median annual incomeDiploma Below Bachelor
$63,688 median annual incomeCompared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Bachelor
$45,929 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$35,398 median annual incomeMaster
$71,043 median annual incomeHigh school
$29,055 median annual incomeDoctorate
$100,443 median annual incomeEducation & training
Fire Science/Firefighting
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students for the duties of firefighters. They include courses in firefighting equipment operation and maintenance, principles of fire science and combustible substances, methods of controlling different types of fires, hazardous material handling and control, fire rescue procedures, public relations and applicable laws and regulations.
Institutions providing this program
Waverley, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.