Forest Firefighters
Description
Control and suppress fires in forests or vacant public land.
Sample Job Titles
Fire Fighter
Fire Management Specialist
Fire Rescue Technician
Fire Technician
Firefighter
Forest Fire Suppression Specialist
Forestry Fire Technician
Hot Shot
On-Scene Supporter
Wildland Firefighter
Skills
Active Listening
- Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Coordination
- Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Critical Thinking
- Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Instructing
- Teaching others how to do something.
Judgment and Decision Making
- Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Monitoring
- Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Operation and Control
- Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operation Monitoring
- Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Reading Comprehension
- Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking
- Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Abilities
Arm-Hand Steadiness
- The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision
- The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Manual Dexterity
- The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Multilimb Coordination
- The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Near Vision
- The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension
- The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression
- The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity
- The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Static Strength
- The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Trunk Strength
- The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
Knowledge
Building and Construction
- Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Chemistry
- Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Customer and Personal Service
- Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Education and Training
- Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
English Language
- Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Geography
- Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Mechanical
- Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Public Safety and Security
- Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Telecommunications
- Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Transportation
- Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Tasks
Rescue fire victims, and administer emergency medical aid.
Maintain contact with fire dispatchers at all times to notify them of the need for additional firefighters and supplies, or to detail any difficulties encountered.
Collaborate with other firefighters as a member of a firefighting crew.
Patrol burned areas after fires to locate and eliminate hot spots that may restart fires.
Establish water supplies, connect hoses, and direct water onto fires.
Maintain knowledge of current firefighting practices by participating in drills and by attending seminars, conventions, and conferences.
Test and maintain tools, equipment, jump gear, and parachutes to ensure readiness for fire suppression activities.
Orient self in relation to fire, using compass and map, and collect supplies and equipment dropped by parachute.
Operate pumps connected to high-pressure hoses.
Train new employees to control and suppress forest fires.
Work Activities
Assisting and Caring for Others
- Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Handling and Moving Objects
- Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
- Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
- Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
Performing General Physical Activities
- Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
Training and Teaching Others
- Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Personality Traits
Adaptability/Flexibility
- Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Attention to Detail
- Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
- Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
- Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
- Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
- Job requires being honest and ethical.
Leadership
- Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Persistence
- Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Self Control
- Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Stress Tolerance
- Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.