10 Jobs You Can Get With A Fire Science Degree

Posted by admin in Uncategorized May 6th, 2010

Fire Safety Lesson

From fighting fires, installing smoke detectors to developing fire evacuation procedures, a fire science degree will prepare you to work in several influential fields. Fire science students will learn about the physical, technical and administrative aspects of controlling fires, investigating fires, rescuing lives, conducting fire inspections and overcoming dangerous situations. Most two and four-year fire science degrees are offered at junior colleges, community colleges, vocational schools and online colleges. As the field of fire protection and prevention becomes more varied, so do the job opportunities for fire science graduates. Here are 10 of the hottest jobs to get with a fire science degree:

Firefighter
A large number of fire science majors go on to become firefighters, who respond to emergency calls, put out fires and save people from fires and other accidents. Much of the curriculum focuses on rescuing victims, controlling different types of fires, clearing smoke-filled buildings and dealing with flammable, hazardous materials, which are directly linked to what a firefighter does on a daily basis. In addition to the training and knowledge taught in a fire science curriculum, prospective firefighters will also receive weeks of fire fighting training at the department’s training center or academy. According to the 2010 Bureau of Labor Statistics, applicants who have a degree in fire science may increase their chances of being hired as a firefighter.
Construction and Building Inspector
Fire science majors can also find work as construction and building inspectors, who are in charge of examining structures to ensure that construction and repairs meet building codes and regulations. Building inspectors examine the structural quality and safety of buildings, as well as fire safety. Building inspectors who work primarily in fire safety will inspect indoor fire sprinklers, fire alarms, smoke detectors and fire exits, as well as access to fire protection equipment, hazardous contents and fire risks within the building. Fire science graduates are prepared for this area of work because they are well-versed in fire protection measures and investigation procedures. Students will take classes in disaster and fire-defense planning, managing hazardous materials and fire-prevention structure and design.
Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic
Many fire science majors are drawn to the rewarding task of treating patients who’ve been injured in fire-related incidents and other accidents as an EMT or paramedic. EMTs and paramedics are dispatched by 911 operators to report to the scene of any accident. EMTs are trained to assess a patient’s condition and check their vital signs. In extreme emergencies, they will transport patients to the hospital by ambulance, while managing their cardiac, respiratory and trauma needs. Whereas paramedics provide more advanced emergency care, such as administering medications, examining EKGs and performing intubations. Although all prospective EMTs and paramedics must undergo a formal training program, graduates of a fire science program will be prepared to manage emergency care situations, as taught in their emergency management classes and safety lessons.
Forester and Forestry Technician
Fire science majors are eligible to work as foresters and forestry technicians, who manage and examine forested lands for various economic and conservation needs. Foresters and forestry technicians are interested in the type, amount, location and worth of standing timber, so that they can examine wildlife habitats and stability, while complying with environmental regulations. Fire science graduates can offer their expertise in fire prevention, fire safety and disaster and fire-defense planning as it relates to forest protection, safety and conservation efforts. Fire science majors, who enjoy working outdoors and are interested in conservation and environmental efforts, may suit the field of forestry well.
Occupational Health and Safety Technician
Occupational health and safety technicians aim to prevent harm or damage to workers, property, the environment and the public. Their main goal is to ensure safety in work places by inspecting machines, testing air quality and water, and possibly designing safe work spaces. They may also conduct safety inspections and issue fines when a company does not meet safety regulations. Occupational health and safety technicians can apply their fire science knowledge when measuring hazards, such as noise, radiation, as well as toxic and flammable materials that may endanger workers. Fire science graduates may be drawn to this career field because they can enforce fire safety and prevent disasters with their fire protection and investigation skills.
Arson Investigator
A fire science graduate with an analytical mind, a keen eye for detail and problem-solving skills, may be interested in becoming an arson investigator. Arson investigators examine crimes involving intentional fires. Like a police detective, arson investigators will report to the scene of a crime to look for clues and evidence to determine if the fire was intentional or not. In addition to collecting evidence, arson investigators are hired to find the arsonist who committed the crime. Fire science graduates have an upper-hand in this line of work, because they have a strong understanding of fire causes and are trained in fire investigations.
Fire Safety Director
Fire safety directors are leaders of fire prevention and protection. Fire safety directors plan evacuation methods, fire drills and safety plans that will be used by various companies, schools and public buildings. They are in charge of training the fire brigade, communicating with fire departments when incidents occur and participating in fire inspections. Like other inspectors, investigators and specialists, fire safety directors are concerned with the health and personal safety of occupants during a fire. Fire science graduates offer a great deal of fire prevention knowledge and skills that can be used in disaster planning, emergency management and successful fire-incident command. Prospective fire safety directors may be required to take a formal training program to prepare for the added responsibilities and duties of a fire safety director.
Fire Protection Engineers
Fire protection engineers are the brains behind the design of fire alarms, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems and fire exits. These workers apply their knowledge of fire science and technology to design fire protection systems that will save lives and properties from a blaze. While a career in fire protection engineering may require an engineering degree and additional training, a fire science graduate has a lot to offer in this field. Fire science graduates have training in fire-protection structure and system design, disaster planning and they understand the fire causes, fire properties and fire behavior. By understanding both the technical and administrative approaches to fire protection, fire protection engineers can better design systems that will save lives, prevent fire damage and ensure safe incendiary-fire management.
Fire Protection Technician
Fire protection technicians are in charge of installing fire protection systems, such as fire alarms, sprinkler systems, fire pumps and other systems that are designed to save lives, protect properties and alert people of a fire. Fire protection technicians may work with fire protection engineers to install, alter or repair fire systems to ensure that everything works properly. Technicians will have to adhere to specific industry fire protection standards when installing, testing and informing occupants of their new systems. Fire science graduates will be prepared to work in this technical field, because of their prior training in fire-protection structure and system design, fire management and fire prevention knowledge. In addition, fire science graduates also have an in-depth understanding of law enforcement, public safety and liability in fire-related incidents.
Fire Public Education Specialist
Fire public education specialists are in charge of designing, coordinating and implementing fire safety and prevention programs for private and public schools, industrial and commercial businesses, residencies and community groups. Fire public education specialists aim to inform the public about proper fire safety methods and evacuation procedures to be used in the event of a fire. Their main focus is on public awareness, fire and injury prevention education, emergency services, disaster planning, home safety and public relations. Fire science graduates are eligible to work in this career field because they have a strong understanding of fire prevention, emergency management, disaster and fire-defense planning and personnel management. In addition to their administrative knowledge of fire protection, fire science graduates are also well-versed in fire education and public awareness training.