Fire Science Technology
Common Questions
What is it like being a firefighter?
Most firefighters will tell you that there isn't a better career in the world. They're constantly involved with people-responding to
emergency calls, visiting schools, teaching classes, hosting fire station "open houses," and attending training. Because they work
together as a team, firefighters develop camaraderie, friendships and a sense of family. Whenever there are emergencies-accidents, fires,
floods or other natural disasters-fire departments are the first called. Smaller stations and rural districts rely heavily on volunteers.
In fact, most of the 300,000 firefighters in Washington state are volunteers. Many rural fire districts have both community volunteers
and a paid staff which takes care of administrative duties as well as emergency response. Fire departments in cities and metropolitan
areas are staffed by full-time career firefighters who work in shifts.
How do I become a firefighter?
Competition for full-time firefighting jobs is great. Many prospective applicants spend two to five years preparing themselves through
training, education, testing and volunteer firefighting experience. Anything you can do to better prepare, physically and mentally, is
part of the process.
The SCC fire science program is an advantage to those seeking positions as firefighters. The two-year program offers an overview of the
field as well as broad technical training. Graduates receive an associate in applied science (A.A.S.) degree in fire science, which is an
asset on any resume and helps open doors to job opportunities. For many, the program is a way of finding out if a firefighting career is
the right choice.
- Because they deal with emergencies, firefighters must be able to remain calm under extreme pressure. Others, after all, depend on
them to be the calm in a storm.
- Firefighting is a constantly changing field, so you need a desire to continue learning. This field isn't going to be the same
10 years from now.
- Fitness is important. Firefighters should be fit-and committed to life-long fitness-because their firefighting careers may span
30 years.
- Firefighters must be good communicators-in both written and verbal forms. Everything they do must be documented for legal
purposes, and because they're always dealing with people who are not having a great day.
- Firefighters are action-oriented, and most of them couldn't survive as well at a desk. They like to be in control, which is
good because the public expects them to show up and take charge.
What programs does SCC offer in this field?
SCC offers two degree options: Fire Science Technology and Fire Command and Administration. Both are two-year associate in applied
science (A.A.S.) degree programs.
The Fire Science Technology option prepares students for entry-level positions as firefighters for municipal, industrial, state and
federal fire departments. The Fire Command and Administration program is designed for experienced firefighters who want to become
officers.
Both programs combine technical courses with general education courses which can transfer to four-year schools. These transfer courses
benefit individuals who may someday with to advance to the level of battalion chief or above and would benefit by pursuing a four-year
degree.
What will I learn in Fire Science Technology?
It gives students the basic skills to enter the field. Students learn to handle basic firefighting and rescue responsibilities. They
gain a thorough technical background and build a keen awareness of fire and safety problems.
What will I learn in Fire Command and Administration?
This is designed for people already working in the field who want to become officers. These individuals have firefighting experience and
are familiar with how their organization works, but need to build on the global aspects of the field rather than the technical side. This
two-year program includes fire prevention, codes, supervision and leadership.
Where will I find a job?
Graduates will compete for jobs with municipal fire departments such as in cities or fire districts which are located outside of cities.
In addition, there are private fire brigades in industries like Boeing and Kaiser. Airports and port authorities also have firefighting
crews.
Once hired, firefighters often can develop specialties in such areas as training, paramedicine, public education, or fire investigation.
These opportunities vary from department to department. Working or volunteering in a smaller department is a good way to build knowledge
and skills.
Related positions include rescue worker, fire loss investigator, fire systems technician and dispatcher.
How much will I earn?
Entry-level jobs in larger jurisdictions may start at $32,000 annually. With experience, firefighters can earn from $36,000 to $40,000.
Smaller departments tend to pay less-from $28,000 to $36,000 annually for firefighters with experience. Benefits are good in this field,
usually including health insurance and retirement programs.