A List of Jobs in a Fire Station

by Julie Davoren

Fire service is a vast field that provides many opportunities for career experiences, leadership and community service activities. Job are often rigorous and provide ample scope for learning and development. Fire service professionals are trained effectively to handle myriad situations as they often have to work at short notice and may have to stay at event locations for several days. Careers include fieldwork and office jobs. Jobs are offered by municipal, state and federal government and authorized agencies.


Firefighters extinguish and control fires while aiming to save life, property and the environment. A typical firefighting operation might include providing medical assistance, breaking through debris, using fire hoses and foam to extinguish flames, retrieving people, property and pets from burning buildings. They also write emergency reports to record the event and often respond to medical emergencies not involving fire accidents. Firefighters' schedules are work-dependent and vary largely. Candidates need to have a diploma in fire science or a related discipline, and they must be over 18 to apply for this work. Emergency medical technician certification is necessary so that they can provide medical assistance on call. Good stamina and excellent emotional stability are assets for the job. Firefighters earned a median salary of $45,250 per year in 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Fire Investigators

Fire investigators visit and inspect the fire safety precautions ensuring that building owners abide by federal and state laws. Typically, they search for fire hazards, compliance with fire codes and test fire-related equipment such as alarms and sprinklers. They also inspect air compressors and gasoline tanks that store inflammable material. After an accident occurs, fire investigators collect and analyze evidence and inspect the cause for the fire. They report the event using photographs, diagrams and documentary evidences, and collaborate with chemists, engineers and lawyers when required. Usually a high school diploma is required to become an investigator, but some states prefer a two- or four-year degree in fire science, engineering or chemistry. Investigators must possess good communication, detailing and critical thinking ability apart from a high level of integrity. Fire investigators earned a median salary of $52,230 per year in 2010, according to the BLS.

Fire Dispatchers

Also called 911 operators, fire dispatchers answer emergency calls, determine the emergency situation and gather information such as emergency type and location. They make decisions on transferring the recorded information to suitable teams that then work on resolving the emergency. Dispatchers also coordinate with response teams and give medical instructions, weather reports, maps and location information over the phone. They monitor and track the status of assigned fire units and relay the information to concerned departments. They maintain a detailed record of all calls. Dispatchers work eight- to 12-hour shifts. Multitasking, leadership, listening, problem solving and emotional stability are key skills for dispatchers. The BLS reported that dispatchers earned a median salary of $35,370 per year in 2010.

Other Jobs

Other jobs in a fire station include fire alarm foreman, electrician and alarm installer. Fire stations may also offer jobs for purposes other than fire protection services, such as public relations, designers, faculty and paramedics. Fire chiefs are also part of a fire department, but they typically perform administrative functions.

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