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Job Definition
Research causes of fires, determine fire protection methods, and design or recommend materials or equipment such as structural components or fire-detection equipment to assist organizations in safeguarding life and property against fire, explosion, and related hazards.
Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four - year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Interests
Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Enterprising - Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Knowledge
Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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.
English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Physics - Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
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.
Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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.
Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Skills
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
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.
Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Tasks
Develop plans for the prevention of destruction by fire, wind, and water.
Determine causes of fires, and ways in which they could have been prevented.
Direct the purchase, modification, installation, maintenance, and operation of fire protection systems.
Consult with authorities to discuss safety regulations and to recommend changes as necessary.
Study the relationships between ignition sources and materials to determine how fires start.
Attend workshops, seminars, or conferences to present or obtain information regarding fire prevention and protection.
Develop training materials, and conduct training sessions on fire protection.
Evaluate fire department performance and the laws and regulations affecting fire prevention or fire safety.
Conduct research on fire retardants and the fire safety of materials and devices.
Design fire detection equipment, alarm systems, and fire extinguishing devices and systems.
Inspect buildings or building designs to determine fire protection system requirements and potential problems in areas such as water supplies, exit locations, and construction materials.
Advise architects, builders, and other construction personnel on fire prevention equipment and techniques, and on fire code and standard interpretation and compliance.
Prepare and write reports detailing specific fire prevention and protection issues such as work performed and proposed review schedules.
Wages

Data not available

Outlook

During 2006, there were approximately 2,400 people employed in this field in California. It is projected that there will be 2,800 employed in 2016. This occupation will have about 40 openings due to growth and about 60 replacement openings for approximately 100 total annual openings. This occupation .

Colleges and Training
Below are college programs that are generally associated with this occupation. To view colleges that offer these programs, click on the titles below.
Fire Protection and Safety Technology/Technician - A program that prepares individuals to apply a knowledge of fire prevention and control skills to problems of reducing fire risk, loss limitation, supervising substance removal, conducting fire investigations, and advising on matters of safety procedures and fire prevention policy.
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Notes
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Job Openings
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