Saskatchewan JobFutures

Nature of Work

Firefighters carry out firefighting and fire prevention activities and assist in other emergencies. They are employed by municipal, provincial and federal governments and by large industrial establishments that have internal firefighting services.

Nature of Work

Firefighters carry out firefighting and fire prevention activities and assist in other emergencies. They are employed by municipal, provincial and federal governments and by large industrial establishments that have internal firefighting services.

Duties

Firefighters respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents. They may be required to rescue victims from burning buildings and accident sites and administer first-aid and other assistance. The main responsibility for firefighters, however, is controlling and extinguishing fires. This is accomplished using manual and power equipment, such as axes, water hoses, aerial ladders and hydraulic equipment.

Due to the infrequency of fires and other emergencies, firefighters spend the bulk of their time in preparation. This involves training to maintain a high level of physical fitness and testing and servicing firefighting equipment to ensure that all equipment is fully operational and properly maintained. Firefighters also spend considerable time informing and educating the public on fire prevention. Some firefighters supervise and co-ordinate the work of other firefighters.

Example Titles

• lieutenant, firefighter
• firefighter, shipboard
• industrial firefighter
• airport firefighter
• firefighter
• fire captain

Training Paths

Firefighters receive considerable recruit training before they are assigned to duty. New recruits must pass a period of probation. Most employers will require formal credentials such as a Paramedic (Primary Care/EMT) certificate and/or firefighting training. Some Regional colleges and private vocation schools may offer firefighting training in Saskatchewan. Training is ongoing, however, and most firefighters will also receive training throughout their career.

Trends and Outlooks

The employment prospects for this occupation are: fair

Following a period of steady employment growth in the late nineties, new job openings tapered off for firefighters over the last few years. In fact, employment for firefighters in Saskatchewan increased only slightly (2%) between 2000 and 2005. Apart from new job growth, there won't be a lot of opportunity for firefighters in the near future This remains a young work force--in 2006, over 60% of all Saskatchewan firefighters were under 45 years of age. Job seekers can expect some replacement jobs to open as many older officers and firefighters retire in the next few years.

Firefighters are well paid in Saskatchewan. In 2005, the average full-time income for this occupation was $64,700 per year. This is higher than the provincial full-time average for all occupations that same year ($42,300 per year). Of course, many firefighters earned more or less than the average income for this occupation. In 2005, annual incomes for firefighters ranged from $33,300 to $82,200. Firefighters working in or around Regina and Saskatoon tend to earn more than their counterparts elsewhere in the province.

Only 3% of all Saskatchewan firefighters in 2006 were female. Just under 60% of all Saskatchewan firefighters in 2006 were employed in or around Regina and Saskatoon. Most firefighters in the province work full time; 67% were employed on a full-time basis in 2005. Self-employment is non-existent in this field of work, and employment is neither seasonal nor sensitive to overall economic conditions.

Professional Associations

Related Occupations

Police officers (except commissioned):

• By-law Enforcement and Other Regulatory Officers, n.e.c. (6463)
• Commissioned Police Officers (0641)
• Sheriffs and Bailiffs (6461)
• Private detectives (in 6465 Other Protective Service Occupations)

Firefighters:

• Fire Chiefs and Senior Firefighting Officers (0642)
• Forest firefighters (in 8422 Silviculture and Forestry Workers)