Places to Work in South Africa:
Every local municipality will have a fire fighting department which is a great place to find fire fighting work. Other industries also require firefighters, such as forestry departments, rescue organisations, and some airports.
Fire Fighting Career Opportunities:
As in all industries, you can climb up the ladder (or slide down the fireman’s pole) in your firefighting career. All firefighters will start as Junior Fire Fighters. The successive levels are Fire Fighters, Senior Fire Fighters, Leading Fire Fighter, and Station Officers. Achieving higher levels of fire fighting seniority are dependent on your course levels and your years of experience as a firefighter.
On the Job:
Firefighters have a range of duties and responsibilities which means that every day on the job as a firefighter can be different. Some days can be dangerous, emergency-facing experiences whilst others include conducting fire drills and assessing fire safety in buildings. Here is a list of a few things you can expect to do on the job as a firefighter.
Attend to emergencies.
Locate and rescue animals and individuals from fires.
Inspect damaged buildings after a fire.
Participate in fitness training.
Drive the fire truck or other emergency vehicles.
Ensure all emergency equipment and fire trucks are readily available and in excellent condition.
Investigating the cause of a fire.
Being a Fire Fighter:
To become a firefighter, you need more than just training. There are certain personal characteristics that are best suited to being a firefighter. A great personality suited to becoming a firefighter includes these characteristics.
Discipline: You need to have a strong sense of self-discipline to keep yourself physically fit.
Trustworthiness: Trust amongst your firefighting team is critical in life-threatening situations.
Problem-solving: No emergency goes according to the textbook, therefore quick problem-solving skills are critical in dangerous scenarios.
Team Player: There are no glory-seekers when it comes to firefighters.
Passion: Fire fighting is an excellent career, but it also needs to be a calling. Your passion will help keep you motivated towards being the best firefighter possible.
